Latest Explorer largely urban in outlook

By DAVID LINKLATER

Family values will be an integral part of Ford's Explorer when it arrives in New Zealand in the third quarter of this year. The styling is softer, the on-road handling much improved and there's a folding, third seat-row option that turns the Blue Oval off-roader into a genuine seven-seat MPV rival.

The secret to the Explorer's versatility is a 62mm wider track and a new independent rear suspension design where the rear half-shafts pass through a hole in the frame rails. The "porthole-in-frame" suspension set-up allows a much lower floor, liberating space for a full-size third-row seat which can be folded flat with just one hand.

In the seven-seat models the second-row seat is also split 40/20/40, allowing a wide variety of people and load-carrying combinations. The present Explorer is also available as a seven-seater, but the third row is installed as an after-market accessory. It's suitable for children only and offers little flexibility for load-carrying.

The new Explorer's third-row bench option offers everything from van-like cargo space to seating for seven adults. Secure child-seat attachments are provided in the second and third-row seats.

Both the wheelbase and cabin width have grown by 50mm, although the car's overall length and height have remained the same.

Ford says that the liftglass rear window, which can now be opened by remote control without unlocking the doors, is positioned at exactly the right height for unloading from shopping trolleys.

In tune with the Explorer's largely urban application, improved on-road handling is promised from the new suspension system and a monocoque frame that is said to be 350 per cent stiffer than previously.

Ford's ControlTrac four-wheel-drive system has been revised with new software. As before, it offers fully automatic operation or locked low and high four-wheel-drive settings.

People moving? Shopping trolleys? Has the Explorer gone soft? It seems not.

Despite the slightly less aggressive lines, this high-riding Ford retains its imposing stance and the approach and departure angles are improved for off-road work.

Under the bonnet it's brawnier than ever. The venerable 156kW 4-litre V6 has been revised and, in America at least, there's an alloy 4.6-litre V8 pumping out 179kW.

The previous eight-cylinder Explorer was built only in left-hand-drive. The factory has not yet confirmed whether the new V8 will be offered to right-hook markets, but signs so far are positive and Ford New Zealand has said that the company would look "very favourably" on the 179kW unit if it becomes available. The automatic transmissions for both engines are new.

Safety has received a major boost. Dual airbags are standard and there's the option of side-curtain airbags which remain inflated for up to six seconds.

The anti-lock braking system features electronic force distribution and the Explorer's front bumper has been lowered 65mm to be more crash-compatible with smaller passenger cars.

The Explorer is already in production for the American market, but a number of high-tech features are still to be added to the options list later this year.

Among them are Personal Protection System (PSS) intelligent front airbags, rollover sensors for the curtain airbags and the new AdvanceTrac dynamics system which combines traction and stability control systems. Even with the long wait in store for Kiwi Explorer buyers, Ford New Zealand is still not sure whether the new safety systems will be available in time for its local launch.

Despite the present model's well-publicised stability and tyre woes in America, the Explorer continues as the country's top-selling off-roader - a title it has held for a decade. More than 3.6 million have been sold since 1990.

After an initial sales surge following its late-1996 launch, the Explorer has been a steady performer for Ford New Zealand and fluctuating fuel prices seem to have had little effect on sales. Last year's total of 399 units was actually up on the previous year's 329.

For those who can't wait for the Explorer but fancy a Ford-style off-roader, there's the mid-size five-seat Escape. The Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota RAV4 rival mimics the chunky styling of the Explorer and will arrive in New Zealand in April with a grunty 149kW 3-litre V6 engine. Set for release about the same time is Mazda's restyled version of the same vehicle, the Tribute, which will offer the same 3-litre V6 or a 2-litre four.