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Ford
Country of Origin:
USA
Germany
Thailand
Models:
Crown Victoria
Edge
Escape
Expedition
Explorer / Sport Trac
F-150
Fiesta
Five Hundred
Focus
Mondeo
Mustang
Ranger
|
Key:
| * |
Top speed electronically limited |
| 2.5SC |
2.5-litre supercharged engine |
| 2.5TC |
2.5-litre turbocharged engine |
| 2.5D |
2.5-litre diesel engine |
| 2.5TD |
2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine |
| I4 |
4-cylinder engine in inline configuration |
| V6 |
6-cylinder engine in V-shaped configuration |
| FWD |
Front-wheel-drive platform |
| RWD |
Rear-wheel-drive platform |
| 4WD |
Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive platform |
| 5M |
5-speed manual |
| 5A |
5-speed automatic |
| 5AM |
5-speed automanual |
| CVT |
Continuously variable auto transmission |
| l/100km |
Litres of fuel consumed every 100 kms |
|
Ford Crown Victoria
A throwback to 50 years ago, the Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size sedan, cheap to buy, and as dull as a doormat in most cases. But Ford's largest sedan still has many virtues, including affordable V8 performance, rear-wheel-drive handling and tons of room. The Crown Victoria's passenger and cargo room is comparable to many 4WDs. The Crown Victoria is popular for its safety, roominess, pleasant ride quality, quiet interior, simple controls and massive road presence. Ford substantially updated the Crown Victoria back in 2003. A stiffer chassis provided front frame sections designed to better absorb crash energy. Handling precision was improved, thanks to more precise rack-and-pinion steering and an extensive redesign of the front and rear suspension. In 2004, Ford has made changes to the transmission for better acceleration. Powered by a 4.6-litre V8, the base Crown Victoria comes standard with ABS, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and more. An optional sports package bumps up the horsepower and adds firmer suspension.
|
Large Sedan
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Chevrolet Caprice
Dodge Charger
Toyota Avalon
|
Price Range |
Dhs 77000 - 100000 (US$ 20980 - 27200) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan |
Weight (kg) |
1867 - 1876 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
4.6 V8 RWD
4.6 V8 RWD |
4A
4A |
224
239 |
368
389 |
11.3
11.5 |
9.3
9.1 |
200
208* |
Good |
Interior volume, price, luggage space |
Bad |
Acceleration, soft handling, outer size |
Ford Edge
The Edge is an all-new softroader from Ford that debuted for the 2007 model year
and is aimed to compete in the hot crossover market. The Edge features a bold three-bar corporate grille,
a raked windshield, a fast-sloping back window, a high-mounted rear spoiler,
a high beltline and wheels that are pushed to the far corners to deliver an aggressive stance.
The interior features seating for five
and cargo space can be maximized when the
rear seats are folded. The Edge is powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available
with front-wheel-drive or an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the Edge is not equipped with
low-range gearing. The interior features a centre console that can fit a laptop
computer and a number of options including a panoramic Vista Roof, an MP3 audio jack and six-way power-adjustable front seats.
Standard safety features include Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control, seat-mounted side airbags and Safety Canopy air curtain system with rollover
detection and side-curtain airbags.
|
Midsize 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
2007 Ford Edge road test
Competitors:
Honda MR-V
Kia Sorento
Nissan Murano
|
Price Range |
Dhs 115000 -
135000 (US$ 31200 - 36700) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1853 -
1949 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 3.5 V6 FWD/4WD |
6A |
265 |
339 |
11.7-12.7 |
8.0-8.4 |
200* |
Good |
Flexible interior, car-like ride,
safety features |
Bad |
Off-road
ability, style cuts utility, hard cabin plastics |
Ford Escape
The Escape is Ford's smallest sport-utility 4WD and has been completely overhauled for 2008. It offers comfortable seating for four and plenty of space for stuff. Folding down the rear seats reveals a moderate cargo area with a flat floor. Its smooth ride and car-like handling make for easy driving, helped by its compact dimensions. For the GCC, a 3.0-litre V6 is standard, and it only gets an automatic. The Escape also comes standard with cloth seats, illuminated remote entry, power door locks, windows and mirrors, tilt steering column, speed controls on the steering wheel, electric power steering, 15-inch steel wheels and CD stereo with iPod jack. Upgrades include premium cloth upholstery or leather, power front seats, a power moonroof, cruise control, 16-inch aluminium wheels, various premium audio system choices and parking sensors. The Escape comes standard with front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. It has all-wheel-drive and decent ground clearance, but it does not have the low range gearing to tackle serious turf.
