The best SUV in North America, the Ford Explorer, is coming to China after 29 years

Recently, the network exposed a Changan Ford Explorer in the factory production of spy photos,? The new car is the domestic version of the overseas sixth-generation Explorer, from the exposure of the figure, the appearance is basically consistent with the U.S. version of the model, based on Ford's latest longitudinal rear-drive CD6 platform.

It would be more in line with the classic & sales section of Know Your Car, and we'll use this installment to talk about the Ford Explorer. Re-recognize the SUV models, SUV that is the abbreviation of the English Sports?Utility?Vehicles, meaning sport utility vehicles, which has both the comfort of the family sedan, but also to adapt to a variety of outdoor road conditions. This model was born in North America, but was popularized in China, before spreading back to the North American market.

(Sixth-generation Explorer)

The SUV market seems to be still hot in China in 2020, and it has been hot since 2006, when the Chinese SUV market embarked on a path from niche to popularity. 228,600 SUVs were sold in 2006, and SUVs outpaced sedans in 2007, with sales reaching 375,000 units. In 2009, the SUV market ushered in a favorable year, with sales exceeding 700,000 units, becoming the "boss" of the new car market. 2017, the annual sales of SUVs exceeded 10 million units, a year-on-year increase of 13.32%. 2018 cumulative sales of SUVs fell to 9.513 million units, a year-on-year decline of 5.5%, and in 2019, SUVs will sell more than 1.5 million units. Down 5.5%, 2019 is also showing a downward trend, which is also related to the overall environment, compared with other markets, the SUV market is still hot.

Over the years, the domestic SUV market has given birth to a number of god cars, such as: Hover H6, SAIC Volkswagen Touguan, Dongfeng Honda CR-V. With the upgrading of consumption, everyone's choice of models from the compact to the medium and large transition to the mid-large scale, in order to the Hanlanda, Angkor flag, Tougao and other medium and large SUVs began to sell hot. In the past year, major car companies have also entered the game, FAW-Volkswagen's medium and large SUV is also on the agenda.

How about the Explorer in China?

When it comes to the Ford Explorer, I believe that it is not unfamiliar to many consumers, because it was introduced into the Chinese market for sale as early as 2013, but because of its import status, tariffs are involved, and the price is relatively high, resulting in the sales of the Explorer did not take off, but the market, the Explorer's reputation is very good. The exposure of the Ford Explorer is the sixth generation of models, which is also the Ford official also realized that the price problem restricts the development of the Explorer, and the localization is also maximized to circumvent the current model of the place criticized by consumers.

(First-generation Explorer)

For the Ford brand, which has many star models, the Explorer is one of them. Although the Explorer is not the first SUV in Ford's history, it is important to promote the transformation of the SUV from a niche car to the most popular model in the United States, and it is the best-selling SUV in the United States in 25 years. The story begins with the success of the Cherokee, which ignited other manufacturers' passion for SUVs, and the introduction of the Bronco and Bronco II before the Explorer.

Initiating the SUV era, the first-generation Ford Explorer (1990-1994)

With Ford confident, the first-generation Ford Explorer was launched on March 3, 1990, and was the most popular SUV in the United States in 25 years. Ford Explorer was officially launched in March 1990, and this generation was divided into two-door and four-door versions. Equipped with a choice of two four-wheel-drive modes, the "Touch-Drive" mode is easy to operate, and powered by a 4.0L?155-hp Cologne?V6 engine. It is powered by a 4.0L?155 horsepower Cologne?V6 engine and is equipped with either a French-made A4LD four-speed automatic transmission or Mazda's M5OD five-speed manual transmission. The first-generation Explorer and Ranger pickup trucks*** used many of the components.

(First-generation Explorer)

Averaging more than 290,000 units sold annually from 1991 to 1994, it led the SUV's leap from its former niche to become America's most popular vehicle, and that's about as far as it goes.

