The new Ford Everest has an advanced Terrain Management System with four settings, including normal, snow/gravel/grass, sand and rock. These driving setting alter the throttle response, transmission, four-wheel drive system and traction control to optimise the traction on any surface. For extreme off-road environments, drivers can manually lock the transfer case in low-range four-wheel drive mode, for increased control.
Together with an intelligent four-wheel drive system, an active transfer case with “torque on demand “and ground clearance of 225mm and water-wading capability of 800mm, the Everest helps drivers navigate difficult terrain with ease.
Ford also wants the Everest to be handy on tar, so it has coil springs front and rear and a Watt’s linkage on the rear axle. The company says this provides a comfortable, stable ride with “agile and predictable handling”.
In the cabin, the Everest boasts the new Sync 2 system, which is said to recognise 10 000 voice commands to control the car’s infotainment system, climate control and connected devices, like a smartphone. The Sync 2 system can also be operated via an eight-inch touch-screen display, housed in the centre console. The entertainment system features a top-end 10-speaker sound system with an integrated subwoofer.
Space shouldn’t be a problem, thanks to a seven-seat arrangement and no less than 30 stowage spaces. On the high-spec Everest Limited, the third-row seats have a power-fold function, a powered tailgate and an optional dual-panel “moon roof”.
Driver and passenger safety is taken care of by a host of technologies. For instance, Curve Control is designed to help errant drivers maintain control if they approach a turn too quickly. Other active safety systems include blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert on the Limited model.
And that’s not all. Other advanced features include Roll Stability Control and an Electronic Stability program that works with traction control to help the driver.
Active Park Assist on the all-new Everest Limited enables drivers to parallel park hands-free, requiring only accelerating, gear shifting and braking from the driver.
If the worst does happen, and you are involved in a collision, your family will be protected by a strong passenger cell and seven airbags.
The Everest is powered by the same 3,2-litre turbocharged five-cylinder diesel engine as the Ranger. Output is rated at 147kW and 470Nm of torque.
The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which comes with a sport mode for brisk acceleration and a manual mode for improved control.
Two models are currently available in SA, starting off with the 3,2 Auto 4×4 XLT, which has features such as the Terrain Management System, cruise control, rear park assist and a rear view camera. This model has 18-inch alloys and running boards.
The flagship Limited model’s features includes power-fold third row seats, the powered tailgate and an innovative list of safety features, including Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and Lane Keep Assist. Exterior enhancements include 20-inch alloy wheels, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and LED daytime running lights.
Pricing:
XLT 3.2L 6AT 4X4 R593 900
LTD 3.2L 6AT 4X4 R646 900