When was the last time you gasped at the sight of a pick-up? Certainly, it’s not when you saw the neighbor’s new Isuzu Fuego or your friend’s new Nissan Frontier. No sir, I’m betting the last time you lusted over something with a cargo bed was with the Ford F-150.
Sure, the Explorer Sport Trac looked good, but somehow the F-150 spelled m-a-n. It’s something that can’t be mistaken as the transport of the weak-hearted considering its huge mass, huge fuel bills and high ride height.
It’s not surprising therefore that it’s America’s best-selling vehicle, period. Despite all the efforts of General Motors, Dodge, the Japanese and Greenpeace, America’s love affair with the F-150 is still very much intense. Who could blame them? After driving around its birthplace at Ford’s Rouge Plant in Detroit, the F-150 certainly deserves two thumbs up in my books.
Let’s see; first off are the looks: macho and mean but remaining sophisticated, much like Brad Pitt or Colin Farrell in an Armani. The styling details are refreshingly modern with the angular edges and the kinked side glass. Ford very much wanted to show the F-150’s orientation towards performance with its large egg-crate grille and large side view mirrors.
Though our test unit came in a subtle shade of blue, it can still very much make heads turn. It’s not just the bulk, mind you, as I’m in the land of Dodge Rams and Chevrolet Silverados too—it’s on-road presence. I, for one, can’t stop smiling at its gorgeous looks.
Literally hopping aboard, it’s immediately apparent that this one’s not just out to steal a space on your bedroom wall. It’s got a stylish, well-crafted interior that would put even a Honda to shame. From in here, I even could mistake the F-150 for a Lincoln.
The angular dashboard’s lay-out is simplistic with every control in easy reach. The switches are well damped, while the chrome and wood trim in our Lariat test unit felt very much in place—without the usual irksome tendency for us to throw up at the sight of fake timber. That’s a good start since the F-150 is designed as much for living as it’s for leisure.
Space inside the F-150 wasn’t given a passing thought as the new model has gobbles of it, enabling even our six-foot American colleague to fit comfortably. Like other large Fords, the seats are spacious and soft. The Lariat test unit, like the previous model, is equipped with hidden ‘suicide’ doors for easy access to the rear seats. Unlike before though, the rear windows are retractable—the first ever for a pick-up. The rear bench offers improved support and useable seat space—making the Lariat a true four to five-seater pick-up (it can also be folded 40/20/40 to accommodate small luggage).
Ford has reportedly spent big bucks designing the F-150, but did they give equal attention to the mechanicals? Definitely.
Cranking the V8 engine to life, I felt no discernable difference from the old 4.6-liter V8. However, as we hammered it, the 300 bhp and 495 Nm made its presence felt. As my right foot gained its own consciousness, I easily busted through Detroit traffic using the fat torque curve to my advantage. I could certainly thank the Triton V8’s multi-valve, Variable Camshaft Timing and electronic throttle control for my confidence.
Though the F-150 retains a suspension set-up similar to the old one, the new F-150 feels confident and planted—removing the barge-like sensation from before. Similarly, the spongy brake problem was solved with all-around disc brakes with bigger rotors.
The large power figures and truck drivetrain didn’t seem to deter the F-150 from having the quietest cabin in its class. We hardly heard wind or tire noise thanks to improved NVH insulation and thicker glass.
As much as we’d have liked to take the F-150 as far away as the next state, we weren’t given the green signal to do so. Still, even if our driving was predominantly city with a bit of highway, we were impressed with the performance of the new F-150. Typically, the improvements over the old would be modest—but not in this case. This is one vehicle that emerges as a great evolution from the one previous to it.
Although I don’t see this new one running on our streets thanks to its bigger bulk, it looks perfect for America’s vast road network. It’s a truck that’s now, more than ever, something for everyone. Gone are the unpretentious Farmer Joe looks and in comes sophistication. The McDonald’s of automobiles moves up a significant notch.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang and Jason Ang
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