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Fancy electric vehicles? Check out ŠKODA’s latest entry!

Who said electric cars aren’t fun to drive? Well, Czech car manufacturer is all set with it’s brand new ENYAQ iV to bust that myth, if anybody considers as such. The world premiere of the first all-electric SUV ŠKODA ENYAQ iV takes place in Prague on 1 September 2020. With an all-new exterior design, the enterprise is ready to set new benchmarks in the industry.

ŠKODA ENYAQ iV is the first ŠKODA based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electrification toolkit (MEB), featuring sculptural lines, clear surfaces and crystalline elements that draw inspiration from Bohemian crystal art. The Czech brand’s exterior design head, Karl Neuhold, claims ENYAQ iV features proportions that “differ from previous SUV models,” and that the car’s shorter front end and longer roofline creates a very dynamic look and transforms it into a “proverbial space shuttle.” The ENYAQ iV is 4648 mm long and 1877 wide, slightly smaller than the standard ŠKODA KODIAQ. However, with a height of 1618 mm, it is expected to have dynamic qualities and spacious interiors. Also, the large wheels and ground clearance give it the powerful presence of an SUV.

“The ENYAQ iV embodies all ŠKODA’s virtues and strengths in one vehicle and is an important step towards a sustainable future for the company. It combines spaciousness, versatility and clever ideas and incorporates surprising, smart features. It is suitable for families, people with active lifestyles and long-distance driving, making it the perfect companion for every day”, says Karl Neuhold.

Just like the exteriors, the interior is also designed in the most progressive and dynamic manner. It gives a fleeting impression of a spacious living room. Along with this, ŠKODA, for the first time in a mass-produced car, is using sustainable materials like leather tanned with olive extract. It has a 585-liter luggage compartment and thanks to the MEB, the traction battery is fitted into the vehicle’s floors.

The highlight is the ŠKODA grille, different for all the electric vehicles launched by ŠKODA~ a proof of the brand! You can’t miss the full-LED matrix headlights and daytime running lights either!

This electric-wonder is available in various design versions: rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, with three different battery capacities and five performance versions. The ŠKODA ENYAQ iV 50 will be available with a battery capacity of 55kWh, a 109 kW electric motor mounted on the rear axle delivering a range of up to 340 km/charge. Another one will be the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV 60 with a 132 kW electric motor and a 62 kWh battery. This version will have a range of up to 390 kilometers.

However, if long-road-trips are your forte, you might need the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV 80 with the biggest range available of 500 kilometers. This trim has an 82 kWh battery capacity and a 150 kW electric motor. Along with these, the two four-wheel-drive versions will also have the highest-capacity battery and a second electric motor at the front in addition to the one on the rear axle.

With a top speed of 180 km/h, the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV 80X will deliver 195 kW of power, while the downright sporty RS will deliver 225 kW. Both four-wheel-drive versions will have a maximum range of 460 kilometers. Charging capacity will be up to 125 kW, which means that you can charge your SUV in just 40 minutes! The company is expected to reveal the price range as its launch date approaches.

Audi Lovers! Here is the best app for ‘All Things Audi’

Audi India has recently been keen on taking big steps in its Digitalization journey. As a part of that process, the German luxury carmaker rolled out the enhanced version of its ‘myAudi Connect’ app. For the first time, the app will also cater to potential customers and Audi fans, along with existing Audi customers.

The latest version of the App offers several additional functions including login for Audi Club India members, payment options to enable in-app merchandise purchase, exclusive offers from Audi Concierge, offers on car-life products and online help and support – all of this within a secure framework and in compliance with data protection. These features are offered as standard for all Audi India customers. Potential customers and enthusiasts get access to features including Augmented Reality, placement of test drive requests, product brochures, and service cost calculators amongst others. It also builds on features like customer safety and security, driver behavior info, Audi Concierge facility, geo-location, and service bookings that were offered earlier.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “At Audi India, we have endeavored to make our existing suite of digital tech more user-friendly and all-encompassing in functionality. Our ‘myAudi Connect’ App first introduced in 2019 was very well received by customers and it gives me great joy to say that the latest development will help us serve our tech-savvy customer even better. New features such as in-app custom offer, AR, and book a test drive function widen the scope of the app to prospective Audi customers. Digitalization is a journey, not destination and we will continue to upgrade our services for our Customers and fans going forward.”

