I AM deep in the Kruger National Park as the next-gen Ford Everest launches.
It looks and performs 100 times better than previous models. When I drove it, it proved its worth to me.
John Willems from Ford, who flew in specially to explain what’s behind this big shift in the design and feel of the Everest, said it all starts with understanding the customer.
“Following years of research on what works for a customer, this design was made and the car was built and quality tests were done in over 10 countries. That is tough testing as done in all Ford trucks,” he said.
The car blends adventure-ready capability with exceptional comfort and customer-focused technology in a rugged, refined and fun-to-drive way.
The Everest front is inspired by the C-clamp headlamps and strong horizontal upper grille bar. The level of comfort is quite high in the interior with the inclusion of standard integrated wireless charging, an electric parking brake and a new leather trimmed e-Shifter (an electronic gear-shifting system) on the range-topping Everest Platinum.
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The Platinum has a 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with 184kW of power and a hefty 600Nm of torque and Everest Sport has a 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine producing 154kW and 500Nm.
Safety is big in both the Sport and Platinum models with many safety features including a lane keeping system.
Pricing:
Everest Sport 2.0L BiT 4WD 10AT – R965 400
Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 AWD 10AT – R1 113 100
Included as standard is Ford Protect comprising a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 135 000km.
The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km.
