Latest news with #SYNC4
Top Gear
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Ford Puma Gen-E Interior Layout & Technology
Interior What is it like on the inside? The regular Puma was refreshed back in 2024. That brought the new squircle steering wheel seen here, a 12.8in digital instrument display and a 12.0in centre touchscreen, as well as deleting pretty much all the switchgear. The biggest difference is the two-tiered centre console, made possible by the lack of a gear lever and manual handbrake. That allows for more storage, a wireless phone charger and a sliding armrest. At least, if you don't mind sacrificing the rearmost cupholder. There's plenty of large pockets – it's far less poky in here than a Renault 4, for example. Some foam padding where your knees rest would have been nice to cushion out any bumps too. Advertisement - Page continues below Upper spec versions get suede upholstery and B&O speakers, but walking up the trim ladder doesn't add a great deal in the way of materials. Will my technophobe grandma be able to get on with it? Well, the widescreen digital instrument is clear and easy to read, if slightly limited in customisability. And the base colour is brilliant white, which a) looks a touch low rent to us, and b) is a source of glare at night. Ugh. Worse though is that depending on your grandma's driving position, she might find the steering wheel does block the view of the display somewhat. In the centre of the dashboard the high-def infotainment display boasts Ford's latest SYNC 4 system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus built-in Alexa. So yeah, it's big, meaning she shouldn't have a problem seeing it. We've found it to be laggy though, which might put off younger, less patient generations of driver. Advertisement - Page continues below Will she be able to fit the grandkids in at least? Depends how old the grandkids are. While space is fine up front, in the rear the position of the battery underneath the floor means any lankier teens might find their legs up by their ears. Headroom feels adequate, at least. But the Gen-E's real trump card is its boot, with up to 523 litres making it even bigger than that of the standard Puma. Ford's 'MegaBox' (the deep rubber-lined tub that sits below the boot floor, complete with plughole that allows you to jetwash it out) having morphed into a 'GigaBox'. More room for dirty wellies. Fold the seats down and you get 1,283 litres of space, and if you're still lacking room for gubbins there's always a 43-litre frunk to chuck anything extra in too. Though, we reckon that's best kept for storing and accessing any dirty charging cables.
Top Gear
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Ford Ranger Interior Layout & Technology
Interior What is it like on the inside? We'll start with the obvious: that huge portrait central touchscreen, measuring 10.1in in lower spec models, and 12in in upper spec models. It runs Ford's SYNC 4 operating system, and take it from us, it's an excellent bit of kit; easy on the eye, logical to operate, and smooth functioning. Though we'd be slightly worried about using our mucky paws on it after a hard day's graft. In front of the driver sits an eight-inch or 10.1in digital instrument cluster depending on the spec, but you get the usual physical switchgear on the steering wheel, and while almost everything is now controlled through said screen, Ford has also used common sense and retained the aircon controls, which are situated directly beneath, plus a few drive mode buttons on the centre console. Advertisement - Page continues below More family hauler, less workhorse, then? Sure, the cabin itself feels a general step up in quality over the previous generation Ranger, with premium materials and soft touch plastic throughout, but the answer to that question really depends on the spec you go for. Base-spec models are more rugged by nature and don't pack quite the same creature comforts as upper models, with the range getting ever posher as you work your way up. More on that on the Buying tab, but the Wildtrack that we tested certainly felt as though it could be used for family duties with few complaints. The top-spec Platinum almost feels too posh for work purposes with its fancy leather trim. You sit high, with a commanding view over the road, while the seats are hugely comfortable and plenty supportive. Rear visibility isn't great, but rear sensors and camera are thankfully standard fit. There's more space in the rear compared with the previous generation thanks to the longer wheelbase and wider track too. Any gimmicks of note? Well, the bed is now plastic-moulded to protect owners' knees (and against scratches), and it's now wide enough to fit a full-size pallet loaded sideways. There's also extra tie-down points to secure loads, dividers to stop timber or toolboxes sliding around, a tailgate that doubles up as a workbench and a lighting system – touchscreen or app controlled – to help you see what you're doing in the dark. Advertisement - Page continues below Browsing the spec list also revealed a 'Power to the Box' feature on top-spec models, which allows you to use tools, recharge batteries, or run appliances such as a kettle – because you