Damon Mcknight
The Ford Bronco has been a highly popular SUV in the United States, but its availability in Australia has been uncertain due to the lack of a right-hand-drive version. While Ford has never confirmed the Bronco for Australia, there is growing speculation that a factory-built right-hand-drive model may be in the works, according to the company's global CEO, Jim Farley. This development has excited car enthusiasts in Australia, who have long awaited the opportunity to get their hands on this iconic off-roader. However, some challenges remain, including potential sales numbers and the increased cost of converting the vehicle to right-hand drive. Despite these obstacles, Ford's expansion of Bronco production and its popularity in the US bode well for its eventual arrival in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global CEO of Ford's indication | A factory-built right-hand-drive version of the Ford Bronco 4WD is on the way |
| Ford Australia's comment | Left the door open for a local introduction |
| Ford Bronco's history | Six decades of history in America |
| Ford Bronco's sales in North America | Sales going through the roof and two-year wait lists are not uncommon |
| Ford Bronco's price in Australia | $95,000 est (plus on-road costs) |
| Ford Bronco's safety | Four out of five stars for frontal impact protection and three stars for rollover protection |
| Ford Bronco's fuel efficiency | 17mpg (13.8L/100km) |
| Ford Bronco's production in China | Produced through a joint venture with Jangling Motor |
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What You'll Learn
Ford Bronco's availability in Australia
The Ford Bronco has a long and illustrious history in America, with around six decades of history. The Bronco was revived in 2021 after the nameplate went on hiatus following the announcement that the fifth generation would not continue after 1996. The Bronco has been produced in Michigan, USA, for North American markets, and Nanchang, China, through a joint venture with Jiangling Motor for the local market.
Ford has never confirmed the Bronco for Australia, but it has left the door open for a local introduction. The global CEO of Ford, Jim Farley, has indicated that a factory-built right-hand-drive version of the Ford Bronco 4WD is on the way, and that right-hand drive may be given the go-ahead for production. This is significant because Australia is a right-hand drive market, and the Bronco has always been pitched as left-hand drive only.
However, there are several factors that may prevent the Bronco from being sold in Australia. One is the question of potential sales, given that Jeep only sells about 1000 Wranglers in Australia each year, while more than 63,000 Ford Rangers were sold in Australia in the same year. Another factor is the cost of importing and converting the Bronco to right-hand drive, which would significantly increase the price of the vehicle.
Despite these challenges, there is still a chance that the Ford Bronco could make its way to Australia, especially with the expansion of Bronco production in China, which could free up supply for some to arrive in Australia. In the meantime, Australians can source, import, and supply any Bronco they wish through companies like Crossover Car Conversions, but this comes at a high cost.
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The cost of owning a Ford Bronco in Australia
The Ford Bronco has been a popular vehicle in the US, with its history spanning six decades. However, it has not been available in Australia due to various factors, including the lack of a right-hand drive (RHD) version. While there has been some indication that a factory-built RHD Bronco may be in the works, it is still not confirmed if and when it will be available in Australia.
Assuming a base model Bronco with a starting price of USD $39,630 (AUD $64,788), the cost of owning a Ford Bronco in Australia would be significant. The process of importing and converting the vehicle to RHD is estimated to add a markup of around AUD $35,000, bringing the total cost to AUD $99,788. Additionally, luxury car tax, stamp duty, and registration would further increase the cost by a few thousand dollars.
On top of the initial purchase price, there are ongoing costs associated with owning a Ford Bronco in Australia. These include insurance, which can range from AUD $4,000 to $5,000 over five years, and maintenance, which is estimated to cost between AUD $3,000 and $5,000 for the first five years. It is important to note that these costs may vary depending on factors such as the driver's age, location, and driving history.
Furthermore, the Ford Bronco offers various customization options that can significantly impact the total cost of ownership. These include engine upgrades, outdoor accessories, and interior packages. For example, the Mid or Lux Interior Packages add conveniences such as heated seats and a wireless charging pad. The Class II Trailer Tow Package, which allows for towing up to 4,500 lbs, is another popular option that increases the vehicle's functionality.
While the Ford Bronco has a passionate fan base in Australia, the high cost of importing and converting the vehicle, along with ongoing maintenance and customization expenses, makes it a costly option for Australian consumers.
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Ford Bronco's off-road capabilities
The Ford Bronco has a long history in America as one of the coolest off-roaders. The Bronco is a seriously capable two- or four-door adventure mobile with impressive off-road capabilities. It is built and tested for adventure, ready to conquer any terrain with its rugged and versatile design.