The features offered by the ‘myAudi Connect’ are designed for the convenience of existing customers, as well as to cater to Audi enthusiasts and fans. For existing customers, the app gives access to Audi Club India. An exclusive owner’s community, this feature offers unparalleled benefits and gives customer access to private events, a community newsfeed, video and photo gallery, and an update on news modules. There are exclusive aftersales and partner offers available to the members. This membership comes complimentary with the ‘myAudi Connect’ telematics bundle.

The app also enables online payments to dealerships, paying for an event pass online, booking experiences online, and access to purchase aftersales and other Audi Car Life products. Fans of Audi would benefit most from this feature as they can now purchase Audi merchandise via the app using a secure payment gate.

Audi fans and non-Audi customers can get access to Augmented Reality, detailed product brochures, a product configurator, place test-drive requests, and access help desk for any additional information on products and services. The latest news and launch updates are also available.

Fancy a Volvo XC40? Now you can get one hassle-free!

Have you ever thought of buying a Volvo, but hesitated for any reason? Well, now you have a chance to reconsider! Swedish luxury car manufacturer. Volvo today introduced ‘Hassle-Free Offer’ on its luxury SUV, the XC40. Customers can buy the car at a special price of Rs 36.90 lakh and receive complimentary accessories worth Rs 1 lakh as well.

Potential customers can now simply walk into their nearest showroom and buy the car without the feeling of missing out on a better offer at another showroom of the company. The offer provides the freedom to customers from the hassles of a complex buying process and makes it completely transparent for customers as well as dealers.

Volvo has introduced the offer in tune with the 74th Independence Day of India on August 15. Charles Frump, Managing Director – Volvo Car India said, “We want to create an ecosystem where our customers can focus on technology and comfort features of XC40 without worrying about the price. Hassle-Free Offer does that seamlessly by smoothing out their buying experience”

The XC40 T4 R-Design is the company’s first petrol offering in the entry-level SUV segment. It is also the only car in its segment to have radar-based Active Safety features like City Safety with Steering Assist that prevent collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals up to speeds of 50 kmph.

What to expect from the upcoming Kia Sonet?

Korean carmaker Kia is set to launch its latest offering, the Sonet on August 7, in India. With its official rendering in July, the design is expected to set new benchmarks and inject a new dynamism in the compact SUV segment. This is the third product from the Hyundai-owned company in India and will compete with the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300 and Renault Duster.

The Auto Expo 2020 withholds the memory of the first look of the Sonet concept and hasn’t left the minds of young and aspirational Indians since then. The striking and curvaceous exterior highlights the brand’s dynamic DNA which has been merged with the emotive and bold design to create a strong on-road appearance.

“With the new Kia Sonet, we had the ambition to give this compact SUV a strong and muscular character found only in much larger vehicles. With this in mind, we have designed what we believe is a great SUV with a uniquely sporty attitude, a confident stance and a dynamic silhouette. We also gave the new Kia Sonet an uncompromising attention to detail and a selection of colors and materials that could have only be inspired by the great cultural heritage that our designers found all over India,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Design Center at Kia Motors Corporation. “As a whole we believe the new Kia Sonet will be a fantastic SUV with a very compelling and attaching character to our young and young at heart, always connected customers in India and beyond…”

Of course, Kia would be incomplete with its signature structures: the tiger-nose grille with a three-dimensional ‘stepwell’ geometric grille mesh giving a pinched profile in the middle. The central air dam should be bounded by fog lamps and large air vents. The sleek headlights fused with LED DRLs merged into the grille, if given, will complete its classic look. The contrast-colored roof, the wing mirrors and the pair of roof rails should provide a unique look to the Sonet, along with dual-tone alloy wheels and the tapered rear windscreen.

Analogous to Seltos, the Sonet too is expected to be available in both Tech line and GT line variants. GT line variant is expected to come in black interiors along with red contrast highlights. On the other hand, the Tech line is expected to get dual-black tone and beige interiors.

The powertrains are expected to be similar to the Hyundai Venue such as 1.2-litre petrol engine with 5-speed manual transmission, a 1.5-litre 100bhp diesel engine and a 1.0-litre GDi turbo-petrol engine. The transmission choices could vary between manual and intelligent manual transmission (iMT) gearbox, which is essentially a clutchless manual gearbox, as well as an automatic option — recently introduced in the Hyundai Venue.

