Defender Double

When is a Defender not a Defender? When it's the new Ford Bronco. Bearing a remarkable likeness to Land Rover's famous off-roader, the Bronco was unveiled by blue oval head of design J Mays at the Detroit Motor Show last week.

Auto Express Car Reviews

15th January 2004

The boxy shape, round headlamps and utilitarian feel are all reminiscent of the original Bronco from the Sixties, which was one of the first off-roaders to ignite America's SUV passion. The look is brought up to date with LED lights and bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels. And with the rear part of the roof being removable, it also offers open-air mud-plugging.

Power comes from the 128bhp 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine found in the Mondeo, and this is mated to an efficient new six-speed automatic transmission, which will be used on future production cars. However, for a bit of added spice, the company's engineers have also equipped the Bronco with a sporty nitrous-oxide kit. By holding down a button on the dashboard, the driver can call upon a 50bhp temporary power boost. The show car's look points the way to a future model which could take on Jeep's own iconic Wrangler off-roader.

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