There are BIG things on show at Barry Maney Ford’s Jubilee Highway West dealership, with the new F-150 XLT and top of the range LARIAT models primed and ready for Limestone Coast drivers to experience the big rigs for themselves.
An early morning phone call from Barry Maney Ford had us quickly heading down the road and on arrival our LARIAT awaited.
Sitting alongside the regular Ford Ranger utility – and even the wider and more aggressive Raptor – the F-150 short-wheel base pick-up looks somewhat intimidating.
There is no denying these vehicles are large and have a reputation for being big, bold and boisterous, but after spending some time with the feature-packed flagship LARIAT, it became evident why so many people are eager to get their hands on the pick-up truck.
On the outside it screams “USA”. The pick-up’s large front grille, recognisable LED headlight design and chrome bumpers glisten alongside the Antimatter Blue paintwork and you instantly know the vehicle means business.
I could sit here and waffle on about the massive list of driver aids and safety features of the F-150, the abundance of technology such as the 12-inch digital instrument cluster and cameras that make parking and reversing a breeze, but the most impressive thing about my time with Ford’s F-150 LARIAT was just how good it drives and how much thought has gone into building the pick-up to cater for everything a buyer of this type of vehicle would ever want.
It’s incredible to be able to experience first-hand the advancements in vehicle build qualities and how a vehicle of this size in years past would have felt like dragging a big heavy truck around the city streets. But with the all-new Ford F-150 this just simply isn’t the case.
The steering is light, the power delivery and response from the 3.5-litre V6 twin turbo EcoBoost engine is instant, smooth and powerful, with 298kW of power and 678Nm of torque driving the wheels through a 10-speed transmission with full-time 4×4 driveline and on-demand engagement continually monitoring road conditions for optimal traction.
But what really stood out was how quiet, smooth and premium the pick-up truck felt for a vehicle that is often associated with being loud and ‘in your face’.
It really does feel like you’re driving a big family sedan. Sure at first it may be a bit daunting, but with just how comfortable and homely the pick-up is, you’re mind is put at ease and you’re feeling content behind the wheel in no time at all.
As expected, at highway speeds the pick-up is planted and stable, and when you head offroad the same comfortable drive is had. The F-150 eats up the humps and bumps with ease and gets you where you need to go without hesitation.
Inside the cabin is just as impressive, if not even better!
There is ample room for driver and front passenger, plenty of cup holders and charging points to keep devices powering along whether you’re out on the job site of living your best life on the open road towing the family caravan around Australia.
Hopping in the back there is plenty of room for three of even the tallest adults, while under seat storage including a partitioned lockable flat compartment is housed for even more cargo organisation.
It has to be mentioned that the massive panoramic glass roof and sunroof was fantastic when cruising around in the sunshine, but what I found extremely practical is how Ford has implemented a collapsible gear selector to enable the centre console to fold out flat and allow users to quickly park up or sit in comfort inside the vehicle to jump on a laptop and fire off some emails or check up on key details on the construction site.
The 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen Unleashed sound system is also worth a mention, because who doesn’t love cranking tunes in high quality when on a journey or job site!
If you’re looking for a new vehicle – or specifically a utility or pick-up truck that can do it all – you definitely need to check out the Ford F-150.
So what are you waiting for?
Jump online at www.barrymaneyford.com.au, contact the dealership on 8721 3400 or visit Barry Maney Ford at 199 Jubilee Highway West, Mount Gambier to book a time to kick up some dust in the all new Ford F-150 and experience it for yourself.
Your LARIAT awaits!