One can also expect the Sonet to have interesting features like wireless phone charging, ventilated seats, automatic climate control, a sunroof, keyless entry and a premium sound system. The Sonet might be first in its segment to offer a 360-degree camera. The compact SUV should be installed with excellent safety features like rear parking camera and sensors, 6 airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and tyre pressure monitoring system —like the Hyundai Venue. It is expected to launch with the price tag of Rs 8-13 lakhs (ex-showroom).

Want to try a Skoda? Now you can, touchfree!

It’s been “125 years of glorious history and heritage” since ŠKODA AUTO was first introduced to the world and has been blooming since then. With its 125th anniversary in play, ŠKODA AUTO has established the second wave of the contactless programme that all the automobile enthusiasts have been talking about. This recent development has received a great deal of encouragement across the world.

After the country was given the freedom to unlock their homes with the implementation of UNLOCK 1.0 in early June, ŠKODA AUTO India superseded everything in the entire digital automotive purchase ecosystem with the introduction of a centralized booking platform for the customers. The platform was highly appreciated which finally paved the way for the establishment of the second wave. It is developed and designed considering the Covid-19 situation, to give an opportunity to the customers to buy cars online without having to risk their lives in the first place.

The programme is developed in a way that is appropriate for the customers—a transparent and contactless experience that Czech marque commits to deliver along with the customer’s safety as the first priority. The platform requires you to choose the ŠKODA AUTO vehicle from the comfort of your own home in a hassle-free and convenient manner. It supports a robust live consultation suite and a contactless virtual product demonstration option, available for sign up on the website, and accessible via video conferencing over smartphones, tablets and personal computers while integrating with the 80 plus dealership touchpoints nationwide. The platform is undoubtedly safe and secure.

The service is easily available through video conferences on smartphones, tablets and personal computers, offering customers the facility of contactless test drives at their doorsteps.

“The ŠKODA AUTO contactless programme testifies our commitment to use technology as a tool to stay connected with our customers and deliver an uncompromised sales and service experience, more so in these unprecedented circumstances. The latest initiative provides customers with an opportunity to explore and experience our exciting new range of products from the comfort of their home”, said Zac Hollis, the Brand Director of ŠKODA AUTO, India.

Also, Czech marque believes in the typical practice of digitizing the ownership experience by providing a single window interface between an existing or a prospective customer and the branch through the latest MyŠKODA mobile application. The MYŠKODA App is available for download on the iTunes App Store for iPhone and Google Play store for Android devices. Customers can select their most preferred dealership, book an appointment according to their preferred time slot. They can also access service history, understand cost estimation through the cost calculator, buy accessories, itemized billing records and connect to ŠKODA customer care, if needed.

‘Simply Clever’ philosophy introduced by ŠKODA AUTO provides technologies like AI enabled Chat Bot, facilitating 24×7 support services, reduced turnaround time, and enhanced interactions. Amidst the pandemic, the automobile industry is going to great lengths to provide the best services possible to its customers. We simply have to use them!

Ducati opens bookings for the Panigale V2 ahead of launch

Italian luxury motorcycle manufacturer Ducati has opened bookings for its first BS6 motorcycle, the Panigale V2, in India. An Italian-sporty blend with the perfect proportion of a classy-vibe, the brand-new Ducati Panigale V2 is another member added to the Ducati Panigale family. With extraordinary features, Ducati India is accepting bookings now since its announcement on 20th July, 2020 with an initial amount of INR 100,000.

The visual design of the fairings is inspired by the Panigale V4 which makes it look like a ‘red-fiery-monster’ (if bought in the red color scheme), controllable with a better and comfortable seat. The other color scheme is the new White Red.

The Panigale V2 features a single-sided aluminium swingarm: the hallmark of every high-end Ducati superbike along with a compacted twin-cylinder Superquadro engine (smaller in comparison to the Desmosedici Stradale). Along with this, the exhaust has been set under the engine and the frame is the same monocoque with everything bolted to the 90-degree V-twin.

“The Panigale V2 has been the most awaited bike since EICMA and we eagerly waited to bring this ultimate superbike as our first BS6 motorcycle for the Indian motorcycle enthusiast. The new Panigale V2 is a beefy yet compact bike with clear-cut lines that convey power without compromising on the classic Ducati superbike flair. Considering the overwhelming inquiries for the launch of the Panigale V2, we are confident the bike will do well in the market by offering an unmatched Ducati riding experience to enthusiasts who’re looking to step into the world of riding on the racetrack and also to more experienced riders”, said Bipul Chandra, the Managing Director of Ducati India.

