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It’s easy to distinguish a vehicle as an SUV thanks to some instantly
recognizable design traits

• A raised driving position enables the driver and passen- • The natural stance of an SUV is much bolder than that
gers to see over obstacles and traffic, giving a better of other vehicles. Increased ground clearance, a raised
view of the road ahead. driving position, and more aggressive approach and
• Higher seating positions also make entering and exiting departure angles are all classic hallmarks of Ford’s SUV
more natural. This has the added benefit of making DNA.
SUVs easier to load without having to bend or crouch • Smart design tricks can even make smaller vehicles,
– a back-saving advantage for parents putting small such as compact SUVs, maintain a feeling of toughness.
children into car seats. Bold, horizontal lines across the front can help to make
the vehicle look wider, more powerful and firmly planted.
Greater ground clearance adds to the sense that a vehi-
cle can go anywhere and tackle any terrain.

The evolution of SUVs

Perhaps surprisingly, these fundamental require-
ments have not changed since the first Bronco was
introduced to the world in 1965. What has changed
is the demand for a greater variety of SUVs, and
growing expectations for the capabilities that these
SUVs need to deliver.
While some customers still require the strength
of traditional body-on-frame off-road SUVs, such
The Everest’s wide stance as the robust Ford Everest, evolving customer
and bold front end immediately give an demand has led to the development of SUVs on
impression of its capability and impressive off-road credentials, while the chis- road-focused platforms designed with the urban
eled, sculptural curves of the exterior hint at the refined interior within. The mus- jungle in mind, like the agile Ford EcoSport, which
cular hood, integrated headlamps and front bumper convey the Everest’s power has seen rapid growth thanks to a growing need
and rugged capability. A silver skid plate underneath the front bumper and the for nimble, efficient vehicles that are easier to drive
aggressive approach and departure angles give further clues as to the vehicle’s and park in busy urban areas.
off-road prowess. Offering many of the same benefits as their larger
SUV counterparts - including roomy cargo areas, a
higher driving position and a feeling of robustness -
these SUVs are perfect for both city
driving and weekend escapes.

Long before the F-150 Raptor was
a thing, the Ford Bronco was the
Blue Oval’s off-road icon.
Originally launched in the 1960’s
the rugged Bronco would morph over
the years into a proper full-size SUV,
spawn a pint-size spinoff in the Bronco
II, and eventually go out of production
in 1996. It remains a classic collectors’
item to this day.
Less money

in the tank and the power they want in situations Each new Ford vehicle requires thou-
such as passing on a highway. sands of hours of testing to maximize
Excellent fuel economy has been Design also plays an important role in its aerodynamic efficiency.Data from
achieved by the introduction of more boosting efficiency: this testing can help designers to create
efficient powertrains, including the The Ford design team works closely a more efficient vehicle, but one that
availability of EcoBoost engines in most with aerodynamics engineers to create still presents an image of capability,
of Ford’s vehicles sold in South Africa. SUVs that are able to slip through the versatility and opportunity that is at the
Advanced EcoBoost technology is air with ease. core of what it means to be an SUV.
designed to provide drivers with the effi- This may mean adding ‘kickers’ on the And as it has over the years, the sig-
ciency they need in day-to-day driving, rear side windows to reduce drag, as o nificance of that design will continue to
increase.

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