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What makes an SUV?

In the 50 years since the original Ford Bronco was released, designers have attained a wealth of knowl-
edge about what SUV customers are looking for. They know that at its core, an SUV should be a perfect
blend of the capability and functionality of a truck, with the style, comfort and drivability of a passenger
car.

Take a look around on the roads tailored with functionality at the top of Ford’s design team has learned what
today, and you will see Sport Utility our mind.’ customers are looking for in an SUV
Vehicles (SUVs) everywhere. and refined the design process into
That wasn’t always the case. Highlighting an SUV’s robustness an art form.
For years, sedans, wagons and alone is not enough: It is an SUV’s ver-
hatchbacks ruled the roads, and satility that makes it stand out as the Countless individual elements go
were for many customers the only ultimate vehicle for modern lifestyles. into distinguishing an SUV from
options when buying a new car. Customers want a car that fits seam- other vehicles. These elements
But since the birth of the SUV seg- lessly into their lives – a vehicle equally can be emphasized or toned down
ment in the 1950s and 1960s, these at home whether on a long commute, depending on the intended customer
flexible and capable vehicles have taking the kids to school or discovering and segment.
become more and more popular. hidden secrets on a weekend trip.
The increasing popularity of SUVs The design of a Ford SUV usually At its heart, a Ford SUV needs to be
can be attributed to many changes in begins with a basic silhouette. both capable and versatile, and the
the segment. Designers need to have an idea of a design plays a major role in present-
Improvements in engine technol- vehicle’s size and shape before they ing that image. Even more than most
ogy and a better understanding of turn their attention to the finer details. cars, SUVs are bought because of
aerodynamic design have helped to At this stage the designers are already the emotions they evoke and the
increase their efficiency to passen- targeting specific customer require- doors that they open – SUVs give
ger-car levels, saving owners money ments. drivers the opportunity to go almost
over the lifetime of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is expected anywhere and do more than other
There have also been dramatic im- to primarily be used in the city then vehicles. ‘When designing an SUV,
provements in safety, making SUVs a smaller silhouette will be important it’s so important to portray a sense
some of the safest cars on the road. to help the customer maneuver in of the vehicle’s robustness and
Another key aspect is design: Peo- busy traffic. Whereas if the vehicle is strength,’ said Doreen Mashinini,
ple want to buy a vehicle that looks targeting a customer with a passion Marketing Manager, Ford South
like it’s ready to take on the world. for the outdoors then a bigger, wider Africa.
silhouette will be important to improve
‘From high ground clearance, to a the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. ‘After decades of designing the
wider stance, every element has world’s best utility vehicles, we know
been what makes an SUV look like it’s
ready to take on the world.

The fluid, dynamic and refined lines of the EcoSport are
clearly defined. A wide hood sweeps into sculpted bodylines,
conveying a dynamic spirit of energy in motion.
Modern, slim headlamps frame a high-mounted
trapezoidal grille. Moving to the side, certain
models have blacked-out B-pillars that unify the
windows into one elegant shape. The muscu-
lar beltline, formed by the windows and door
creases, ascends as it runs to the rear of
the vehicle, adding to the sense of move-
ment. The spare tire, with an exclusively
designed wheel and cover, is mounted
NEW ECOSPORT
on the tailgate as a classic SUV cue, as
well as for practical reasons. This
results in more available cargo space,
and makes it easier for customers to
lift heavy loads into the vehicle over the
lower bumper.

Test drive the Ford range of SUV’s at Ritchie Motors in Richards Bay
(0357973401) and Empangeni (0357721164) during November and December
to take advantage of one of the several Ford offers valid at present. Own an
EcoSport 1.5P Ambiente for as little as R3 499 per month, or an Everest 5-door
XLT 2.0 2WD for as little as R7 999 per month – but hurry, stocks are limited.