Ford explorer
Ford Explorer Ford Explorer
Where is he, the former rustic and even rude hard worker Explorer? He has changed beyond recognition. Having changed into a costume of the 21st century and having lost the frame and bridges, he turned from an honest off-road vehicle into a large crossover. It has become larger and more spacious: even Gulliver will comfortably get behind the wheel, and there is enough space in the second row. Surprisingly, not only children can be seated on the seats of the third row - it will be convenient for two here, although due to the low pillow they will have to ride with their knees raised.
But space in the cabin is not everything. Mike Arbaut, interior design manager, emphasized: the team sought to make it look expensive. Succeeded! Here, high-quality materials, modern style and high technology. There was only one classic arrow pointer left on the dashboard - a speedometer, the rest of the data is displayed on a pair of color screens on the sides. The console is also impressive: in expensive versions there are no familiar levers or knobs, instead … touch buttons glow on a completely flat surface. I even regretted that on more affordable versions of this luxury will not be.
Strict forms, rich materials and modern interior style emphasize the desire of the Explorer to join the class of luxury large crossovers
Strict forms, rich materials and modern interior style emphasize the desire of the Explorer to join the class of luxury large crossovers. Strict forms, rich materials and modern interior style emphasize the desire of the Explorer to join the class of luxury large crossovers.
What's under the hood? So far, only one gasoline engine Cyclone V6 (3.5 liters, 294 hp) with variable valve timing TiVCT. Say, not enough for a true "American"? But this motor is only 2 hp. weaker than the 8-cylinder 4.6-liter from the previous generation, while 32% more economical. Together with him, a six-speed SelectShift automatic machine and the Terrain Management intelligent all-wheel drive system work.
It’s a pity, of course, that there will be no diesel on a car that they plan to sell not only across the ocean, but also in the Old World. Moreover, according to subjective sensations, the gasoline engine really lacks power only for a measured ride. But the box changes gears smoothly, and the cabin is very quiet. This is not only the merit of the power unit - engineers seem to conjured with special zeal over noise insulation.
The puck for choosing off-road modes is convenient to use. In the center of the kruglyash is the descent assistance enable button on the Hill Descent Control slope
The puck for choosing off-road modes is convenient to use. In the center of the kruglyash is the descent assistance enable button on the Hill Descent Control slope. The puck for choosing off-road modes is convenient to use. In the center of the kruglyash is the descent assistance enable button on the Hill Descent Control slope.
Explore the off-road talents of Explorer when they first met. I only tested transmission modes on a small patch of soil soaked with wheels. At first, he was rather skeptical - after all, the car does not have mechanical locks, only their electronic imitation. But I soon felt: the rotation of the washer of the TerrainManagement device really changes the behavior of the car.
For example, in off-road mode, the gas pedal remains sensitive, and the traction control system intervenes late, allowing spectacular dust sultans to be launched from under the wheels. It is worth switching to the “snow” position - the responsiveness to pressing the gas drops, and in the turn, the automatics almost stop the car in order to avoid the slightest danger of slipping.
Filling with advanced technology and a contemporary style have made this Ford very attractive. It is easy to predict that in the near future an army of four million (!) “Explorers” that are already running along the roads of America will be noticeably replenished with new generation vehicles.
Ford explorer
Ford Explorer Ford Explorer
But it is difficult to predict how the Russian market will accept the newcomer. Here the car has many other characteristics … on the price tags. If in the States the most affordable Explorer will cost $ 37, 000, then our car will be sold in two very rich trim levels - for 1, 799, 000 and 1, 959, 000 rubles. But the competition in this class in our market is very great.
Always in touch
Explorer is literally filled with entertainment and digital information technology. There are three color screens of the MyFord system and SYNC, developed jointly with Microsoft Corporation. A pair of 4.2-inch on the instrument panel on the sides of the speedometer shows a wide variety of information - from the readings of the "electronic" tachometer to the selected radio station or navigator tips.
The main, 8-inch display is on the console. You can use it to search for your favorite radio station, view the map and even access the Internet. If you insert any 3G-modem into the USB socket, the car will get a connection with the World Wide Web. And if such a device was not at hand, use a mobile phone by connecting it to the system via Bluetooth.
A huge 8-inch screen on the console is full of information - lovers of modern technology have such an abundance of taste
A huge 8-inch screen on the console is full of information - lovers of modern technology have such an abundance of taste. A huge 8-inch screen on the console is full of information - lovers of modern technology have such an abundance of taste.
Is it convenient to view pages on the built-in monitor? They also provided for Wi-Fi connection - up to five passengers can connect to it with their laptop computers. Laptops can be recharged without leaving the car - there is a 220-volt outlet on the back of the center armrest.
But the best part is that you can manage all this without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Voice control, of course, is not news. But the Ford command recognition module was thoroughly expanded and redesigned. If the first generation system understood a little more than a hundred phrases, now it’s almost ten thousand. So, you don’t need to memorize the list of commands - you can speak a simple spoken language with a car.
