Already available in certain market since last year, the visual updates are subtle and consist of a redesigned grille, a reshaped lower front bumper, updated headlights with integrated daytime running LEDs, newly designed 20-inch alloy wheels for the flagship Limited and a new Diffused Silver paint option.
While not much has changed inside with the exception of upgraded materials and a chrome-like finish for the Limited, the array of standard equipment and safety features has with the model in question receiving the semi-automated Park Assist system, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert, Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Auto High Beam Control, Tyre Pressure Monitor, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist.
As well as the inclusion of keyless entry and start, a feature also added to the mid-range XLT, a category Thatcham alarm is standard on all models, with four-wheel-drive versions featuring Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, Load Adaptive Control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.
The biggest changes have however taken place underneath the skin where the front stabiliser bar has been relocated to the rear of the front axle, while the dampers have been retuned and the so-called ‘jounce bumper’ moved from the lower control arm to the damper itself in an attempt to reduce road noise and improve comfort.
Continuing with the underneath the skin changes, the Everest, like the Ranger, has been reworked up front with the inclusion of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine in both single and bi-turbo configurations, with the latter, which also powers the imminent Ranger Raptor, replacing the 3.2-litre TDCi five-cylinder as the new flagship motor.
At the lower end of the range, the XLS model keeps the 2.2-litre motor that produces an unchanged 118 kW and 385 N.m, but, like the rest of the Everest line-up, comes solely with an automatic gearbox with both the six-speed manual and four-wheel-drive options having been dropped.
In XLT guise, the aforementioned 3.2-litre engine carries on with outputs of 147 kW and 470 N.m, albeit now only available with 4WD. Like the 2.2, only a six-speed automatic gearbox is offered. In single turbo guise, the EcoBlue pumps out 132 kW and 420 N.m, while the addition of a second blower sees power and torque go up to 157 kW and 500 N.m. Teamed to both engines, the latter engine reserved for the Limited, is the new 10-speed automatic gearbox that has been co-developed with General Motors.
A four year/120 000 km warranty and six year/90 000 km service plan are standard across the range.
PRICING
Everest 2.2 TDCi XLS AT – R499 900
Everest 2.0 SiT XLT AT – R584 900
Everest 2.0 BiT XLT AT – R607 600
Everest 2.0 BiT XLT 4×4 AT – R669 500
Everest 3.2 TDCi 4×4 XLT AT – R626 900
Everest 2.0 BiT Limited 4×4 AT – R741 100
