C O V E R     S T O R Y

I’ve always taken a liking to bright, red wrapping paper.  There’s a sensation of butterflies in the stomach, coupled with anticipation that makes the entire experience worth it—it’s just short of actually crapping in the pants.

Of course, the contents of the ever-inviting wrapper may not always live up to expectations, as experiences of the past Christmas can vouch for this.  On the other hand, it could be the complete opposite, where the contents may actually bring a teary-eyed experience—rainbow colored socks is a good example.

With the bight, red exterior paint and huge size, the all-new Ford Expedition is surely like any Christmas dream come true.  With all of Ford’s techno-babble about improvements and changes, this is surely one inviting piece of machinery to drive—the anticipation heightened further because of the still-present new car smell (less than 2,000 kilometers).  Step into the world of this new king of the SUV hill and experience one of the biggest surprises in the automotive industry.

Despite the nearly 1.5 million-peso price tag, the 2003 model XLT is the best full-sized SUV money can buy.  There are simply no compromises in here—everything has been well thought of and executed, that Ford has brought their flagship model into another dimension.  Compared to its aging competition, the Expedition has come in, not as just the most muscular, but as the most refined and well-executed of the lot.

Beneath the brand-new sheet metal, the XLT is still powered by the potent Triton V8 engine.  This SOHC two-valve per cylinder engine still has the same 4.6-liter displacement—changing neither the overall power nor torque output.  Nonetheless, the figures generated by this venerable engine are nothing to be ashamed of: 232 bhp and 395 Nm—figures still unmatched by most of its rivals.

The surprise comes from the how this engine delivers the goods.  Unlike rivals’ turbo diesels which are lethargic below the forced induction kick-in point, this high-displacement petrol’s power band is wide and flat.  Acceleration whether from a stand still or moving at 75 km/h is brisk and seemingly endless, despite the Ford’s 2288-kilogram curb weight.  The exhaust note is fruity, with a hint of sports car flair, and paired with the revised four-speed electronically controlled automatic, it pushes this behemoth to speeds above the legal limit in absolutely no time.  Close your eyes (not while driving!) and from the sound and acceleration you might imagine you were in a Mustang. 

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