A whole different ballgame

IMPROVEMENTS: BETTER STYLING AND A TECHNOLOGICAL LEAP FORWARD

Ford takes on the SUV segment with its new and improved Everest.

There is finally a SUV on the market capable of challenging Toyota’s dominance of the segment through its Fortuner. The Ford Everest has been around a while, but was basically so ugly it could not be taken seriously. The new Ford Everest is, however, a whole different ballgame. Not only is the styling so much of an improvement it is worth looking inside, but it is also a technological leap forward as well.

Initially available only powered by a version of Ford’s well-known 3.2-litre turbo diesel and only four wheel-drive it will be playing in the top-end of that market. Ford must be confident the new Everest is enough of a game-changer to stretch customers into the R600 000 territory, but less expensive derivatives will follow over time. For now there is XLT-spec and a Limited-spec. Strange to call the higher-end model “limited”, but such is automotive ambiguity.

The Everest is such an aesthetic improvement on its predecessor the few people familiar with the old version – probably after an encounter with the traffic authorities who appear to have been its only significant customer – could be forgiven for not identifying the new version at all. It sports the biggest Ford badge fitted to a road vehicle to date – even Ford see it as something to celebrate.

The robust front end with signature LED daytime running lights and wide stance make for a powerful presence on the road. The chiselled and technical design is also highly efficient – extensive aerodynamic testing led to an exterior that seamlessly melds form and function.

The all-new Everest’s bold exterior presence is paired with a modern interior that makes use of refined materials and emphasises horizontal lines to create a comfortable, harmonious environment for up to seven adult occupants.

Interior features balance ride comfort with ultimate practicality, with standard folding second and third-row seating, more than 30 cleverly designed stowage spaces, multiple power outlets and flexible seating and cargo arrangements to achieve a perfect balance between passenger demands and packing efficiency. On the high-spec Everest Limited, the third-row seats feature a power-fold function, a powered tailgate and an optional dual-panel moonroof.

It even has a 220V power plug for the middle row of seats, although I would prefer to see this upfront so that curious children are unable to put paper clips into it, just to see what happens.

To ensure exceptional cabin quietness, Ford equipped the allnew Everest with Active Noise Cancellation technology in addition to optimising cabin sealing and sound-absorbing materials throughout the vehicle.

This is complemented by an exceptional level of safety features, including seven airbags, driver assist technologies, such as Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), with Roll Stability Control, cruise control, as well as rear park assist with rear view camera. The XLT features 18-inch alloy wheels and running boards as standard.

As the flagship of the all-new Everest range, the Limited model features innovative driver aids, such as Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, with Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist.

Exterior enhancements include 20-inch alloy wheels, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and LED daytime running lights.

The basis of the Everest’s strength is a body that rests on a ladder frame in true off roader tradition. Together with an intel-

The basis of the Everest’s strength is a body that rests on a ladder frame in true offroader tradition