can never have too much coffee – directly from the load bay. Handy. The power closing load bay cover is also pretty cool, but an expensive way to be lazy at £1,800. Anything I need to know about the hybrid? The only real differences are a few different displays on the inside, some buttons to control when you want to run on electric only, and a small 31mm ramp in the bed that allows the battery to sit underneath using a modified frame. So yes, there is ever so slightly less space in the back than you'd find in the diesel. One major bonus though is the addition of Ford's Pro Power Onboard tech. You'll have to tick an option box to get it (although it's free of charge on the top-spec Stormtrak), but it's well worth it with the option of a hefty 6.9kW system that could run a compact cement mixer, an angle grinder and floodlights all at the same time. Impressive. There's also a lighter 2.3 kW system that could run things like a portable fridge or charge e-bikes.
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Major car company issues huge recall with over one million vehicles affected
Ford has issued one of the largest recalls in the company's history after more than one million vehicles were affected. Here, we take a look at the full list of models affected Ford Motor Company has issued one of its largest ever recalls, affecting over a million vehicles due to safety concerns. The issue lies with the rear camera system, specifically impacting the SYNC 4 system, and is considered a significant risk to road safety, heightening the likelihood of accidents. Over a million cars will be returned to dealerships for repairs to their rear cameras. The recall affects all models equipped with the SYNC 4 system manufactured between 2021 and 2025, as reported by Reuters. The problem involves the cameras freezing, lagging or failing to activate when the vehicle is put into reverse. This failure contravenes the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) no. 111 "Rear Visibility", which stipulates that rear cameras must display within two seconds of shifting into reverse. The fault originates from an error in the SYNC 4 accessory interface module, specifically versions 1.7 to 1.9. This software glitch prevents the rear camera from correctly synchronising with the driver's actions, leading to loss of image, reports the Daily Record. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alerted Ford to the issue in January 2025 after receiving 37 complaints from owners and 15 reports of frozen images. One minor accident has been linked to this defect. Ford will be recalling vehicles via a software update that can be sent remotely (OTA), meaning drivers won't need to visit a dealership unless they choose to. Official notices to owners will be dispatched between 16 and 20 June, 2025. Ford's engineering team is currently working to identify the cause and implement the necessary update. Ford has released a comprehensive list of affected models, with some of the key models being: Ford F-150 (2021-2023) Ford Bronco (2021) Ford Edge (2021) Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021, manufactured in Mexico) Ford Expedition (2022) Ford Transit (2022 and 2025) Ford Escape (2023) Ford Ranger (2024) Ford Mustang (2024) Lincoln Nautilus (2021) Lincoln Navigator (2022) Lincoln Corsair (2023) The full list also includes Super Duty versions of the F-150 such as the F-250 up to the F-600. To find out if your car is part of the recall, you can visit Ford's website here. This follows recent recall documents submitted in the US by Tesla, Mazda and Kia. Documents recently filed with the NHTSA relate to nearly 64,000 Ford compact pickup trucks, amid concerns about an airbag indicator light that could become loose or dislodged and not visible to vehicle occupants. Owners of 2025 Maverick trucks will be offered a free repair as dealers will fit airbag indicator light retaining clips at no cost. Some Tesla drivers have also been notified. Although only 172 vehicles are involved in this recall, affected vehicles include certain 2026 Model Y vehicles, manufactured in April 2025. The issue is linked to the hose connector in the windscreen wipers which may become blocked, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windscreen. Tesla has announced it will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector for free, with affected drivers expected to receive letters informing them of the issue by the end of July. In other news, over 82,000 KIA vehicles are at risk of recall due to concerns about parking lights potentially failing to illuminate. The issue has been identified in certain 2025 K5 models, which could result in reduced visibility. A fault in the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) software may cause parking lights to flicker. Meanwhile, Mazda has found a problem with some of its Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units, which could trigger an error code and deactivate the airbags due to a low battery condition. This could have serious consequences as airbags might not deploy in the event of a crash. Mazda's North American Operations division has issued a recall for certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 models.
