Details of the updated Ford Ranger have only just emerged, but now the Australian arm of the Blue Oval brand has unwrapped the refreshed Everest, confirming that it too will be offered with the Raptor’s 157 kW 2,0-litre turbodiesel heart.
As in the upcoming Ranger Raptor, this four-cylinder oil-burner will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard and churn out 157 kW and 500 N.m. This engine, Ford says, will afford the Everest “improved flexibility and a quieter, more comfortable drive”.
Of course, in March 2018, Ford’s local arm announced an expansion of operations at its Struandale engine plant in Port Elizabeth, adding that it would start building this very diesel engine.
In the Everest, the new powerplant offers a claimed combined fuel economy of 7,1 L/100 km and boasts a braked towing capacity of 3100 kg. As with the refreshed Ranger, expect the current 3,2-litre and 2,2-litre diesels to carry over unchanged.
Revised suspension geometry, which Ford says will improve the ride and handling for “greater composure on- and off-road”, is also part of the update.
Styling tweaks to the Everest are particularly subtle, and include a redesigned grille and fresh alloy wheel designs. Inside, expect to find new colours and materials, plus additional soft-touch surfaces.
Fresh convenience features, including a hands-free powered tailgate, are also on the cards, while Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility should come standard.
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa says it cannot yet confirm timing for a local introduction of the updated Everest, but we’d speculate that it will follow the refreshed Ranger, which is due to hit the SA market at some point in 2019.