The star of the show, the second-generation Explorer (1995-2001)

Based on the success of the first-generation model, the second-generation model was launched in 1995 with upgrades to the first-generation Explorer's exterior, interior and suspension. Sales reached a record 390,000 units that year.

(Second-generation Explorer)

The second-generation Explorer is also available in two-door and four-door versions, and the body size has been enlarged, with the length of the two-door version increasing from 4,419mm to 4,538mm, and the four-door version from 4,673mm to 4,826mm, although the head is bigger, the power is still the same as that of the previous generation's 4.0L Cologne V6 engine. engine, with a 5.0L?V8 added mid-cycle. It was even reorganized, with the three-door model being named the Explorer Sport, while the five-door model was still called the Explorer. The Explorer was named the best SUV in terms of new car quality by the globally renowned J.D. Power, and in 1997, "all-wheel drive" was added to the model.

The third-generation Explorer (2002-2005)

In 2001, the third-generation Explorer was officially launched, and made great efforts on space, in terms of body dimensions, canceled the two-door version, leaving the four-door version. The length of the body was reduced by 28mm, and the height and width increased by 68mm and 50mm. the impression of the market for the Explorer at that time was that its dry and pragmatic appearance and excellent cabin design made it a success. At the same time, the interior design was also one of the first models to adopt a three-row seating design, which also upgraded the ride comfort, with favorable feedback from consumers. From 2004 to 2005, safety features were further upgraded with standard ABS with electronic brake force distribution and Securilock anti-theft system.

(Third-generation Explorer)

Powered by a choice of a 4.0-liter V6 or a 4.6-liter V8 engine, the former of which already has a maximum power of 205 hp and a maximum torque of 328 Nm, the third-generation Explorer is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Available in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive modes on all models, it has become an all-round SUV by this time.

Since 1998, the Explorer has been selling more than 400,000 units for five consecutive years.

Leaping onto the global model scene, the fourth-generation Explorer (2006-2010)

It's been exactly 15 years since the first Explorer was introduced to the market? Coinciding with the big wave of SUVs in the U.S., the new-generation Explorer has a new frame design and has become larger, with a length of 4,902mm, 102mm longer than its predecessor.As a popular SUV for families, this generation of Explorer has made some more stylish transformations, which include a new front grille, tailgate, taillights, etc. The new generation of Explorer is also equipped with the newest and most advanced comfort features, including the new front grille, rear door, and taillights, as well as the newest and most advanced features. In particular, big enhancements have been made to the comfort features, such as Ford's SYNC in-car multimedia communications and entertainment system. Safety systems are also as high as ever.

(Fourth-generation Explorer)

Power, retuned for the V6 engine, fuel consumption has been substantially reduced,? This time, it is also equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine with a maximum power of 295 hp and a maximum torque output of 406 Nm. Matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy has been improved a lot, "know the car" learned is that by 2009, North American production of the Expedition has been exported to a number of countries and regions, including Canada, Mexico, Central and North America, Japan, South Korea, Israel, the Philippines, Russia, Iceland, the Middle East, as well as South America and Africa.

From a single-market model, it has become a global model.

Fifth-generation Explorer (2011-present)

Early 2011, the fifth generation of Ford Explorer officially launched, it is reported that this generation of the model is in Ford's Chicago plant, is also the manufacture of Ford's high-end leather license plate Lincoln model factory. In the appearance of the design to be more spirited and bold, the use of unibody using streamlined design, dynamic, smooth body lines and muscular appearance of the fusion, space than the previous generation of models and become larger. Length for the first time broken 5 meters mark, wheelbase reached 2860mm, according to China's classification to reach the medium-sized SUV.

(Fifth-generation Explorer)

Configuration to be more rich, such as auto-parking, adaptive cruise control, and Sony audio system. The advance model is powered by a 3.5L?V6 engine with 291 hp and 354 Nm of torque, which is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to reduce fuel consumption by 20% compared to the previous generation.

