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Ford Explorer Platinum breaks interior record

By BusinessNews Staff on May 27, 2015

Ford Motor Company aims to get the attention of premium vehicle buyers around the world as it introduces its Platinum Explorer as one of the five trims for the 2016 model year, with a record-breaking superb interior.

Coming as the sixth-generation Explorer, the new model is scheduled to arrive at dealerships next month, says the automaker.

The 2016 Ford Explorer is a large three-row crossover SUV available in five trim levels: base, XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum.

Its standard equipment consists of 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, a rear view camera, cruise control, air-conditioning, rear climate controls, a 60/40-split second-row seat and a 50/50-split third-row seat.

Other standard features are a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 4.2-inch display screen, Sync (Ford’s voice-activated phone/entertainment interface), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and USB/auxiliary audio inputs.

The Platinum is considered among the most luxurious vehicles Ford has ever built, having a more rugged look than most crossovers.

Many are not surprised that Ford has not altered the outside of the Explorer significantly, after all the current model is selling so well.

Auto reviewers note that the new vehicle may not have been designed to grow sales but is sure to bolster the Explorer’s enviable position in the premium segment by attracting more affluent buyers.

According to auto analysts, the Explorer has increased its share of the fast-growing crossover segment for four consecutive years and the automaker is struggling to meet the customers’ demand.

Interior

The Explorer Platinum is coming with luxurious interior, well padded leather door panels, real wood trim and brushed-aluminum accents — a high-end Sony audio system and a sticker price that put it firmly in the luxury-brand territory, says the Automotive News.

“We’ve never had this list of premium materials in a Ford before,” said the Explorer’s Chief Interior Designer, Michael Arbaugh.

It has a soft-touch dashboard and precise-feeling controls. The front seats are very supportive, and the cabin is quiet as well.

The optional MyFord Touch interface contributes to the premium vibe, as it adds a high-resolution touchscreen to the centre console, plus two additional screens for the gauge cluster.

A welcome change for 2016 is the replacement of the touch-sensitive audio and climate controls with physical buttons.

Engine

The 2016 Ford Explorer lineup offers three different power trains, all of which come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Base, XLT and Limited models get rear-wheel drive as standard but are available with four-wheel drive, while Sport and Platinum trims come with 4WD as standard.

Standard on the Base, XLT and Limited trim levels is a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque.

With this engine, you have your choice of front-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive (there is no low-range gearing). Four-wheel-drive models get hill-descent control, hill-start assist and Ford’s Terrain Management System, which is a selectable four-mode system that optimizes traction electronically for different conditions, says Edmund.com.

The Explorer Sport and Platinum trims come with a turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine. The turbo V6 puts out 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of. Properly equipped, an Explorer with either of the V6 engines can tow 5,000 pounds.

Safety

Generally, the 2015 Ford Explorer’s standard safety equipment comprises stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a front passenger knee airbag and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume.

The Explorer’s stability control system also includes Ford’s Curve Control, which can monitor speed carried into a corner and decelerate if necessary, says Edmund.com, another online auto journal.

It says a rear view camera is standard on the Explorer, while a 180-degree front camera is optional. Rear parking sensors are also standard on all but the base Explorer.

Optional on the Limited and Sport but standard on the Platinum is a forward-collision warning system with brake priming (bundled with the adaptive cruise control), lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist (Limited only), a blind-spot warning system (with rear-cross traffic alert) and inflatable seatbelts for second-row outboard passengers.

Its other facilities are an enhanced active park assist, up to four rapid-charging USB ports, hands-free lift-gate.

Exterior

Apart from adding the Platinum trim and a new engine, Ford has not changed the Explorer significantly, even though it classifies the 2016 version as a new generation.

However, the front and rear designs have an updated look, with large fog lights added to the lower fascia, four grilles to signify the various trim levels, a more aerodynamic spoiler and new taillights

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