2 days ago, Ford concurrently unveiled the “Re-invented” Explorer at a number of media events around the United States and Canada. The main event held at New York City’s Herald Square with Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Ford also announces some model info, which will be available later this year. Variety from V6, XLT, Limited and possible a fully-loaded Limited – US$31,190 to US$48,000.

The all-new Explorer built on a uni-body platform derived from D3 platform rather than the separate frame of the outgoing model. Designed originally by Volvo for its 1999 S80, the D3 platform was first used in a Ford-badged product for the 2005 model year. The SUV comes with a road-oriented fully independent suspension and Ford’s optional “intelligent” 4-wheel-drive system.

The Explorer debut with a new EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and V6. The 2.0-litre turbo-charged inline-4 with direct injection delivers an estimated 237hp at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm. Ford says that fuel economy is up 30 percent over the outgoing Explorer V6. However, the EcoBoost will only be offered with front-wheel-drive. Moreover, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will introduce in various other Ford products in Europe, Asia and Australia.

Besides, Ford also offers a NA 3.5-liter V6 with estimated 290hp and 255 lb-ft. of torque. With the V6, Explorer owners can tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,260 kg). and the V6 will be available on both front and all-wheel-drive Explorers. The V6 comes from Ford’s Lima Engine Plant in Lima, Ohio, while the EcoBoost four-cylinder is an import from Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain. Both engines will be mated to 6-speed automatic transmission.

The XLT and Limited trim levels will feature a shifter-mounted +/- toggle switch for manual-style gearshifts. All models also feature electric power steering to reduce fuel consumption and assembly complexity. The electric steering combines with a new Curve Control feature, which works with the Explorer’s stability control and brakes to stabilize a vehicle that has entered a turn too quickly.

For your viewing pleasure, I am here presenting you the 2011 Ford Explorer Photo Gallery and Videos.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer

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 Video Gallery – YouTube

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The most obvious exterior difference compare to the current model would be the newly designed front and back bumper. The new front grille with a bar beside the Ford logo. There will be daytime LED lights between the headlight and the fog lights for certain variant of the upcoming Ford Mondeo.

The most interesting bit of the upcoming Forrd Mondeo would be under the bonnet. There will be the latest Ford engine with Ecoboost. Ford’s new Ecoboost on a 2.0 Litre are able to produce 200bhp and will go from 0-100km/h below 9 seconds.  Currently, in Malaysia we are having the 2.3Litre Duratec Petrol engine for the Ford Mondeo which produces 161 ps.

New gearbox will be in the upcoming Ford Mondeo 2011, Ford’s  new powershift transmission will be in the new Mondeo for the 1st time coming as standard with the 2.0-Litre EcoBoost engine. There will be other variant which using the 138bhp, 160bhp using the Duratorq TDCI engines.

There’s might be also a smaller 1.6-litre engine utilizing the EcoBoost available in the future. It is expected there will be a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, giving you a 180bhp.

The interior wise there will some light updates making the Ford Mondeo look smarter with better quality on the materials and fabrics.The new facelift Ford Mondeo will make appearance in Paris Motor Show September this year. We expect the new facelift Ford Mondeo will likely available 2011. We’ll just hope Ford Malaysia are able to bring in the 2.0 litre Ecoboost engine on the new facelift Mondeo with daylight LED retaining the similar pricing which is now - RM 174,101.80 (OTR w/o road tax, registration and insurance)

Photos From Autoexpress UK.

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The shape of the Ford Fiesta sedan reminds us of Mazda 2 sedan. Only thing good about the Ford Fiesta sedan version is probably more boot space. The photos here are from Bangkok Autoshow this year.

The Rear lights of the Ford Fiesta sedan is rather simple. The rear lights are totally different as compare to the hatchback version of Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Fiesta hatchback rear here looks much sportier with a nice “S” emblem. The  LED like rear lights and the spoiler certainly makes the Ford Fiesta a hot hatch.

You’ve seen some studio shot of Ford Fiesta that we are getting soon. You might seen the actual car during one of Ford Malaysia roadshows lately. Just a reminder what Ford Malaysia didn’t show you yet is we are getting the new facelifted version of Ford Fiesta which the above photo version. You can check out Ford Malaysia website and the one they show in the roadshows lately.

Both Ford Fiesta Sedan & Hatchback shares the same front bumper , headlights. The difference it’s only at the rear part of the car.