The Bronco offers a range of engines, including a 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and a 330-hp twin-turbo V-6, with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base models are capable of tackling trails, while higher-end trims add off-road gear for more serious adventuring. The Sasquatch off-roading package, for example, includes high-clearance fender flares, a raised suspension, mud-terrain tires, and upgraded Bilstein shock absorbers.
The Bronco's HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System 2.0 provides up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance and 33.5 inches of water fording capability. The Terrain Management System (TMS) with 5 G.O.A.T. Modes allows drivers to navigate different terrains with ease. The Bronco's Trail Control, an off-road cruise control system, excels in controlling speed on steep inclines and declines, making it a breeze to activate.
The Bronco's off-road capabilities are further enhanced by its standard 4x4 system, easy-to-remove doors and roof, and optional features such as 35-inch mud-terrain tires, bead lock-capable wheels, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and a sway-bar-disconnect feature. The Bronco has proven its off-road prowess, with drivers achieving notable successes in the King of the Hammers off-road race.
The Ford Bronco's off-road capabilities, combined with its customisation options and versatile design, make it a compelling choice for those seeking an adventure-ready vehicle.
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Ford Bronco's competition in Australia
The Jeep Wrangler is the closest vehicle to the Bronco in terms of off-road capabilities, although Jeep is not as popular a brand in Australia. The Bronco's off-road capabilities have been described as "incredibly impressive", with its quick steering, soft suspension, and ability to tackle various terrains.
The Bronco's turbocharged engine delivers swift acceleration once it reaches the boost, although there is some turbo lag at lower rpm. The US version of the Bronco has a low towing capacity of 1600 kg, which is expected to be addressed for Australian models.
The Bronco's fuel efficiency is not impressive, with a fuel economy of 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) in a mixed city and highway driving cycle. This is a similar fuel economy to that of the Ford Ranger, which shares the same ladder-frame chassis as the Bronco.
The Bronco's safety features include lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, electronic stability control, and six airbags. It received a rating of four out of five stars for frontal impact protection and three stars for rollover protection from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Bronco's pricing in Australia is expected to be high due to importation, conversion, and tax costs. The base price of the Bronco in the US is $US39,630 ($AUD64,788), but with the additional costs, the final price in Australia could exceed $AUD100,000.
While Ford has not confirmed the Bronco for Australia, the company has expressed interest in bringing it to the country, and it is speculated that the Bronco could generate high levels of interest and sales in the Australian market.
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Ford Bronco's production in China
The Ford Bronco has been produced in Nanchang, China, through a joint venture with Changan Ford. Production of the Bronco in China was expected to kick off in early 2024, with the first images of the Chinese-made Bronco published by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in September 2023.
The Chinese-made Bronco features a 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, which produces 271 horsepower and 336 pound-feet of torque. This makes the Chinese model slightly less powerful than the US version, which delivers 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The engine in the China-made Bronco is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the US model features a 10-speed automatic.
The domestically produced Ford Bronco in China offers seven different trim levels and configurations, including Big Bend, Black Diamond, Black Diamond Sasquatch, Outer Banks, Outer Banks Sasquatch, Badlands, and Everglades. The pricing for the Ford Bronco in China ranges from 700,000 to 1,200,000 Chinese Yuan, which is more than double the price of the same model in the United States.
While the production of the Bronco in China addresses the high cost of importing the vehicle, it also highlights the challenges Ford has faced in the competitive Chinese market. Ford has adjusted its strategy in China by focusing on existing products like the Bronco and Ford Ranger, rather than developing models specifically for Chinese customers.
Additionally, there have been reports of supply chain issues affecting the Bronco's build schedule, with some speculation that parts sourced from China may be a contributing factor.
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Frequently asked questions
It's unclear whether the Ford Bronco will be sold in Australia. Ford has never confirmed the Bronco for Australia, but has also never said 'no'. The biggest barrier to the Bronco's Australian release is that it isn't made in right-hand drive, which is required for cars sold in Australia. However, Ford CEO Jim Farley has indicated that a factory-built right-hand-drive version may be given the go-ahead for production.
There are currently just two right-hand-drive Broncos in Australia, both of which are left-hook engineering cars owned by Ford Australia. One has been sold to a customer, and the other is still for sale at $199,990 plus on-road costs.
The Bronco starts at $US39,630 ($AUD64,788) in the US. However, applying the rough markup of $35,000 to bring it to Australia and convert it takes it to $AUD99,788. Then, factoring in the luxury car tax, the total cost becomes $105,554 before stamp duty and registration.
