Ford Bronco review

How many people can the Bronco carry?

Four in the 3dr, five in the 5dr. The rear seats fold flat and the boot is big. It’s not that easy to load, since you have to swing the lower part of the tailgate open sideways and then lift the glass vertically. That’s because the whole back section can be lifted off as part of the full al fresco experience. It also explains why a lot of the cabin switchgear is rubberised and weather proof – the cockpit is designed to be hosed down.

Up front once you’ve hoisted yourself high up into the cabin past the frameless doors you’ll find seats that aren’t that supportive, but are comfortable and have a massive range of adjustment. The centre touchscreen is good and there’s full phone integration and good functionality, but the instrument pack ahead of the driver – inspired by the original apparently – is much less impressive. There’s only a small bar view of the revs, while most of the useful information is contained in a narrow column on the right hand side. It’s awkward to use and poorly laid out.

Is it well built?

Quality isn’t in the Land Rover league, if that’s what you mean. No issues with how well things are screwed together, but the quality of the plastics isn’t great. The design more than makes up for that. You sit with a commanding view out through an upright windscreen, the perimeter of the bonnet easily visible thanks to the tie down hooks mounted at the leading edges, while there’s a pleasing robust chunkiness to the design.

Yes it’s unusual having the mirror and window switches on the transmission tunnel, but they’re there because with a supplied spanner you can remove the doors. Two doors and the front two roof panels can store in the boot – remove more than that and they’ll have to be left behind. The roof panels are simple, rugged and easy to latch in and out. The back section over the boot will need at least two of you.

But when’s it all done you have a surf truck ready for action. Granted this makes more sense in California than Cardiff.