Summarize

Now with 2-litre engines, 10-speed boxes

Ford has added its all-new SA-built 2-litre turbodiesel engines, 10-speed automatic gearboxes and updated suspension to its Everest, along with refreshed design, a more comfortable and luxurious cabin in a new, more fuel efficient and more powerful range. 

The biggest Everest news revolves around its all-new 2-litre turbodiesels and 10-speed automatic gearboxes. Headed by the new 157kW 500Nm Bi-Turbo to up low rev torque and top-end power while dropping fuel consumption and emissions, a small high pressure turbo works in conjunction with a larger low pressure unit. Both work in series to enhance low range responsiveness before the larger turbocharger takes over to boost top-end power.

10kW and 30Nm up on the existing 3.2-litre TDCi lump, the new engine offers exceptional refinement with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness in the Everest XLT 4x2 and 4x4 models and the top-spec Limited, while the new 132kW 420Nm single turbo 2-litre powers the XLS 4x2. The 147kW 470 Nm3.2-litre five-cylinder TDCi both continue using the existing six-speed automatic transmission.

Both new 2-litre engines get Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic for smoother acceleration and improved performance thanks to a electronic real-time adaptive shift-scheduling, skip-shift and direct downshift functions to always select the right gear at the right time. Progressive Range Select allows the driver to lock out gears for improved control, while Select Shift sport mode selection continues. 

Suspension improvements around a move to a thicker, stiffer new rear-mounted stabiliser bar bring improved roll control and handling performance, while the jounce bumper that softens impact when the suspension is fully compressed over severe bumps, has been relocated to bring improved ride and reduced noise levels. 

Resultant reduced tyre pressures and three different damper tunes better tailored to each engine and drivetrain configuration also bring improved ride and reduced noise levels. 2.2 and 3.2 TDCi and single turbo models retain a 3-ton braked trailer capacity, while the biturbo can tow a 3100kg braked trailer.

Set apart by a new 3-bar grille and lower bumper to accentuate width, Everest also gets classy new split spoke 20-inch wheels on Limited models, while stronger elements and a new Diffused Silver colour add to the mix. More soft-touch materials and a new Ebony colour environment alter Everest's cabin ambience to better refine detail and brightwork, while Limited adds contrast stitching, shadow chrome and lustre paint finishes around a bold new 10-speed automatic gearknob.

Standard Everest kit includes a Thatcham alarm, Electronic Stability and Traction Control, Trailer Sway, Hill Start, Load Adaption and Roll Over Mitigation. Model dependent highlights include Hill Descent, Passive Entry and Start and Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking, while Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Alert recognises pedestrians and other vehicles and there is Lane Keeping and Departure, Blind Spot, Cross Traffic, Tyre Pressure Monitoring and Auto High Beam.

Everest XLT and Limited get latest Ford SYNC infotainment, multimedia and navigation with an eight-inch touch-screen colour display, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, two USB ports and Bluetooth via touch, gesture and voice control and Tracks4Africa and access to maps for over 20 African countries.

Everest gets a Ford Protect four-year/120 000km warranty, six-year/90 000km service plan at 15 000km intervals., three-year roadside assistance and a five-year corrosion warranty. 

Ford Everest Pricing
2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4x2 R499K
2.0 SiT XLT 10AT 4x2    R584K
2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4x2    R607K
3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4x      R626K
2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4x4    R669K
2.0 BiT Limited 10AT 4x4  R741K