Enjoy the Ford Fiesta Sedan & Hatchback photos below that we expect this is what Malaysians are getting in 3rd quater this year. Not bad huh ? Do check out our overview of Ford Fiesta here.

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Sadly, Ford US did not use a hot chick to do this video – which is good because that might distract your attention. However it does show how “practical” is Ford Fiesta on our day to day basis usage. Enjoy the video  from Ford below.

Aside losing in a drag race Ford Fiesta wins by it’s good turning radius, good & sharp handling and it’s agility. As the video claim that Ford Fiesta US does have push start button too as compare to the Lamborghini Gallardo which requires a turn button.

Sad news now, based on our previous checks on our Ford Fiesta, likely we are not getting the push-start button in Malaysia. However we hope that Ford Malaysia can give us a “leaves  you speechless” – just like how Naza Kia Forte did, with the release of final specification on the Ford Fiesta in the 3rd quarter of this year(2010). Do check out our Ford Fiesta Overview posted earlier.

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Ford Motor Company and its local authorised distributor, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, are going a step further to provide customers with an enhanced ownership experience.  Effective 1st April 2010, Ford and Sime Darby AutoConnexion are offering industry leading Extended Service Plan (ESP) Premium Maintenance Coverage on Ford Focus, Mondeo and Escape models in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, the Extended Service Plan does not cover the Ford Fiesta and Ranger models. However, Ford is the first auto maker in Malaysia to offer an ESP, complementing its existing factory warranty coverage of three years or 100,000 kilometres.  This Extended Service Plan (ESP) covers regular checkups, routine inspections, preventative care and replacement of normal “wear and tear” items at no charge to the Ford’s owner.

In addition, the premium maintenance coverage includes:

• Engine oil and filter changes
• Multi-point inspections
• Replacement of brake pads and linings when worn
• Shock absorber replacements
• Spark plugs
• Clutch discs
• Engine belts
• Engine hoses
• Wiper blades

Extended Service Plan (ESP) cover the first three years or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Owners can be assured all maintenance on Ford vehicles are carried out by trained Ford technicians who use genuine Ford parts.

“Ford ESP delivers maximum protection to our customers by offering the most extensive service plan coverage in the market,” said David Westerman, Asia Pacific Regional Manager at Ford Export and Growth Operations. “At Ford, we’re constantly working to improve customer satisfaction, and this ESP commitment adds security and convenience while providing considerable cost savings for our customers throughout their ownership experience.”

Gallery: Ford Focus TDCi 2.0-litre Duratorq Turbodiesel

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Ford may not be a popular brand in Malaysia in the automotive industry, however with it’s attractive price ranging from RM75000 to RM85000, the Ford Fiesta sounds like another good option. The picture above shown here it’s the version we are getting 3rd quarter this year. The Ford Fiesta that has been displaying in either Sunway Pyramid or 1utama shopping mall is the pre-facelift model. I guess the reason why Ford Malaysia is preview is to check market response and also to tease some potential buyers to hold on for buying other cars right now within the price range.

Do check out our post Ford Fiesta Overview here. And for more photos check out the gallery below.

Overall we think Ford Fiesta is a good car, if you need more opinion or interested with the Ford Fiesta check out the 2 videos below.

Awesome Ford Fiesta Review by Top Gear UK

Informative Ford Fiesta Review by Fifth Gear UK

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If you have visited 1 Utama lately in the period of 7^th April to 11^th April 2010, most probably you have seen the Ford Fiesta Preview Roadshow at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama. If you are reading this before 11^th April 2010, go to 1 Utama and experience the stylish and sexy Ford Fiesta.

Go there, snap a photo of yourself and win exciting giveaways by posting it to “Ford Fiesta in Malaysia” Fanpage at Facebook.

If you have been following us recently, my team mate has posted an article about Ford Fiesta Previewing in Sunway Pyramid. Probably you will find those photos are blurry. Therefore, we make an effort to go down to 1 Utama to take a better shots. So that you can see it clearly how big is the trunk and how spacious inside the car.

The display car is actually a Singapore registered car and brought over by Sime Darby AutoConneXion for preview purposes. If you are interested, you can book it now.

Check out the Photo Gallery of Ford Fiesta Preview Roadshow at 1 Utama.

