In addition to the 2-door and 4-door 2021 Bronco, Ford has also revealed a compact crossover with the Bronco nameplate. It’s called the Bronco Sport and it claims some serious off-road capability as well.
Unlike the other Bronco, the Bronco Sport is based on the C2 platform that also underpins the Escape (sold as Kuga in Europe) and Focus. While there are significant styling differences between the two Broncos, the front grille with a bold ‘BRONCO’ branding flanked by LED running lights acts as a connecting feature.
Although the headlight housing design is different, the circular running light inside makes the Bronco Sport appear part of the Bronco family. And, you’re not alone if you think the Bronco Sport looks a bit Land Rover-ish. In fact, it reminds us of the previous generation Discovery, especially from the front & rear three-quarter angles.
The interior too looks different from that of the Bronco. Features include an 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen system, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility, and the standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assist technologies that include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Information System, Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane-Keeping System.
The optional Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering, Evasive Steering Assist and voice-activated touch screen navigation. Another option is Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 that adds Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane-Centering and Speed Sign Recognition.
The Bronco Sport too features a Terrain Management System, with 7 selectable G.O.A.T modes depending on the trim. Standard modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand; while Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl modes are available on Badlands and First Edition trims. The Bronco Sport is claimed to be capable of wading through up to 23.6-inches (600 mm) of water.
Five trim levels are available, including the base model, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands and First Edition – limited to 2,000 units. Download the trims sheet here to know more.
All trims feature an independent front and rear suspension, claimed to have been tested in demanding environments across North America. On Badlands and First Edition trims, the system includes uniquely tuned front struts with hydraulic rebound stops for a quieter, less jarring off-road experience. In addition, 46 mm diameter monotube rear shocks are among the largest in the class; they deliver improved response and more comfort off-road, while softer springs and antiroll bars offer greater articulation over obstacles, Ford said.
The Bronco Sport also gets the optional Trail Control technology that enables a cruise control-like setting up to 32 km/h (20 mph) forward and 10 km/h (6 mph) in reverse for vehicle-controlled throttle and braking.
Powertrains
Moving on to the business end of the story, the Badlands and First Edition trims are powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine that develops 245 hp and 373 Nm (275 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering-mounted paddle shifters.
As standard, the Bronco Sport comes with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine with an estimated 181 hp and 258 Nm (190 lb-ft) of torque. This engine is also paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission but doesn’t get the paddle shifters. Download the preliminary technical specifications sheet here.
Prices start at $28,155 (includes $1,495 delivery & destination charges).
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
Note: Comments that are unrelated to the post above get automatically filtered into the trash bin.
