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I predict many manual buyers are like me - feel strongly about steering feel, chassis, fun, sound, manual interaction/connection and will tend to be enthusiasts that like a variety of vehicles. I had an extended test drive where the dealer loaned me the car for an afternoon and I came away very impressed. I like sports cars and cars that can be taken off-road 'purpose built' and I am kind of a diehard manual transmission fan. I was very disappointed when the manual was only offered in the 2.3L engine and after being fully committed to buying a Bronco I have been on the fence.
As of today I am leaning toward the 7MT Bronco - Here is why.
I am not a fan at all of electric steering and in general I find my preference to be older cars with hydraulic steering. The Bronco has fantastic steering, in fact it blew me away, they absolutely nailed it. This should be highlighted more in the reviews, but it feels like a more heavy direct hydraulic steering rack. Very similar to the Focus RS, the weighting and feel is fantastic. Driving dynamics are great, it is fun to drive and feels like an experience. I 'think' the manual will be very engaging from what I have seen many suggest it is similar to the Focus ST/RS which was one of the best modern manuals IMO.
My biggest gripe with the Bronco (the sound) could be overshadowed by the steering feel and manual transmission engagement. The perfect vehicle for me would be a loud raucous manual V8 Bronco, but that is not going to happen so it comes down to this question - Can I live with the sound/power of the 2.3L engine and for me the answer is, I think I can. It has character, it is punchy, and does not feel underpowered. The turbo lag - on boost off boost - was a fun unique experience.
All in all it comes down to the manual, I think that puts this over the top - a manual transmission off-roader is super exciting to me and despite my desire for a louder / more powerful motor, driving the 2.3 and imagining rowing my own gears I came back to the Bronco as a vehicle I will definitely purchase when my slot becomes available.
Just my $.02 from a car/truck/manual fanatic.....
As of today I am leaning toward the 7MT Bronco - Here is why.
I am not a fan at all of electric steering and in general I find my preference to be older cars with hydraulic steering. The Bronco has fantastic steering, in fact it blew me away, they absolutely nailed it. This should be highlighted more in the reviews, but it feels like a more heavy direct hydraulic steering rack. Very similar to the Focus RS, the weighting and feel is fantastic. Driving dynamics are great, it is fun to drive and feels like an experience. I 'think' the manual will be very engaging from what I have seen many suggest it is similar to the Focus ST/RS which was one of the best modern manuals IMO.
My biggest gripe with the Bronco (the sound) could be overshadowed by the steering feel and manual transmission engagement. The perfect vehicle for me would be a loud raucous manual V8 Bronco, but that is not going to happen so it comes down to this question - Can I live with the sound/power of the 2.3L engine and for me the answer is, I think I can. It has character, it is punchy, and does not feel underpowered. The turbo lag - on boost off boost - was a fun unique experience.
All in all it comes down to the manual, I think that puts this over the top - a manual transmission off-roader is super exciting to me and despite my desire for a louder / more powerful motor, driving the 2.3 and imagining rowing my own gears I came back to the Bronco as a vehicle I will definitely purchase when my slot becomes available.
Just my $.02 from a car/truck/manual fanatic.....
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