NZ Autocar
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Ford brings Tourneo Courier to Fieldays
Making its New Zealand debut at Fieldays 2025, Ford's Tourneo Courier is a compact multipurpose vehicle. Ford says it is designed to take active families away on weekends, or for work and road trips. The company adds that the multi-activity vehicle packs SUV style and practical features into a city-friendly footprint. But it can still swallow five people and all their gear. Powering the 4.34m long five-door is a 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol delivering 92kW of power and 200Nm of torque. It features an active grille shutter for optimised efficiency. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard. Designed to stand out The Active series' two-tone paint, machined alloy wheel faces and body cladding were all part of the original design. An upright grille with integrated headlamps gives a sense of width (1800mm) and stance. SUV influences wrap a roomy cabin with large windows. Amko Leenarts, Design director, Ford, Europe commented: 'We designed Tourneo Courier to help customers get the most out of life…and the exterior design expresses that 'no-nonsense' character. 'The SUV-inspired design is rugged outside and roomy inside, providing a tough, eager partner for our customers' busy lifestyles' he added. A versatile cabin The interior's digital experiences are powered by a built-in modem as standard which enables wireless software updates for multiple modules. Inside is an eight-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 infotainment which places music, podcasts, navigation and many vehicle settings within easy reach. A digital cluster replaces analogue dials. Drivers can view their speed, traffic signs, navigation alerts and other vehicle information simultaneously, and configure the side displays to suit. A wireless charging pad, USB ports and standard wireless smartphone hook up mean occupants can stay connected. Drivers who use a phone for navigation, music or hands-free calls can clip it to the built-in phone mounting fin, making it safe but visible. There are multiple storage sites across the dash and doors. Packed with practicality Tourneo Courier's interior is designed for space and practicality, with generous room for passengers and luggage. The large tailgate keeps rain off, facilitating loading and unloading. Cubbyholes built into the side panels are designed for muddy boots or loose items. With the rear seats in place or flipped, Tourneo Courier offers 708/1656 litres of luggage space, respectively. Meantime, a three-seat rear bench offers generous head- and shoulder room. The seats are split 60/40, and fold and flip to help carry items up to 1.4m long. Tourneo Courier Active is designed to suit outdoors adventures. Seats are part-trimmed in soft technical fabric that's easy to clean, isn't affected by wet clothes, and doesn't feel cold to touch in winter. Large sliding side doors make it easy to jump aboard or strap young children into their car seats. They also avoid damaging or denting other cars when opening the rear door in tight parking spaces. An efficient enjoyable drive Confident driving dynamics, and a responsive powertrain make Tourneo Courier easy to drive in town or on the open road. Utilising Ford's latest compact vehicle platform, every Tourneo Courier comes with a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems including lane keeping, pre-collision assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist (keeps speed under the posted speed limit), driver alert and cruise control. The Tourneo Courier is available to order today, with arrivals scheduled for Q4 this year. The Tourneo Courier Active goes on sale for $55,990 plus ORCs. Ford Transit Courier As part of a double act at Fieldays, Ford'sTransit Courier is also on show, with first examples due later this year. Dubbed Transit Courier DCiV, it features a large, flexible cargo area, five-seat configuration, and a 'fold and tumble' rear seat that increases the rear load space. The load area and cabin design include customer-led features to boost productivity and comfort while at work. Multiple driver assistance technologies have made Transit Courier the first van to receive a Five-Star safety award from EuroNCAP using the latest protocols. Paul Heagerty, Ford Transit marketing manager, said: 'The all-new Transit Courier delivers the capability of a larger van while keeping the footprint compact. 'It's smart both inside and out and will be an ace in the hand for NZ businesses.' The Transit Courier uses the same powertrain as Tourneo Courier. It too is available to order from local Ford dealers today, with arrivals estimated in Q4 this year. The RRP is $49,990 plus ORCs.