The Panigale V2 is similar to Panigale V4 in ways that it’s tangible, easy to ride. But Panigale V2 does not make you conscious about handling a lot of parts while riding it. The Panigale V2 is now the entry mode for the Panigale family, replacing Panigale 959. The members have often been described as ‘ferrari on to wheels’, making it an adventurous as well enjoyable ride. Racers have found the bike to be easy, predictable and friendly while learning the track layout.

The V2 is a better and upgraded version of Panigale 959, with a better and responsive design enabling one to get locked on the bike while riding it. Racers seem to put a lot of energy while riding Panigale 959 whereas the Panigale V2 is easy-riding and also has electronics that work in ways that you’ll be amazed to hear about. The addition of six-axis IMU and the manifold of electronic rider aides gets filtered with different racing modes the bike has on the 4.5-inch TFT display.

This ultimate middleweight sports bike can be booked at their nearest dealerships which can be searched on their website. As soon as the bike is launched, they will be delivered and it will be available on display across all Ducati dealerships in Delhi – NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai. Considering the Covid-19 situation, the test rides will also begin shortly after the launch under the ‘Ducati Cares’ program by taking care of all the guidelines and safety measures.

40 Years, Two Wheels, One Legacy: The BMW GS

The technological marvels~ BMW GS models are the reason everyone’s been buzzing about BMW Motorrad. The enterprise celebrates 40 years with these models since its first launch of R 80 G/S in the autumn of 1980. It was a legendary concept that brought a revolution in the industry of motorbikes and gave explorers a better chance to discover the world without setting a foot on the ground. Derived from the combined terms – Gelände/Straße (German for Off road/On road), the BMW GS motorcycle made even the most secluded parts of the world explorable on two wheels!

According to the BMW Motorrad Corporate Communications, the BMW Motorrad is known to have sold 1.2 million BMW GS models. A huge number, isn’t it? These flawless and dynamic wonders on two wheels have proved themselves in every aspect including racing. Did you know that the French racing driver, ‘Hubert Auriol’ won the 1981 Paris-Dakar rally aboard the BMW R 80 G/S? The bike is not just assembled mechanical components; it’s an emotion. Its riding dynamics, off-road mastery, comfort and robustness are the major reasons why it has become a sensation in today’s world.

The legacy of the BMW R 80 G/S was carried forward when the enterprise launched its successors in the following years. In 1993, the first-ever single-cylinder BMW F 650 ‘Fundoro’ was launched with different dynamics and boxer engines. BMW Motorrad also went to great lengths while launching the BMW R 1100 GS with a Four-valve technology and a tele lever. The product was equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for the first time.

Riding these bikes tends to bring a unique sense of joy to the riders, with a promised sense of luxury and comfort. Another fascinating milestone was set when the F 650 GS and F 800 GS models were launched with the high-torque 2-cylinder in-line engine and torsionally stiff tubular frame. In 2010, BMW Motorrad paid tribute to GS models by painting the special models in Motorsport corporate colors. The whole industry took a huge leap with the release of light-weighted BMW G 650 GS, and stood out as an exceptional gem among its competitors.

With ‘old being gold’ as always, the retro-themed R NineT models in 2013 had their moments. The models reflected the 1980 style along with modern technology in the most classic way. Also, in the year 2017, the F 750 GS and the F 850 GS were completely redesigned with the aim of providing more power to the engine. The BMW ShiftCam technology was used for the very first time in the autumn of 2018 with the aim of providing more power, reducing fuel consumption and emission values, making it a perfect ride to discover all the remote parts of the world on just two wheels.

BMW claims that any novice or veteran can enjoy the rides specifying that the models released by their enterprise are the perfect blend of luxury, comfort and sustainable technology. So, what are you waiting for? With a further promise of providing high degrees of refinement, sportiness and luxury, the BMW Motorrad is set to celebrate its 40-year anniversary. The bikes are easily recognizable with the signature blue-white roundel icon on the gas tank!

BMW S 1000 XR: The Holy Grail of off-roaders is back!

