“Everest is a vehicle with attitude to take on any challenge with an endless pursuit for the next family adventure,” says Ben Pillay, Ford Marketing Manager. “It is the type of vehicle many South Africans identify with because it suits our environment so well: it is well-suited to daily urban use thanks to its refined comforts, but has the ruggedness to take on any adventure thrown at it. It’s the ultimate family adventure tool.”
The new seven-seater SUV features bold styling in line with Ford’s Kinetic design elements, complete with chrome grill and tailgate mounted spare wheel. The versatile interior will suit any adventure-seeking family with third row seating that is either completely removable, or folds to offer the largest cargo volume in its segment. Another first for the class, and immensely practical, is the side-hinged rear door as opposed to a traditional tailgate that allows the full-size spare wheel to be mounted on the back of the Everest.
Three models of the Everest will be available, all powered by Ford’s acclaimed Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. The 3,0-litre engine employs advanced injection technology – intercooler and variable-geometry turbocharging – to deliver 115 kW and 380 Nm of torque at 1800 r/min.
Driving through a five-speed manual transmission, the Ford Everest XLT is available in either 4x2 or 4x4 guise. The Everest LTD is available in 4x4 only with a five-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift-on-the-fly.
Standard features include leather upholstery, an audio system with MP3 capability and auxiliary input connections, power fold mirrors with turn indicators, electric windows (front and rear) and air conditioning, four airbags and ABS with EBD.
The Ford Everest comes with a five-year/90 000km service plan. Prices are as follows:
Ford Everest 3.0 TDCi XLT 4x2 Manual R324 990
Ford Everest 3.0 TDCi XLT 4x4 Manual R364 990
Ford Everest 3.0 TDCi LTD 4x4 Automatic R382 990