The refreshed Ford Everest seven-seater SUV range has hit the South African market, complete with the option of two new engines.
The local line-up has been trimmed from eight to six derivatives (manual gearboxes are no longer offered), with the 2,2-litre turbodiesel engine (118 kW/385 N.m) now available only in the sole entry-level variant. The 3,2-litre five-cylinder TDCi mill (147 kW/470 N.m), too, remains in the range, but also powers just a single mid-spec derivative.
However, as it did with the updated Ranger line-up, the Blue Oval brand has added the option of its new single- and bi-turbo diesel units. These fresh engines are each mated to a new ten-speed automatic transmission, while the older units stick with six-speed self-shifters.
The 2,0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine produces 157 kW and 500 N.m (yes, this is the same unit used by the upcoming Ranger Raptor), and is offered in XLT 4×2 and 4×4 guise, as well as in top-spec Limited form. The single-turbo oil-burner, meanwhile, is available exclusively in XLT 4×2 configuration, sending 132 kW and 420 N.m to the rear axle.
Styling changes include an updated grille, a tweaked lower bumper and a new 20-inch alloy wheel design (the latter for the flagship Limited model). In addition, “Diffused Silver”, a new exterior body colour, has been added to the line-up.
Inside, Ford claims to have rolled out “richer materials and design details that emphasise luxury and style”. A new ebony colour scheme is employed along with what the brand describes as a “greater selection of soft-touch materials”. The Limited model furthermore gains perforated leather, contrast stitching and “shadow chrome” finishes.
Under the skin, the Dearborn-based firm says the updated Everest benefits from “numerous suspension improvements” that ultimately result in “an even more comfortable and pliant ride”. A towing capacity of 3 000 kg applies to the single-turbo 2,0-, 2,2- and 3,2-litre models, while the bi-turbo variants are rated to tow a maximum of 3 100 kg with a braked trailer.
New features, meanwhile, include a keyless entry and start function for XLT and Limited models, while all derivatives gain a “Category 1” Thatcham-specification alarm system. Sync 3 (with navigation) is fitted as standard on the XLT and Limited models, linked to an eight-inch touchscreen (the XLS base model uses the Sync 1 system and a 4,2-inch colour screen as standard, although it can be optionally upgraded to Sync 3).
A four-year/120 000 km warranty and six-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) are included.
Pricing:
Ford Everest 2,2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×2: R499 900
Ford Everest 2,0 SiT XLT 10AT 4×2: R584 900
Ford Everest 2,0 BiT XLT 10AT 4×2: R607 600
Ford Everest 3,2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4×4: R626 900
Ford Everest 2,0 BiT XLT 10AT 4×4: R669 500
Ford Everest 2,0 BiT Limited 10AT 4×4: R741 100
