The big SUV from Ford aptly named Everest is very different from its bakkie sibling and its predecessor.
Ford has put in Pull-Drift Compensation technology, which measures the driver’s steering input, adapts to changing road conditions and helps compensate for slight directional shifts caused by factors such as crowned road surfaces or steady crosswinds. This, together with the Watt’s linkage suspension and a silky smooth gearbox, makes for an extremely competent ride. Much better than the bakkie, especially on fast gravel roads.
The Everest Limited has big 20” HT tyres, which may slightly inhibit you in rough terrain. I drove it on soft sand and on a muddy Helderberg 4×4 trail and experienced some slipping on the steep wet sections due to the highway orientated and low profile tyres.
The engine is the same one as in the bakkie and pushes out 147kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. The terrain management system lets you shift-on-the-fly to maximise traction and stability. With 225 mm ground clearance, 800 mm wading depth, low range and the electronic locking rear differential, going anywhere is just the push of a button away. The system automatically transfers torque between the front and rear wheels, with the most grip to provide maximum traction on and off-road.
To get a better picture of this slightly bigger car I got my wife to drive it a bit. Here is what Danita had to say:
“When I first set eyes on it my immediate response was a bit on the negative side. I nevertheless looked forward to a morning drive on sand, followed by a bit of 4×4 at Helderberg Farm.
We started to take pictures and the monster turned out to be quite handsome… beautiful lines and well designed. The word “capable” is such an understatement!
Sooo…I decided to be bold and take it through its paces on the Helderberg 4×4 trail, come hell or high water. I change my tune…I really stand in awe of the sheer power, willingness and capability of this lovely vehicle. It is such a pleasure to drive and not for one moment did I feel scared or in a panic… this was an adrenaline dream!
Ford claims 8.2 L/100 km but I got 10.8, so with its 80-litre tank it has a range of about 750 km. Not bad for a vehicle of this size and power. It is rated to tow up to 3 tons braked and 750 kg unbraked.
The SUV is loaded with all the automated goodies. It’s all top class.
The car has front seat warmers, and seats which fold flat right to the front seat, which would make a great bed in lion country. Ford’s SYNC® 2 infotainment system has active noise cancellation, Bluetooth and all the goodies you would want in such a system.
Oh, there’s a 230 volt inverter too.
The Everest as tested is R698 900. The moon roof is an extra R10 360. The base model costs R634 900.
For both models the warranty is 4yr/120 000 km and comes with a 5yr/100 000 km service plan.