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Major motor company issues one of its largest recalls with over 1 million cars affected
The motor company joins four others that have also recently submitted recall documents A major motor company has launched one of the largest recalls in its history, with more than one million cars affected. Ford Motor Company announced this week that it has recalled more than one million units of vehicles. This is due to safety concerns. The vehicles have shown problems with the rear camera system. This defect mainly affects the SYNC 4 system and has been considered a real threat to road safety, increasing the risk of a crash. One million cars will be sent back to go back to the dealership to fix their rear cameras. The recall impacts all models with the SYNC 4 system that were manufactured between 2021 and 2025, according to Reuters. The issue pertains to the cameras freezing, lagging, or not turning on when the vehicle starts reversing. This means they're failing to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) no. 111 "Rear Visibility" which requires that rear cameras must display within two seconds after shifting into reverse. The problem arose from a fault in the SYNC 4 accessory interface module, specifically in versions 1.7 to 1.9. This software error is why the rear camera doesn't link up correctly with the driver's action, causing the image losses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) alerted Ford to the issue in January 2025 after receiving 37 complaints from owners and 15 reports of frozen images. One minor accident has been reported in relation to the defect. The recall will be done via a software update that Ford will send remotely (OTA), meaning drivers don't need to go to a dealership unless they want to. Official notices to owners will be sent between June 16 and June 20, 2025. Ford said its engineering team is working to pinpoint the cause and bring about the necessary update. Ford published an extensive list of the affected models, but some of the main models are: Ford F-150 (2021-2023) Ford Bronco (2021) Ford Edge (2021) Ford Mustang Mach-E (2021, manufactured in Mexico) Ford Expedition (2022) Ford Transit (2022 and 2025) Ford Escape (2023) Ford Ranger (2024) Ford Mustang (2024) Lincoln Nautilus (2021) Lincoln Navigator (2022) Lincoln Corsair (2023) The complete list also includes Super Duty versions of the F-150 such as the F-250 up to the F-600. Wondering if your car is part of the recall? Visit Ford's website here to find out. It comes after Tesla, Mazda and Kia have also recently submitted recall documents in the US. Recently filed documents with the NHTSA pertain to nearly 64,000 Ford compact pickup trucks, with worries raised about an airbag indicator light that could be loose or dislodged and not visible to vehicle occupants. Owners of 2025 Maverick trucks will be offered a complimentary repair as dealers will fit airbag indicator light retaining clips free of charge. Some Tesla drivers have also been alerted. Although only 172 vehicles are involved in this recall, affected vehicles include certain 2026 Model Y vehicles, manufactured in April 2025. The issue is related to the hose connector in the windscreen wipers which may become blocked, stopping washer fluid from reaching the windscreen. Tesla has stated it will inspect and replace the wiper arm elbow connector for free, with impacted drivers expected to receive letters informing them of the issue by the end of July. Meanwhile, more than 82,000 KIA vehicles are at risk of being recalled following worries about parking lights potentially failing to illuminate. The problem has been identified in certain 2025 K5 vehicles, which could result in reduced visibility. A glitch in the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) software may cause parking lights to flicker. And Mazda has discovered a problem with some of its Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units, which could trigger an error code and deactivate the airbags due to a low battery condition. This could lead to serious repercussions as airbags might not deploy in the event of a collision. Mazda's North American Operations division has issued a recall for certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