|
Compact 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
2008 Ford Escape first look
Competitors:
Honda CR-V
Kia Sportage
Toyota RAV-4
|
Price Range |
Dhs 79000 -
89000 (US$ 21500 - 24300) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1612 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 3.0 V6 4WD |
4A |
200 |
261 |
11.2 |
10.5 |
180* |
Good |
Safety features, price, car-like ride, decent space |
Bad |
Limited off-roader, old engine, cheap cabin finish |
Ford Expedition
The Expedition is a full-size 4WD that has yet to blaze a trail in the Middle East. It's smooth, stable and refined for the most part, and this new version goes head-to-head with Chevrolet's non-descript Tahoe for top honours among American 4WDs. Its four-wheel-independent suspension is unusually sophisticated in this class, providing better ride and handling, on-road and off. The Expedition comes with a 5.4-litre V8 engine mated to an automatic gearbox. Expedition is loaded with safety features, and offers an available Roll Stability Control system, which is designed to sense an approaching rollover situation then take action to help prevent it. What the Expedition does best is move large quantities of people and gear, with its perfectly flat cargo area and available PowerFold third-row seat that folds perfectly flat with the press of a button. Able to carry up to eight passengers, the second row features a small center seat that slides forward to give parents in the front seat access to a small child. Options include a rear-seat DVD system and the reverse sensors, among the many standard power features. The longer Expedition EL model has a stretched wheelbase to offer more space.
|
Large 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Chevrolet Tahoe
Nissan Armada
Toyota Land Cruiser
|
Price Range |
Dhs 125000 - 195000 (US$ 34000 - 53100) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon, 5-door long wagon |
Weight (kg) |
2543 - 2700 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 5.4 V8 4WD |
6A |
300 |
495 |
16.8-17.0 |
9.5-9.7 |
160* |
Good |
Tough looks, large interior, luggage space |
Bad |
Fuel economy, hard cabin plastics, too big |
Ford Explorer / Sport Trac
Ford has been overly careful not to mess with a winner, so when Ford redesigned the Explorer in 2006, America's favorite midsize sport utility for the last 15 years in a row, they barely changed anything. The latest Explorer is available with a big 4.0-litre V6, with
a five-speed automatic. The wagon can seat seven, while the Sport Trac pickup can
seat five. The wagon is a traditional midsize 4WD with a body-on-frame construction, and features new steering, new suspension and new brakes.
Standard equipment include Roll Stability Control, independent rear suspension, keyless entry, cruise control, compass and thermometer, power windows, locks and mirrors, air conditioning, a floor console, rear vent windows and added 12-volt power point, AM/FM stereo with single CD or MP3 player, driver manual lumbar adjuster, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and
alloy wheels. Options include running boards, roof rails, bigger wheels, more wood and leather, 10-way power seat and a six-disc changer.
The Sport Trac has a composite cargo box with two-tier storage ability, available hard tonneau cover
and
three integrated tool bins.
|
Midsize 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
2007 Ford Explorer V6 road test
Competitors:
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
|
Price Range |
Dhs 105000 - 129000 (US$ 28500 - 35100) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon, 4-door pickup |
Weight (kg) |
2093 -
2179 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 4.0 V6 4WD |
5A |
210 |
344 |
13.8 |
10.5 |
160* |
Good |
Overall space, extensive safety features, value for money |
Bad |
Fuel
economy, hard cabin plastics, not very quick |
Ford F-150
The F-150 delivers all the manly attributes of toughness, strength, and imposing size, but does anyone who isn't involved in a job with physical labour need one? The fully-loaded models of the F-150 is sold here as more of a lifestyle vehicle, offering interior design and comfort that would rival some luxury cars. Properly equipped, it can haul more than a tonne in its bed. The F-150 is comfortable as well, with a quiet and refined ride. It comes with dual frontal airbags, cloth seats, a CD player, and air conditioning as standard. A host of power and luxury options are available too. For all these reasons, the F-150 has sadly been America's best-selling full-size pickup for 28 consecutive years. It is the most most profitable vehicle Ford makes. It is available in various trim levels, variations, and specialty models, including quad cab, single cab and dual cab model, with various bed sizes. At the bottom of the lineup is a V6 work truck, though the only options apparently offered here are the 4.6-litre V8 and the 5.4-litre V8 engines, with automatic trannies.
