People went mad (in a good way, for once) when Ford announced that it would be bringing back the Bronco name in 2021. Demand was at an all-time high following a 26-year hiatus, and the Blue Oval delivered with throw-back looks inspired by the 4x4’s first generation and proper off-road underpinnings. True, it hasn’t been enough to dethrone the Jeep Wrangler as America’s favourite off-roader, but the fact that Ford sells tens of thousands a year - giving its main rival a run for its money in the process - just proves how brilliantly the Bronco reboot went down.
That’s the case on the other side of the pond, anyway, and while the company has opened orders for the Bronco in Europe for the very first time, it’s frustratingly opted against launching a right-hand drive version for the UK market. Apparently, Ford reckons there would be too little demand for a Bronco in Britain, glossing over the huge success of the right-hand drive Mustang and that Chevrolet has finally come around to putting the steering wheel on the correct side of the Corvette despite having zero presence in the UK. That said, the Bronco would undoubtedly face stiff competition over here, mostly from the all-conquering Land Rover Defender, but also the Jeep Wrangler - and Ford clearly didn’t fancy its chances going up against either.
This reluctance is doubly disappointing because the modern Bronco could probably hold its own against the off-road old guard. The Defender has proven that, even after its switch to a unibody design, it is still one of the all-time great 4x4s. But some diehard enthusiasts will always prefer a body-on-frame chassis for its versatility and natural towing ability, which is something the Wrangler offers albeit at the expense of on-road refinement. Whether the Bronco could fill the gap is a question that’ll remain unanswered for the foreseeable future, although there’s got to be enough badge recognition over here to make it worth taking a punt on a right-hand drive version, surely?
Fortunately, a handful of (left-hand-drive) Broncos have found their way into the UK for anyone who fancies something different to the status quo. Take this Bronco Wildtrak, for instance. Sitting just below the full-fat Raptor in the US lineup, the Wildtrak is one of the more off-road-focused trim lines and features raised suspension with beefier Bilstein dampers, front and rear locking differentials, and, most importantly, extended wheel arches finished in matte black. It also introduced a new ‘Baja’ driving mode that’s designed for high-speed driving on loose terrain. Lovely
And it’ll get up to a decent lick, given that all Wildtrak’s were fitted with the mid-range, 2.7-litre turbocharged V6. A Raptor may be more powerful (and a heck of a lot more expensive), but the Wildtrak still puts out a healthy 335hp and 415lb ft of torque, which is more than enough to put the Baja mode to test. The V6 motor is paired with a ten-speed automatic gearbox (only the four-pot was offered with a manual, sadly), and there are plenty of buttons to push and dials to twist to alter how the all-wheel drive system works. This ain’t no SUV to roam the streets of London in, as Matt found out a few years ago.
Needless to say, importing doesn’t come cheap and that does mean this Bronco Wildtrak costs quite a bit more than the $60,765 (or £47,500). That’s before local taxes are applied, but the £75,000 asking price on this example is quite a premium. For that, you’re essentially getting a brand new car (it’s a ’24 model with only 101 miles on the clock), plus it’s loaded with options and comes equipped with chunky Goodyear off-road tyres. It’s ready for a grand expedition, then, or better yet a blast along a deserted beachfront, while you give Baja mode a whirl. That’s the Bronco way.
SPECIFICATION | FORD BRONCO
Engine: 2,688cc V6, turbocharged
Transmission: 10-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 335@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 415@3,000rpm
MPG: 21.5
CO2: 319g/km
Year registered: 2024
Recorded mileage: 101
Price new: $60,765 (US before options)
Yours for: £75,000
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