The relationship with the Chinese market began in 2012, in which year it made its debut during the Beijing Auto Show, and was officially launched in 20133. Today, as Ford's flagship SUV in the Chinese market, it is powered by two Ford EcoBoost turbocharged engines, 2.3T and 3.5T, of which the 2.3T engine has a maximum output of 276 hp and a peak torque of 410 Nm; and the 3.5T engine has a maximum output of 356 hp and a peak torque of 501 Nm. In terms of transmission system, both engines are matched with 6-speed manual transmission.

It also shines as a flagship, with the Expedition joining the Renegade, Roadrunner, Impreza and Impreza*** in providing Chinese consumers with the most comprehensive SUV product selection.

Sixth-generation Explorer, soon to be domestically produced by Changan Ford

The sixth-generation Explorer is based on the new CD6 rear-wheel-drive platform, which is longitudinally-mounted like the Lincoln Aviator, and was officially unveiled at the 2019 North American Auto Show, which kicked off on January 14th. In addition, the new Explorer will be localized by Changan Ford within this year.

On the exterior, the new design of the front face style and the previous generations of models are very different, the new Explorer adopts a new front face shape, the front grille roughly presents an inverted trapezoidal shape, the headlamp group in an embedded way and the front grille perfect integration, the lamp group outline to the body on both sides, the new car front surrounded by a small opening shape on both sides, strip LED running lights inlaid therein, at the same time, the silver Black dual-color front lower guard, the entire front face full of muscle.

Coming to the side, the new car side and rear of the overall proportion and the main design elements such as floating D-pillar. Body dimensions, length, width and height were 5050mm * 2004mm * 1775mm, and the biggest change this time is the wheelbase 3025mm enhancement, more than 3 meters on the wheelbase data and the Lincoln Aviator is identical, this time it is more than the Volkswagen Touareg's 2980mm wheelbase level.

The rear of the car, the main change is the new tail lamp group outline more angular.

Interior, the new car adopts a symmetrical center console with a full sense of hierarchy, and the combination of soft parcel and wood grain trim is very advanced. The hovering 12.3-inch center control LCD screen, equipped with the latest SYNC car system, can realize touch + physical button control. The air-conditioning area retains an abundance of physical buttons. While the space has been improved, the seating layout has a 2+2+2 layout. The all-new Explorer offers a rotary electronic gearshift mechanism, along with an electronic handbrake and AUTOHOLD function, and a 4WD mode selection function at the rear.

Power, the new Explorer normal version of the model will provide 2.3T inline four-cylinder engine and 3.0T twin-turbo V6 engine, of which the 2.3T engine, which was awarded the title of Ward's ten best engines, the maximum power of 304 hp, the peak torque of 420 Nm, the maximum power of the 3.0T engine 370 hp, the peak torque of 515 Nm. The transmission system is matched with a 10-speed manual gearbox. In addition, the new engine especially changed to longitudinal layout, the engine position is more rearward and downward than the current model, which helps the weight balance of the whole car, and the center of gravity is lowered. Not much has been announced about the ST version.

Small comment:

For Changan Ford in the past, less product adjustment, but also let Changan Ford miss a lot of business opportunities, but it does not matter, April 3, 2019, Ford Motor released "Ford China 2.0" plan conference. Put forward "more Ford, more China" new development concept, simple understanding is more understanding of China, for the Chinese market to make fine-tuning, can also see, in 2019 Changan Ford came up with a variety of products, such as Rui Inter, the new Focus such products.

Changan Ford has also made new judgments for the Chinese market, and also brought out stronger products to complete the turnaround. I believe the sixth-generation Explorer is about to be released domestically, and the domestic Explorer, if priced more reasonably, will be a model with the highest price-performance ratio in this class at the moment.?

If you are interested in a mid-size SUV, you may want to wait, perhaps this is a good model.

The Way to Know Your Car is even more enlightening ah Changan Ford's wonderful performance. (Photo: Source Internet; Text: The Way to Know Your Car? Li Guohui? (Edit)

This article comes from the author of the automobile home car family, does not represent the views of the automobile home position.