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Ford Malaysia has pre-launch their all-new Ford Fiesta which in somewhat coming in 3rd quarter this year. These picture which was taken awhile ago in Sunway Pyramid. This was the first time Ford Fiesta shown to Malaysia in public.

Ford Malaysia decided to show the more sporty Ford Fiesta to Malaysian first. However there will be a sedan version that will be shown later this year. Our sources also told us, there will be another preview of Ford Fiesta tomorrow in 1utama tomorrow 7th April to 11th April – but we are not sure whether the sedan version will be shown too.With a estimate pricing  from RM75,000 to RM85,000. The Ford Fiesta that will be launch soon here definitely it’s an attractive bargain.

The Ford Fiesta it’s fully imported – a CBU ( Complete Built-Up) unit from Thailand. Ford Fiesta Hatchback here as shown, has a few sporty element. While others would call their car as aerodynamically design, Ford would say this Ford Fiesta is Kinetic Design. Do check out the rear diffuser on the bumper and the rear spoiler.

While Mazda choose to go with smiley front fascia, Ford which is closely related to Mazda, decide to go the other way round for the front fascia. You be able to notice there are also a lower spoiler lip for the bumper with bodykit on the Ford Fiesta hatchback. Foglights will be available only on the Ford Fiesta 5-door sport.

Ford as an American brand, are not so “daring” in terms of designing their cars. In my opinion, their designs somewhat sits between the European design and Japanese designs. There will be 2 air-bags but based on specification it will only be available in the 5 door hatchback version of Ford Fiesta. Steering is not leather but it has standard audio controls.

Ford Fiesta comes in 2 engine, a 1.6L Duratec Ti-VCT paired with a 6-speed automatic dual-clutch Powershift and 1.4L Duratec, 5-speed manual. The 1.6 engine produces 120Ps @ 6000rpm while the 1.4 produces 96Ps. More goodies on the Ford Fiesta hatchback – there will be USB Connectivity and Bluetooth, only with the hatchback as stated.

This particular Ford Fiesta unit here it’s wrap with leather seats. But based on the estimate spec we receive it will be frabric, our guess is this could be an optional.

The Ford Fiesta comes in front discbrake and rear drum brakes. 15″ rims for the 1.6 sedan and 16″ rims for the 1.6 hatchback. The 1.6 hatchback also comes with sport suspension. Ford Fiesta also comes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as standard. While only the top of the range Ford Fiesta Hatchback will receive Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Traction Control System (TCS).

The Ford Fiesta also comes with Electronic Side Mirror control and6 speaker. Notice, that there’s a tweeter place in the door handle area, as comment from a fastmotoring fan “normally we don’t see other cars put tweeter there”.

The boot space of the Ford Fiesta hatchback is adequate just like a typical hatchback car.

The rear leg room of the Ford Fiesta is decent, much like what we get from the same range of vehicle like Mazda 2,Toyota Yaris.

The rear door of the Ford Fiesta hatchback.

The side mirror is attached on the car door panel.

The Ford Fiesta hatchback is attached with door visor.

As overall, we thinks that the Ford Fiesta is a quite a good bargain especially the hatchback version, judging on the specification information we receive. There are much more goodies which is only available in the hatchback version. The Ford Fiesta won many awards from countries all over the world. Many Malaysians would think about the resell value of Ford, however i believe with this Ford Fiesta in Malaysia with such a attractive price, it will at least change of some views.

I apologize for the some of the blurry photos as my usual camera was out of battery. Do check out our gallery below for some of the more detail shots and angle.

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The company also announced its plans to introduce the Ford and Peugeot-Citroen PSA co-developed 2.7-liter V6 turbo diesel engine to the Australian market Territory SUV. Ford said that the diesel powerplant will improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases compared to the 4.0-liter 6-cylinder petrol engine.

“Today’s announcements put Ford Australia in a strong position for profitable growth in today’s auto industry,” said Marin Burela, President & CEO of Ford Australia. “We are ensuring our core Falcon and Territory vehicles will have the most advanced, high-tech and cleanest engines possible. At the same time, this represents the biggest environmental transformation in the fifty-year history of Ford Falcon by giving buyers the newest engine in the Ford Motor Company stable.”

Apart from those announcement, Ford Australia said that it will also present a new, more technologically advanced version of its LPG engine for the Falcon sedan from the factory.

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