FORD is on a roll.

Having unveiled the production version of its all-new Ranger pickup barely three weeks ago, its local outfit—Ford Group Phils. (FGP)—last week introduced to the country the all-new Explorer, a reinvented, totally upgraded, vastly improved version of America’s once-bestselling SUV.

And coming loaded with every manner of convenience, luxury and safety kit that are matched with fuel efficiency and performance, the new Explorer looks set to rule the Philippine’s sport-ute market.

Especially considering that it’s priced at only P2.350 million.

“This all-new Explorer adds class-leading fuel efficiency to a legendary portfolio of capability, performance and customer convenience,” said FGP President Randy Krieger.

Performance and efficiency
Key to the Explorer’s newfound pump-friendliness is the Ti-VCT feature that’s fitted to the vehicle’s 290-horsepower, 345-Newton-meter, 3.5-liter V6 engine. Ford said the Ti-VCT controls valve overlap (the time when the intake and exhaust valves are open concurrently) in varying durations when the throttle is opened, allowing for better response and performance while lessening fuel use, but reducing emissions too when the throttle is partly closed. The engine also has a fuel shutoff function that kicks in during deceleration or whenever the throttle is closed, low-friction valve-train components, a one-way clutch for the alternator, and lightweight cam cover, all of which cut the vehicle’s fuel use even further.

Ford said this results in the Explorer achieving best-in-class fuel economy—more than 20-percent better than the previous model—yet able to pack power that can tow up to 2,250 kilograms. The improved efficiency helps the Explorer to surpass fuel economy ratings in other vehicles in its segment, according to the carmaker.

Bolted to the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a four-wheel drive system with terrain management, a device that can select the vehicle’s power and traction attitudes depending on the terrain, and which can be switched via a dial in the cabin’s console. The Explorer rolls on 20-inch alloys.

“SUV customers in general—and Explorer customers specifically—told us they want the freedom and empowerment the Explorer had always stood for, with improved performance and significantly increased fuel economy,” Krieger said.

Unlike the nameplate’s previous generations, the new Explorer now has a modern monocoque—no body bolted to a separate chassis—so its ride is more comfortable and its handling more precise. Also, the latest vehicle is fitted with a surfeit of active and passive safety technologies, and count among them the AdvanceTrac with RSC stability and traction control; the Curve Control that brakes an individual wheel when sensors detect the vehicle may overshoot a bend; a set of anchors and tethers that secures child safety seats; the Safety Canopy side curtain airbags; and a tire pressure monitoring device.

Cabin kit
Besides its numerous power train, structural and safety technologies, the new Explorer is also filled with cabin features that go above its segment. And serving as the centerpiece is the eight-inch, touch-screen LCD panel from where the multimedia player, climate controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity and sundry vehicle information can be accessed. Called MyFord Touch, the feature lets settings for what color ambient lighting would jazz up the vehicle’s cup holders, door handles and foot well; play lists to be easily keyed in; Internet browsing; personal photos to serve as the system’s wallpaper; and images appearing on the reversing camera to be zoomed at, among other functions. MyFord Touch also integrates Ford’s SYNC, the carmaker’s voice-activated connectivity systems. Below the LCD panel is a center stack where the audio, climate and other controls are all duplicated but using conventional buttons and dials.

Ford said the MyFord Touch will “pioneer the next-generation vehicle experience for customers around the world.”

Additional features fitted to the latest Explorer are a smart key that could remotely start the Explorer’s engine; a start/stop button on the dashboard; a manual keypad lock that sleekly resides behind a dark glass panel on the driver’s door frame; seats that move electrically (with the driver’s flaunting memory settings); a twin moonroof; power-operated tailgate; third-row seats that fold flat electrically; a rear-view mirror that dims automatically; pedals that can be adjusted to suit drivers’ dimensions; automatic dual-zone air-conditioning; and a power outlet, USB port, SD card reader and various auxiliary jacks.

With such a tech-, safety-, luxury- and performance-laden package, expect the Explorer to dominate the local SUV landscape. FAST TIMES