If luxury brands are your thing, it is impossible that you have not heard of German luxury automobile manufacturer BMW. Its Indian wing, BMW Motorrad India has officially launched its internationally best-selling adventure sportbike, the all-new BMW S 1000 XR in India. It’s an all-days sports bike that uniquely blends sporty and long-distance performance in perfect form. Its sporty aggressiveness comes from its fully-faired sibling, the S 1000 RR. Its outstanding GS ergonomics with the upright, relaxed seat position, lets the riders enjoy all curves and straight roads.

BMW has designed the motorcycle to reflect pure performance and the promise of long-distance traveling comfort with a riding position that is impressively active yet relaxed. The front fairing and lighting systems are defined by sharp edges. Combined with striking beading, the overall line is shaped aggressively and consistently to the finish. The visually short tail is also reminiscent of a sportbike. The revised aerodynamics, fairing, comfortable handlebars along with long-distant seating position ensure great riding fun miles after miles. The adjustable windshield provides even better protection against the cold, driving noises, and the elements allowing the rider to keep the eyes on the road. All lighting units such as the headlamp, taillight, indicator lights, and instrument cluster use the latest LED technology. The integrated parking lights enhance the bike’s unmistakable appearance.

The newly developed 999 cc in-line 4-cylinder engine is based on the BMW S 1000 RR engine and delivers an output of 165 hp at 11,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm. The engine speed range is broader and harmonious to enhance rideability. The 4th, 5th, and 6th gears now have longer ratios, low noise levels, lower fuel consumption, and lower engine rpm at cruising speeds. The motorcycle sprints from 0-100 km/hr in just 3.3 seconds and can achieve a top speed of over 200 km/hr.

The new BMW S 1000 XR has four standard riding modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. The ‘Dynamic Pro’ mode is fully configurable and offers riders a wide range of setting options to suit their riding style. The throttle response, engine brake, ABS control (Anti-lock Braking System) and traction control, wheelie control (including the new ‘Power Wheelie’ setting) can be configured separately for the first time. While the BMW Motorrad ABS system already provides a very high degree of performance and safety when braking in a straight line, ABS Pro takes this a step further when braking in a banking position.

The adventure tourer features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as standard. The best-in-class 6.5- inch colour TFT screen instrument cluster along with BMW Motorrad connectivity offers unmatched display and access to information. In addition, the BMW Motorrad Connected App offers handy arrow-based navigation suitable for day-to-day use directly on the TFT screen. The multi-controller on the left-hand handlebar panel enables quick, safe, and convenient screen operation.

A wide array of retrofit equipment and gear options are available to further enhance the riding experience with a range of storage bags, backpacks, rider gear, navigation, and communication. Customers can augment their bikes with safety accessories such as radiator grille, hand protector, brake disk lock with an anti-theft alarm, and protective glass for TFT screen.

Quick maintenance at home or while touring is made easy with assembly stand, multifunctional tool kit, tyre pressure travel pack, breakdown assistance kit for tubeless tyres and a compact foot pump.

Mr Arlindo Teixeira, acting President, BMW Group India said, “The all-new BMW S 1000 XR is an agile achiever that sets a new benchmark in the adventure sports segment. It is a power-packed performer that brings the real racetrack feel to everyday roads. With its newly developed engine and uncompromising ergonomics, it offers awe-inspiring performance, sporty ride and long-distance capabilities. Riders waiting for a distinctive experience will be drawn to the multi-faceted all-new BMW S 1000 XR. It’s a perfect companion, ready to hit the road for all kinds of journeys with sheer motorcycling enjoyment.”

For complete peace of mind and to ensure that the journey of pure motorcycling continues uninterrupted at all times, the all-new BMW S100 XR comes with a standard warranty for ‘three years, unlimited kilometers’, with an option to extend the warranty to fourth and fifth year. Roadside Assistance, a 24×7 365 days package further ensures prompt services in case of breakdown and towing situations.

The new bike can be ordered as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from today onwards throughout the BMW Motorrad dealer network. The all-new BMW S 1000 XR will be offered in a Pro variant in Ice Grey and Racing Red colour options. The ex-showroom price is Rs 20,90,000.

Love personalized products? The Audi RS 7 Sportback is perfect for you!

Soon after revealing the next-gen RS 7 Sportback, Audi has officially launched the car in India today. The German luxury carmaker has made the RS 7 Sportback more versatile than before and is offering it as a wide-bodied five-seater, for the first time.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “We are thrilled to launch the new Audi RS 7 Sportback in India – a car that is striking, powerful and is a technological masterpiece. The V8 twin-turbo 4.0L TFSI petrol heart propels the car to 100kph in a super quick 3.6 seconds. Our legendary quattro all-wheel drive system means you can make the most of the 600hp. I personally love the way the RS 7 sounds and I can’t wait for owners and enthusiasts to experience and hear its V8 growl.”

