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Designed from the Inside Out

Staff, Wednesday October 31, 2001.

Page 1 of 1

The key to Explorer?s spacious cabin lies beneath the floor.

The Explorer?s all-new independent rear suspension (IRS) system allowed engineers to use innovative packaging techniques to create one of the most spacious interior packages of any 4WD.

In addition to providing space for optional third-row seating - which can accommodate two adults and gives the vehicle capacity for up to seven passengers - Explorer offers more front-row leg room and shoulder room than the previous model.

?The Explorer was designed from the inside out. Giving customers one of the most spacious and user-friendly interiors of any 4WD was a key driver throughout the vehicle's development. The design team developed new and innovative ways to maximize space and utility,? Ford SUV and Light Commercial Marketing Manager, Kevin Lillie said.

The new IRS played a large part in the process.

The IRS provided significant package advantages because engineers did not need to leave room beneath the floor for a conventional differential to move up and down.

In fact, the IRS configuration permits the rear floor of the vehicle to be lowered nearly 18cm. This lower floor allows the new Explorer to offer a third-row seat with plenty of headroom, without compromising cargo space or utility. Even with the lower floor, overall ground clearance was able to be improved by 2.5cm, strengthening the vehicle's off-road capabilities.

All-new third-row seat

Explorer's optional third-row seat creates seating capacity for up to seven adults and cargo.

Careful attention was paid to the ease of access to the third row. As a result, the second-row seats can be folded down with one hand. A pneumatic lifter flips the second-row seats up and out of the way. A one-hand operation returns the second row to its seating position. A lever on the back of the second row makes exiting easy for passengers sitting in the third row.

Likewise, folding the third-row seat easily can be accomplished with one hand. When both the second and third rows are folded, they present a flat 115cm by 200cm cargo surface stretching from the front seats to the liftgate. The area can accommodate building materials, as well as ski gear and other items for active lifestyles.

The second-row seat splits 40/20/40 for easy access to the third row from either side of the vehicle. For cargo carrying, the splits provide versatility to load long objects on the floor on either side or in the centre.

Regardless of the activity, Explorer's fold-flat cargo area is designed for versatility without the need to remove seats.

?People have told us over and over that they want the seat to disappear when it's folded. They don't want to have to remove the seats," Mr Lillie said.

?Customers also want simplicity and the ability to manoeuvre the seats with one hand.?

To keep third-seat passengers comfortable, they have their own juice and beverage holders and an auxiliary air-conditioning unit mounted in the ceiling panel.

Third-row passengers aren't the only beneficiaries of Explorer's increased interior space. The driver has more room, thanks to a longer seat track.

More room all around

Between the front seats, the console is wider due to the driver and passenger seats being further apart. The glove box also is larger. The driveshaft tunnel is smaller in the second row to improve foot room. Third-row passengers have a completely flat floor underfoot.

On vehicles fitted with a third row seat an overhead console holds sunglasses and a garage door opener.

All seats are easier to access, due to a new body design that moves the rocker panels inboard, behind the doors. The seats are closer to the ground in Explorer, and closer to the door opening, which makes them easier to reach. The design also allows for a wider running board, while the grab handles for the rear seat are now more conveniently located on the B-pillar.

Another benefit of Explorer's roomy new interior is storage space. Overall cargo volume is increased compared with the previous model - and matches the best of the competition without added vehicle length.

In addition, a dramatically larger storage bin is located in the rear quarter panel, with plenty of room for torches and jumper leads.

Explorer also offers two under-floor cargo areas in the five-passenger configuration or one under-floor bin with the optional third-row seat. The lids for these bins are removable and waterproof, so they can be used as a ground cover if a driver is ever faced with changing a tyre on muddy terrain.

The new Explorer has two more cup holders than previously - eight in total - including two compartments in the front doors designed specifically to hold water bottles or soft drinks. Front-door map pockets are larger - enough to hold a three-ring binder.

New rear liftgate passes 'shopping cart test'

The new-design rear liftgate offers big improvements.

When designing it, engineers studied how people use the liftgate and how it could be made to be more convenient.

The result is a design with a larger liftglass and lower ?liftover? height. The liftgate bottom is designed to serve as a wall to keep bottles and cans from rolling out onto the parking lot. The liftgate height is designed for easy loading of groceries.

Attention to detail aids ergonomics, comfort, quality and convenience

In addition to being spacious, Explorer is designed with a pleasingly modern and ergonomic passenger compartment with high standards of comfort, quality and convenience.

A full-time ergonomist worked with Explorer's development team - ensuring that the layout of controls and displays is clear, logical and well ordered for maximum usability.

The ergonomics efforts were combined with an analysis of how the vehicle's various components relate to one another and contribute to the overall perception of quality inside and outside the vehicle.

As part of the process, every control an occupant is likely to touch was tested and retested - and then modified as necessary.

Inside, the knobs, buttons and controls are logically laid out, and the most frequently used controls and displays - such as those on the audio system and message centre - are located highest on the instrument panel. Graphics for climate controls are larger for easier readability, and the driver's side lumbar adjustment knob is redesigned for easier operation.

On the Limited, additional controls for the radio and climate control are located on the steering wheel and are lighted for easy access and readability. Tactile cues on the control buttons make it possible to use them without glancing down. Interior map and courtesy lights are placed and aimed to provide an even level of illumination from every seating position.

The front-seat climate controls on Limited have dual-zone controls, which allow both the driver and passenger to specify separate temperature levels. An auxiliary climate control system for the rear seating area is standard on all models fitted with a third row seat. Air ducts are shaped to speed the flow of heated or cooled air for faster response. Solar glass helps to shield the interior from the sun's heat.

The windshield washer reservoir is larger - enough to hold more than 4 litres of fluid. Likewise, the fuel tank was relocated to the right side of the vehicle, to gain space for increased fuel capacity. The fuel gauge sensor was moved to the middle of the tank to help ensure the most accurate readings.

Auxiliary power points in the front console and second row seating area accommodate plug-in accessories, such as phones, games and air pumps. Devices such as the radio and power windows remain functional up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off, but accessory power is cut during starting to ease strain on the battery. Likewise, a battery saver function turns off interior lights approximately 10 minutes after the ignition is switched off to help prevent drain.

A larger rear wiper offers better rear visibility in inclement weather. An approach lamp in the bottom of each side mirror illuminates the vehicle at night.

Wider, more substantial optional running boards provide convenient access to the interior. A sturdy roof rack offers a place to carry bulky items that don't fit in the fold-flat rear cargo area. The roof rack has adjustable crossbars and tie-downs and is rated to carry 90kg. With available accessories, it can carry bicycles, up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, a kayak or canoe.

Another small detail changed was the key fob, which now incorporates a liftgate button.

PACKAGE CHANGES AT A GLANCE

Wider stance improves appearance, handling and roominess - while maintaining the same vehicle length and height.

New independent rear suspension allows for a new optional third-row seat, seven-passenger seating capability and improved ride and handling.

Larger door openings and lower step-in height aid ingress and egress.

Grab handles for the rear seat are now more conveniently located on the B-Pillar.

Front seats are located closer to the door openings.

Grab-through handles make opening doors easier.

Longer front-seat seat travel improves the seating position for taller and shorter customers.

New 40/20/40 second-row seat adds flexibility for carrying cargo and people - and allows easy access to the third row.

New lower liftover for rear glass makes loading groceries and cargo easier.

Larger storage features throughout the vehicle.

Relentless attention to details aids ergonomics, comfort, quality and convenience.

For further information, please contact
Ford Australia Communications
Phone: 03-9359 8491

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