|
Large Pickup
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Chevrolet Silverado
Dodge Ram
Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup
|
Price Range |
Dhs 100000 - 140000 (US$ 27200 - 38000) |
Body Styles |
2-door pickup, 4-door pickup |
Weight (kg) |
2100 - 2653 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
4.6 V8 RWD/4WD
5.4 V8 RWD/4WD |
4A
4A |
231
300 |
397
494 |
13.7
14.1 |
10.5
9.5 |
160*
160* |
Good |
Value for money, utility, cabin space, tough looks |
Bad |
Big, slow, fuel economy, truck as fashion statement? |
Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is a pint-sized runabout, and looks funny next to the Crown Victoria, but it is a product of Ford's European effort. The Fiesta is built in Germany and few in this region know about this. Even fewer have even heard of this car. The Fiesta is a bestseller in Europe but failed to make an impact here, mostly because of impossibly snobby dealership prices for servicing this cheap car. Otherwise it is a very good sub-compact. Handling and ride is even better than the highly acclaimed late-90's version thanks to the ultra-stiff bodyshell. Power comes from a Duratec 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that offers fuel economy expected from cars of this size. There is also a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes for this front-wheel-drive hatchback. Safety equipment includes ABS brakes, airbags and other items. Small on the outside, decent packaging allows the Fiesta to offer decent space for people and cargo in its small body. It doesn't look too bad either.
|
Sub-Compact Hatchback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Chevrolet Aveo
Hyundai Accent
Toyota Yaris
|
Price Range |
Dhs 36000 - 40000 (US$ 9800 - 10900) |
Body Styles |
5-door hatchback |
Weight (kg) |
1036 - 1073 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 1.4 I4 FWD |
5M/4A |
80 |
128 |
5.3-5.8 |
14.8-15.4 |
166 |
Good |
Front cabin room, well-built, fuel economy |
Bad |
Luggage space, very slow |
Ford Five Hundred
The unimaginatively-named Five Hundred full-size sedan is a capable
new family performer that does what it's supposed to, and nothing extra. Based on a
Volvo platform, this American model features the three-bar Ford grille, a
massive well-appointed cabin and a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine with a 6-speed
automatic. The standard model is front-wheel-drive, but all-wheel-drive is
optional. Features include ABS brakes, traction control, keypad autolock, power mirrors, power
windows, remote keyless entry, eight cupholders, CD stereo with MP3 audio jack, anti-theft system, and optional tyre pressure
monitoring system. Higher models include dual-zone a/c, memory power seats, leather, fake wood trim and more. Available options include
heated front seats, 18-inch chrome wheels, adjustable pedals, stability control,
sunroof, reverse sensors, in-dash six-disc CD audio
system and other items. Standard safety equipment includes dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side airbags for driver and front passenger, and side curtain airbags for both rows.
|
Large Sedan
Road Tests & Articles:
2008 Ford Five Hundred road test
Competitors:
Chevrolet Caprice
Chrysler 300C
Toyota Avalon
|
Price Range |
Dhs 90000 - 120000 (US$ 24500 -
32600) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan |
Weight (kg) |
1656 -
1734 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 3.5 V6 FWD/4WD |
6A |
263 |
337 |
10.2-11.5 |
7.5-8.0 |
200* |
Good |
Huge cabin
space, premium interior materials, ride |
Bad |
Dull
styling, uninspiring drive, big on the outside |
Ford Focus
Continuing to be based on a joint platform with Mazda, the Focus
remains one of the best handling cars in its class, getting a massive makeover
for the 2008 model year. It comes in two different body styles, namely a sedan
and a five-door hatchback. The Focus is a popular car in Europe where it is
built, and is fairly well-built at that. Both the versions cost the same, but all are available in various trim levels. The standard motor is an anaemic 1.6-litre
4-cylinder engine, while the top engine is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder. Features include electro-hydraulic power steering, and choice of a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic.
Standard conveniences include power windows, basic stereo, cloth seating and not
much else. Options include LED tail-lights, CD changer, USB audio connector,
keyless starter button, Xenon adaptive headlights, tyre pressure monitor,
sunroof, fog lights and a 230-volt inverter. Safety features include optional side thorax airbags and inflatable side curtains alongside the standard dual front airbags.
