New Ford Everest aiming for the top

Set to compete in the growing SUV market, Ford introduced the latest iteration of its Everest. On the front, the Everest received a new grille with the distinctive three bars and contrasting texture to the chrome while the lower bumper also saw design changes with the incorporation of a horizontal beam. The Everest Limited derivative saw the addition of new machine-cut 20-inch alloy wheels fitted to all four corners. Exterior accents will now get a two-layer glossy metallic paint instead of the single-layer satin metallic. Ford has also added an exterior body colour called Diffused Silver which presents itself in metallic beige.

On the inside, Ford has added a new range of materials for the upholstery and introduced the Ebony option which will have your SUV fitted with dark materials which accentuates brightwork on the facia and centre console. The Everest Limited will have the addition of perforated leather, shadow chrome finishes and contrast stitching to set itself apart.

Fitted as standard on all derivatives you will find, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Trailer Sway Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control on 4×4 models, Load Adaptive control and Roll Over Mitigation while the Limited enjoys the addition of keyless entry, Semi-Automatic Parallel Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Auto High Beam Control.

The updated Everest will also get the SYNC^®3 infotainment system with navigation as standard on all variants. Integrated into the facia of the Limited variant you will find an 8.0-inch touch-screen colour display from which you can link the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto or navigate the through the 3D, Tracks4Africa map which include over 20 African countries while the XLS range comes fitted with a 4.2-inch colour screen and Ford SYNC 1 system, Bluetooth, USB and AUX port installed.

Improving ride quality, the new Everest has its front-mounted stabiliser bar fitted behind the front axle which allows for a reduction in the front spring rates. The jounce bumper has also been relocated from the lower control arm to the damper rod at the top of the suspension, further reducing the load on the suspension bushes. Under the bonnet of the updated Everest comes one of the most significant changes with the introduction of the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engine, which produce 157 kW and 500 N.m of torque, into the XLT 4×2, 4×4 and Limited models with the 3.2-litre five-cylinder TDCi engine still available for the XLT 4×4. The XLT 4×2 will also be available with the new 2.0-litre Single Turbo powertrain which produces 132 kW and develops 420 N.m of torque while the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine remains an option for the XLS 4×2 guise.

The new engine line-up will both be coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission which comes with Progressive Range Select system fitted. The Progressive Range Select system will allow the driver to lock out selected gears and the transmission will then automatically skip those gears while shifts occur. The 2.2 and 3.2 Duratorq TDCi engines are both coupled to the existing six-speed automatic transmission.

“The Everest has given Ford an important foothold in the SUV segment which continues to grow in South Africa and around the world as buyers opt for versatile, family-oriented vehicles that suit their active lifestyles,” Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

Pricing and warranties

All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.

2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×2                                               R499 900

2.0 SiT XLT 10AT 4×2                                                R584 900

2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4×2                                                R624 100

3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4×4                                               R644 000

2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4×4                                                R687 700

2.0 BiT Limited 10AT 4×4                                          R761 200