Year after year, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) continues to draw keen car shoppers, car enthusiasts, and families alike to the World Trade Center to see all the latest vehicles the industry has to offer. Despite the current excise tax placed on vehicles, it appears interest hasn’t waned at all with a crowd of over 100,000 attending the four-day show.
A mainstay of the show and occupying one of the largest booths, Ford Philippines, was present to show the buying public what they had on offer.
Ford Expedition
In tune with the 2018 MIAS’s theme of Work and Play was the unveiling of Ford’s large SUV , the Expedition.
The all-new, full-size SUV shows off a new look to turn heads. The Expedition makes an entrance with its large new grille, flanked by stacked headlights. The new façade highlights the nostrils on the side, a vital style cue reserved for Ford’s most rugged trucks and SUVs. This is topped off with a raised power dome hood, hinting of the performance underneath.
On the side, the Expedition’s sleek sides are complemented by 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with dark-painted pockets. It maintains the flush look with power-deployable running boards with polished stainless accents for easy entry into the vehicle. Behind, bright LED tail lamps make it visible in all conditions, finished off with large diameter, bright exhaust tip, which justly reflects its performance capability.
Propelling this vehicle forward is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft torque at 3,500 rpm. Fuel consumption concerns are put to rest with additions like its new 10-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission and Auto Start-Stop Technology that switches off the engine but keeps other functions running when in traffic to save fuel.
Despite a lot of automation, the driver can still exert control with a built-in manual mode for its SelectShift Automatic and Driver-Selectable Terrain Management System (TMS). This system allows the vehicle to adapt to different road conditions and driving dynamics by simply selecting from four pre-set modes– Normal, Sport, tow/Haul, and EcoSelect. The 4WD variants offer even greater variety with seven TMS modes – Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, EcoSelect, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, and Mud/Rut.
Those along for the ride will likely enjoy the vehicle’s other features such as its panoramic vista roof, a spacious cabin with room for up to eight passengers,and second-row seats that tip and slide forward for easy third row access.
There are even several ways to charge mobile devices like power ports, a 220V outlet or even wireless charging for newer phones.
Loading bags and cargo is made easy with a hands-free, foot-activated lift gate, that can be set to stop before hitting overhead obstacles like a low garage ceiling. Items can easily be added later with a rear flip glass function.
Once on the road, finding the right way is easy with its SYNC 3 infotainment system with built-in navigation. The large built-in touch screen with voice command allows easy access to entertainment settings, climate controls, or even connected mobile devices.Tunes will play through a Bang&Olufsen Play premium audio system with 12 speakers with HD radio technology.
Finally, all those onboard will be looked after with various driver-assist technologies which include Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with trailer coverage and cross-traffic alert, Forward Sensing System, Reverse Sensing System, and Traction Control, among others.
“The all-new Expedition delivers an even more luxurious drive, with a suite of new features and power that will provide our customers with more control, while ensuring their families are safe on the road,” said RodelGallega, vice president, marketing and sales, Ford Philippines during the Expedition’s unveiling.
Ford Mustang
While the Expedition injects some luxury into the “Work” aspect of MIAS’s them, making “Play” far more tempting is the new Mustang.
Ford’s iconic new sports car is now offered in even more variants for the discerning buyer. There’s the 2.3-liter EcoBoost 10-speed automatic fastback, the 5.0-liter V8 10-speed automatic fastback, the 5.0-liter V8 10-speed automatic convertible, and the 5.0-liter V8 convertible with a manual transmission for undiluted driving enjoyment.
The new Mustang is distinguished by its sharper and more aggressive look, with functional air extractor hood vents. The way ahead is illuminated all with LED in its fog lamps, headlamps and tri-bar tail lamps. Behind the car, those that opt for the 2.3L EcoBoostwill get dual exhaust tips, while the 5.0L V8 GT variants get a quad tip dual exhaust.
Inside, the new interior boasts of new materials and several convenience features. It’s easier to kick back and relax with steering mounted controls for cruise and audio, and a 12-inch LCD display cluster.
A new Pony button allows the driver to customize his ride with various settings for a louder exhaust, steering mode and drive mode.
Now to the meat of the matter: the engine. Those that opt for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine will enjoy surprising performance as the engine produces 310 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
Of course, the 5.0L V8 engine is still king, putting out 460 horsepower with 420 lb-ft torque, thanks to an all-new port fuel and direct injection (PFDI) fuel delivery system.
Accelerating is an adrenaline pumping affair thanks to the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, available with both EcoBoost and V8 engines with a built-in manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters. Of course, there’s also the 6-speed manual exclusive to the V8 convertible.
Making the Mustang more enjoyable every day is the new Magneride Damping System —which are electronically-controlled shock absorbers with electromagnetic dampers.Put simply, these dampers can change suspension behaviour from smooth and soft to flat and taut for sharper cornering.
Motorheads will be most delighted by the new Active Valve Performance Exhaust which allows drivers to select between four exhaust modes - Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Track. There’s also a Quiet Start option for those early morning fun runs.
Best of all, Ford has included Track Apps, which are programs like an Accelerometer, G force, Acceleration Timer, Automatic countdown, Brake Performance, Lap timer, and Launch control and Line-lock (MT variants only).
Naturally, to keep a close watch on the driver and his antics are safety features like the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, Lane Keeping Assist,a Rear View Camera,and Adaptive Cruise Control.
“The Mustang is full of history and heritage, and its updated design, performance enhancements, and new innovative features will give Mustang fans something to really get excited about,” said Gallega, during the Mustang’s unveiling.
Needless to say, both vehicles were swamped by onlookers, passionate Ford fanatics and even interested buyers. Whatever you desire, be it for Work or Play, Ford certainly has car enthusiasts covered.
These are just a few of the many new features in Ford’s new Expedition and Mustang line. To know more about what they have to offer, visit www.Ford.com.phto locate a dealer and schedule a test drive. You can also find them on Facebook by searching Ford Philippines.