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The new Ford Everest. Enhanced design, comfort and performance

Delivering books to rural schools on dirt roads is one thing. Driving a Ford Everest XLT is another. The Everest XLT just made the entire experience that much more rewarding. Spending four nights and five days with a vehicle can be a daunting task. I traversed, in convoy, through many 'dongas' and potholes, And I have to say that I'd prefer driving the Everest XLT on dirt roads rather than on tar. The ride on the off-roads is that more challenging. Never straightforward. The ride was always comfortable, despite all the many potholes we encountered. This was more than the ideal vehicle for the Rally to Read mission. And once on tar, I shifted the gear to Sports mode for that extra throttle and power, especially when overtaking.
Image credit: Naresh Maharaj
Image credit: Naresh Maharaj
Image credit: Naresh Maharaj
Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Seven-seater

Ford has made its sophisticated Everest seven-seater sport utility vehicle (SUV) more appealing and upmarket than ever with a range of styling, suspension and feature upgrades, complemented by the introduction of the advanced new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo and Single Turbo engines that recently debuted on the New Ford Ranger.

As Ford’s premium offering in the rapidly growing SUV market, the New Everest puts the emphasis on quality, refinement and luxury matched to exceptional space and practicality.

“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,” says Doreen Mashinini, general manager marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

Refreshed design

The New Everest communicates rugged off-road capability with a sense of refined artistry that takes Ford’s seven-seater SUV to a new level within the segment. The refreshed grille introduces a new level of depth to the design through the layering of three distinctive grille bars that exude exclusivity and luxury whilst presenting a sense of strength and robustness.

The lower bumper has been redesigned to accentuate width, incorporating a connected horizontal beam that has been added to the fascia insert, which gives the Everest even greater on-road presence.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj
Image credit: Naresh Maharaj
Image credit: Naresh Maharaj
Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Ford has also upped the ante in terms of overall quality and refinement, employing a more purposeful execution of colours and materials. Stronger contrasting elements are employed with the addition of the secondary grille texture against the chrome brightwork.

Quality and refinement

The New Everest provides premium levels of quality, outstanding interior space and maximum versatility – now with a selection of new, richer materials and design details that emphasize luxury and style throughout.

The introduction of the Ebony environment colour changes the entire ambience of the interior cabin. The added depth allows the details and bright work to stand out and further aligns the interior to the customer’s expectation for a premium SUV, complemented by a greater selection of soft-touch materials.

Adding further exclusivity to the cabin is the use of contrast stitching on the Everest Limited, along with shadow chrome finishes, perforated leather and high-quality paints that add further lustre to the upgraded interior.

Turbodiesel performance

One of the main defining features of the New Everest is the introduction of the all-new 2l bi-turbo and single turbo engines that recently debuted on the New Ranger.

The Bi-Turbo engine headlines the revised range, employing an innovative twin turbocharger set-up to improve both low-end torque and high-end power while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The maximum power output for the 2l bi-turbo engine is 157kW, matched to a peak torque figure of 500Nm – improvements of 10kW and 30Nm respectively compared to the existing 3.2l TDCi engine.

The new engine also offers exceptional refinement, with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness. It is available in the Everest XLT 4x2 and 4x4 models, as well as the top-spec Everest Limited.

Technology and safety

A new addition to the Everest’s impressive range of high-tech features is the Passive Entry and Passive Start (PEPS) system, fitted as standard on the XLT and Limited models.

The keyless entry and passive start uses an intelligent access system that allows the driver to unlock the vehicle and start the engine without removing the key fob from their pocket or bag.

When the key is in the vehicle, the driver simply presses the Start/Stop button while applying the brake pedal to start the car.

Sync infotainment system

Ford’s pioneering Sync technology offers exceptional connectivity and multimedia options, along with intuitive voice control and ease of use. Sync 3 with navigation is standard on the XLT and Limited models, linked to the integrated eight-inch touch-screen colour display, two USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity.

Model and prices

  • 2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4x2 - R499,900
  • 2.0 SiT XLT 10AT 4x2- R584,900
  • 2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4x2- R624,100
  • 3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4x4- R644,000
  • 2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4x4- R687,700
  • 2.0 BiT Limited 10AT 4x4- R761,200

All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120,000km comprehensive 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.

About Naresh Maharaj

Naresh Maharaj is a petrol head who loves cars and writing about them. He is also a Member of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists. Naresh is also an international sports correspondent and an acclaimed corporate MC and voice-over artist. Naresh is a sports/news producer for community radio stations and also an award-winning sports journalist. Contact Naresh on moc.liamg@123jarahamn.
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