[Ford News] Ford has just info on a slight upgrade to its seven-seater SUV. The Everest has a newly designed front grille with subtle modifications to the front bumper, foglamp bezels, headlamps and door mirrors. The quarter-back windows have also been altered.
Unique to this segment is a side-hinged rear door, which allows the full-size spare to be mounted onto it. When the third seats are folded, the Everest has the claimed tallest and widest cargo area in the segment. The Everest now sports a new colour option as well, Copper Red, while the interior trim has changed from camel to a darker tone called Bassalt (black). USB and auxiliary inputs are now standard across the range. Cruise control is now standard on the Limited model. This has increased the price of the 3,0 TDCi LTD 4×4 Auto from R445 000 to R447 900. Prices for the rest of the range remain the same with three models available all powered by Ford’s Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. The 3,0-litre engine delivers 115 kW and 380 N.m of torque.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the XLT and is available in either 4×2 or 4×4 setups. The LTD model comes in 4×4 only and with a five-speed manual transmission. The automatic model allows you to shift from 2WD to 4WD at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
The Everest comes with a five-year/90 000km service plan and a four-year/120 000km warranty. Service intervals are at 10 000 km and free off-road training courses are offered on all 4×4 derivatives.