Ford Explorer 2016 ‘Best Midsize SUV’

The new 2016 Ford Explorer has been named “Best Midsize SUV” in the prestigious Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards. Judged by a panel of 12 ‘motoring minds’ from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Levant countries, the Middle East Car of the Year is the biggest, most coveted award of the regional automotive industry. “We are pleased with this recognition for the 2016 Ford Explorer,” said Thierry Sabbagh, managing director of Ford Middle East. “Explorer set the standard for Sport Utility Vehicles when it was first introduced in the 90’s, and it continues to build on its heritage as the mid-size SUV leader with outstanding Built Ford Tough capability, technology, convenience and comfort.” According to industry numbers, in 2015, Explorer led its segment in the GCC with a 40 percent share, and continues to top its category through Q1 of 2016. Building on 25 years of innovation and sales leadership, the new 2016 Ford Explorer features a refreshed and sharp new design in addition to its generous interior space. It is engineered specifically for people seeking adventure time with their families and a way to express their individuality. Rugged – that’s the word that inspired the designers creating the look of the new Ford Explorer. Exterior styling updates – such as positioning the grille and LED headlamps even higher, adding a new closed-off lower roof rack with channels that cascade rainwater off the vehicle and a new rear spoiler – also improve aerodynamics. The 2016 Explorer features more robust headlamps, with available LED signature lighting, standard LED low-beams and available LED fog lamps. Visible heat-sink structures for cooling the LED headlamps are a meaningful detail. These radiator-like grilles are typically hidden behind the light cluster, but on Explorer they are part of a complex headlamp design that puts innovation on display. — SG