We had previously listed the technicalities of the RS7 Sportback. But we still cannot comprehend the number of personalization and customization options available for potential buyers.Right from an optional sunroof to suspension options, from 13 standard exterior paint finishes to 5 additional Matte Effect paints, the options are practically endless. To enable customers to explore the bevy of features available, Audi India offers an Augmented Reality experience, a first of its kind. Customers can visit www.audi.in and use the 360° Product Visualizer to explore all the latest features and customization options.

Audi has electronically limited the top speed of the RS 7 Sportback to 250kmph. However, racing enthusiasts and speed freaks can opt for the optional dynamic package or the RS dynamic plus package, that increases the speed limit to 280kmph and 305kmph respectively. Equipped with the standard eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and permanent , the Audi RS 7 Sportback can hit 100kph in just 3.6 seconds. The previously mentioned optional Dynamic Package plus package also adds high performance RS ceramic brakes to significantly increase the braking performance of the car.

The car gets LED headlamps with dynamic indicators as standard, while HD Matrix LED headlamps with laser lights are available as an option. The rear view camera can also be optionally upgraded with surround view cameras. Audi is also offering an optional B&O Advanced Surround System with 3D sound in the front and rear from 19 speakers and 1820 W output that will replace the standard B&O Sound System features a 3D front surround system and 16 speakers with a 705 W output.

The wheels too, can be personalized by the customer. The standard 53.34cm 10-spoke star design wheels can be upgraded to 55.88cm rims with different finishes. The seats can also be upgraded with black pearl Nappa leather or Valcona leather as per the customer’s wish. Soft power latching of the doors is also optionally available, to add a finishing touch of customization.

With all these options to choose from, the RS 7 also gets a suitable price tag. It has a base price of Rs 1.94 Crore (ex-showroom) and its deliveries are expected to commence in August 2020. Customers can book the Audi RS 7 Sportback online (www.audi.in) from the comfort of their home or head to their nearest Audi India dealership. Additionally, all customization and personalization needs can be catered to by any Audi India dealership. Audi India has ensured all dealerships and workshops are completely sanitized twice a day with adequate safety measures rolled out across processes.

Ford’s terrain conqueror returns: The 2021 Bronco SUV

Ford has officially revealed the 2021 Bronco SUV that will, for the first time, be available in a four-door version. Since its hibernation in 1996, Bronco fans worldwide have been anticipating its return. The American car manufacturer also hinted at a new model in 2004, when it introduced a concept car. Ford finally confirmed the arrival of a new Bronco in 2016.

In its 2021 avatar, the fifth-gen Bronco aims at reigniting its age-old rivalry with the Jeep Wrangler. It retains some classic elements such as LED DRLs inset to the round headlights and hood tie-downs called “Trail Sights” by Ford; a true insignia of its legacy. It also keeps its familial stance and general proportions.

The interiors are awash with nostalgia as well, but with ample modernization. Its retro-looking instrumentation is suavely complemented by a brand-new, 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It gets Ford’s SYNC 4 software with OTA updates, that offers FordPass Performance app compatibility and onboard topographic trail maps. These maps can be used by drivers to plan, navigate and share their trail adventures. The roof panels and the frameless doors are removable (we would be so sad if they were not!) and the switches have been rubberised as well, making the interior completely washable.

Ford, in a sleight of hand, has added an integrated rollcage and curtain airbags to get a one-up in safety over its rival. It has also made the Bronco significantly larger than the Jeep Wranger (JL), while giving it independent front suspension! It is paired with a solid multilink rear axle and is offered with Bilstein’s top of the line Position sensitive dampers.

The 2021 Bronco will be offered in a four-door, as well as in the classic two-door version. Customers can choose from seven trims, in which the ground clearance varies from 231m to 295mm and wheel size increases from standard 6-inch with 30-inch tyres to 17-inch wheels with 35-inch tyres.

Buyers also have a choice between two EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engines. The first is a 2.3-litre inline four-cylinder producing 270PS/420Nm, offered with either a Getrag 7-speed manual (6+1 crawler gear) or a 10-speed automatic. The second engine, a 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 making 310PS/542Nm is only offered with the automatic transmission.