|
Compact Sedan / Hatchback / Wagon
Road Tests & Articles:
2007 Ford Focus Hatchback road test
Competitors:
Chevrolet Optra
Nissan Tiida
Toyota Corolla
|
Price Range |
Dhs 51000 -
70000 (US$ 13800 - 19000) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, 5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1249 -
1308 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
1.6 I4 FWD
2.0 I4 FWD |
5M/4A
5M/4A |
101
146 |
150
185 |
6.7-7.7
7.1-8.0 |
11.9-13.9
9.2-10.8 |
172-180
198-206 |
Good |
Excellent handling, fuel economy, good headroom |
Bad |
Slow with
auto, average rear legroom, pricey options |
Ford Mondeo
The redesigned-for-2008 Mondeo is an attractive midsize car built in Europe that
shares a Mazda platform. It looks excellent inside and out, but loses out to the Japanese with a
weak combination of carryover engines, along with the stigma of expensive dealer maintenance charges. The Mondeo actually a good family sedan, but it
is also available in sporty liftback and practical wagon form. The Mondeo is a tremendous success in Europe though, simply because its handling is outstanding, rivalling more expensive cars like Alfa Romeo, all for an affordable price. The interior is
especially attractive and put together well. The base Mondeo is powered by the
2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, available with a 5-speed manual. A 2.3-litre
4-cylinder engine is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission in the higher
model. Various trim levels are available, all with power windows, trip computer, ABS
brakes, front airbags, CD stereo with MP3 connector and more. Options include stability control, CD changer, keyless starter button, Xenon
adaptive headlights, tyre pressure monitor, sunroof, fog lights, variable
suspension settings, hill launch assist and adaptive cruise control.
|
Midsize Sedan / Wagon / Liftback
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Chevrolet Epica
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
|
Price Range |
Dhs 57000 -
85000 (US$ 15500 - 23100) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 5-door liftback |
Weight (kg) |
1477 -
1496 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
2.0 I4 FWD
2.3 I4 FWD |
5M
6A |
146
161 |
185
209 |
7.9
9.3 |
9.9-10.3
10.5 |
205-210
202 |
Good |
Handling,
good looks, interior quality, fuel economy |
Bad |
No
powerful V6 option, pricey with options |
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang an icon of American something-or-the-other since its 1964 introduction, popular for its bold style and affordable price. The Mustang started the "pony car" genre, and now it has gone back to its old styling. The new Mustang rides on rear-wheel-drive platform, but it still doesn't have independent rear suspension to the detriment of handling compared to other sports cars. However, it rides smoother and handles fairly well. The interior looks good, but is full of cheap plastics. But this car is one of the best performance bargains in town. The Mustang GT boasts a powerful 4.6-litre V8, available with a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The new Mustang, sold only in GT form here, is being offered in coupe and convertible versions. Standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking and all-speed traction control, dual exhausts, front fog lamps, a rear spoiler, tilt steering wheel, 17-inch painted cast aluminium wheels with Z-rated performance tyres, power mirrors AM/FM stereo with a single-CD player, air bags, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and power windows. Options include the Shaker 500-watt audio system with 6-disc CD player and MP3 capability, among other things.
|
Sports Coupe / Convertible
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina
Dodge Charger
Nissan 350Z
|
Price Range |
Dhs 115000 - 145000 (US$ 31250 - 39400) |
Body Styles |
2-door coupe, 2-door convertible |
Weight (kg) |
1582 - 1662 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 4.6 V8 RWD |
5M/5A |
300 |
433 |
11.4 |
5.5-5.8 |
229 |
Good |
Power, showy looks, value for money |
Bad |
Too retro, cheap interior quality |
Ford Ranger
The class-leading Ranger pickup range will appeal to customers who are
looking for a work truck which provides versatile usage, but are slightly
concerned about basic comforts. The Ranger is designed to meet the needs of this
customer group while offering exceptional value for money. It is a midsize 4WD
based on the Asian Mazda-based truck platform and built in Thailand. It can be
had in either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive form. The extensive engine
range includes a 2.2-litre petrol engine, a 2.6-litre petrol engine and a
3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, all with a five-speed manual gearbox. Features
include air-conditioning, basic radio cassette player, numerous storage spaces
inside the cabin, ABS brakes, dual front airbags, 16-inch wheels, available power
locks and windows, and decent off-road capability due to low-range gearing in
4WD models. The Ranger can be had in either two-door single cab or four-door
double cab body styles.
|
Midsize Pickup
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Mitsubishi L200
Nissan Pickup
Toyota Hilux
|
Price Range |
Dhs 40000 - 70000 (US$ 10900 -
19000) |
Body Styles |
2-door
pickup, 4-door pickup |
Weight (kg) |
1600 - 1880 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
2.2 I4 RWD/4WD
2.6 I4
RWD/4WD
3.0TD I4 RWD/4WD |
5M
5M
5M |
103
121
154 |
174
206
380 |
8.0
9.0
9.7-10.1 |
14.0
12.0
10.5 |
150
160
180 |
Good |
Price,
front interior space, utility, power features |
Bad |
Very slow,
jarring ride on rough surfaces |
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Drive Arabia serves Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates car markets, but is also relevant to the Middle East region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Bahrain.
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