Ford busts the big boy out for GITEX
Explorer makes “official” UAE debut
by Imthishan Giado
Just ahead of the Dubai Motor Show, the Ford Explorer has finally made its “official” debut at GITEX Technology Week. Even though it’s been out for ages, and anyone could walk into an Al Tayer showroom and buy one since the summer. But we digress.
GITEX is an oddly appropriate venue for the Ford’s new SUV to appear; it’s got more gadgets and gizmos in it than James Bond’s mobile phone. The MyFordTouch system with its touch-based controls for – well, everything – is one of those gee-whiz features that’s sure to have people lining up to cop a feel. Us, we’ll reserve judgement till we get the car in and have a good grope (oh dear – Ed) but it’ll certainly grab your attention.
The styling’s certainly crisp and modern and masks the fact this is actually a very big car, a real full-size SUV. It’s not as rough-and-tough as the old girl, but it’ll fit in better with Dubai’s malls and cafes. If you want to check out the Explorer, hop along to GITEX at the Trade Centre (not the Shopper at Airport Expo) in Shaikh Saeed Hall.
These helpful chaps (including our own Peter Gladstone, second from left) will even let you have a test drive, as well as a chance to check out the new automated parking gizmo. If you hit anything, don’t say we sent you.
