EVEREST AT THE PEAK OF ITS GAME
South African-produced Ford offers bigger range, with eight derivatives – and better value
PRODUCING a new model in South Africa does not come cheap. Following an investment of R2.5-billion in the Ford Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria, the new range of Everest has met with success among owners, not only in South Africa, but also in other countries.
The South African-produced Ford Everest offers a bigger range and better value, as World of Wheels experienced recently when we had the Everest XLT 2.2 diesel auto on test.
The new range includes eight derivatives and three specification levels: XLS, XLT and Limited. There’s a choice of 2.2-litre and 3.2litre Duratorq TDCi engines, manual or auto, 4 x 2 or 4 x 4 models.
The new vehicle introduces the latest-generation Sync®3 integrated communications and entertainment system.
Along with the two original high-spec 3.2 XLT and Limited 4 x 4 models (originally built in Thailand), localised assembly sees the addition of a further six derivatives, all built to Ford’s stringent global quality standards.
This includes five all-new 2.2-litre versions in XLS or XLT trim and the option of a new 3.2 XLT 4 x 2.
Ford expects the Everest 2.2 XLS to be an extremely popular seller. It offers the practicality of a seven-seater configuration, impressive levels of standard specification, great performance and outstanding value.
The 2.2 XLS is available in three versions, comprising a two-wheel drive derivative with six-speed manual gearbox, along with an automatic model using Ford’s smooth-shifting SelectShift six-speed transmission to deliver seamless power and refinement, with the added benefit of Sport and Manual modes for ultimate control.
For owners who intend heading far off the beaten track, there’s the Everest 2.2 XLS 4 x 4, equipped with a manual transmission.
The intelligent four-wheel drive system provides permanent drive to all four wheels, using an active transfer case with high and low range, a rear differential lock and Torque on Demand delivering optimum performance and traction in all conditions.
This is bolstered by the 225mm ground clearance and substantial 800mm water wading depth.
Common to all 4 x 4 models is Ford’s innovative Terrain Management System boasting four driving modes: normal, mud, sand and rock crawl. These modes are easily selected via a rotary dial adjacent to the gear lever.
It adapts throttle response, gear shift patterns on the automatic models, the intelligent four-wheel drive system and traction control to confidently tackle any terrain.
Motorists desiring an added measure of luxury and exclusivity can opt for the higher-specification Everest 2.2 in XLT guise, available in two-wheel drive form with either manual or automatic transmissions.
We particularly liked Ford’s latest-generation Sync®3 integrated communications and entertainment system, which is fitted standard on all XLT and Limited models. It includes 10 speakers and two USB ports for multimedia connectivity.
Sync®1 remains the entry-level system on the XLS models and offers Bluetooth with voice activation, plus mobile and multimedia device integration.
Numerous other sophisticated technologies fitted as standard on the Ford Everest include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist and Trailer Sway Control.
Priced between R483 900 and R501 900, the package in the Everest XLT 2.2 cannot be faulted.
All models come standard with Ford Protect, including a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, five-year/100 000km service plan, three-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited kilometre corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 20 000km.