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Everest an rugged, ideal family SUV

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Cuffed for smokes

Cuffed for smokes

■ Roelof de Jonge

“For families who like to adventure together, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a great investment,” he continues. “You get the compact models, like Ford’s segment-leading EcoSport. And then you get the bigger premium models, like the Ford Everest”, said Dale Reid, Product Marketing Manager at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

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“The Everest is well-suited to those who need a large, robust family car for the busy morning and afternoon commute during the week and would like a rugged off-roader for some adrenaline-fuelled family fun on the weekends,” he added. “The elevated ride height and commanding road presence means you always feel comfortable and in control, on tar or gravel”, said Reid. The New Everest has benefited from extensive suspension refinements, achieving improved steering precision and control, and a plusher ride over rough surfaces, or imperfections like potholes.

As a seven-seater, which can fit up to five child seats, the load space of the Everest is rated at 1 050 litres of cargo, with the cabin expanding to accommodate a total of 2 010 litres when the seats are folded flat. In the Limited model, with its third row PowerFold feature, this can be done simply at the push of a button.

Ford’s extensive range of smart and safe driving technologies provides a welcome peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying the views outside. Fitted as standard on all New Everest models are Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Trailer Sway Control, Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, and Hill Start Assist, with Hill Descent Control on the 4x4 models. Additional standard features on the Limited model include Semi-Automatic Parallel Park Assist, Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Heads Up Display, Forward Collision Alert (which now detects pedestrians, as well as other vehicles), Collision Mitigation, Distance Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Auto High Beam Control. All models come with dual front, side, and full-length curtain airbags. A driver’s knee airbag is also standard across the range.

Ford’s latest-generation SYNC®3 with Navigation, fitted as standard on all XLT and Limited models, is an integrated communications and entertainment system which keeps you connected while you’re on the move. Supported by a stylish integrated eight-inch colour touchscreen which can be operated with pinch and swipe gestures, SYNC®3 is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabled, allowing you to tune into your favourite radio station, or play your favourite music or podcast.

Bluetooth and voice control allow you to use voice commands to make hands-free calls, listen to text messages through the speakers (the system even understands emoticons and popular abbreviations), send quick replies by selecting from a list of pre-set text responses, listen to voicemail, and adjust your climate control settings. Rear parking sensors are paired with a full-colour rear view parking camera. The XLT and Limited models also features front parking sensors as well. The XLS model, which is fitted with USB and Aux ports, uses Ford’s first-generation SYNC® system supported by a 4.2-inch colour screen, allowing audio streaming, and Bluetooth and voice control.

Customers can order SYNC®3 with Navigation on the XLS as an option. One of the main defining features of the New Everest line-up is the all-new, range-topping 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engine, and the all-new 2.0-litre Single Turbo engine. The Bi-Turbo engine employs an innovative twin turbocharger set-up to improve both low-end torque and high-end power, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. A maximum power output of 157kW is matched to a peak torque of 500Nm. The Single Turbo engine delivers 132kW and 420Nm. The existing 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, which delivers 118kW and 385Nm, and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder TDCi engine, delivering 147kW and 470Nm, complete the range of engine options.

The new-generation 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo and 2.0 Single Turbo engines are exclusively available with Ford’s sophisticated, all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. The 10-speed architecture reduces the gaps in available power and acceleration between gears, providing smoother acceleration response, and enabling improved performance at lower engine speeds. Both the 2.2 and 3.2 Duratorq TDCi engines are coupled to the existing six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford Protect, which comes standard on all New Everest models, offers a holistic suite of warranty, service, and roadside assistance products aimed at maintaining the perfect working condition of your vehicle. This includes a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty; a five-year or unlimited km corrosion warranty, a six-year or 90 000 km service plan with 12 months or 15 000km service intervals and a three-year or unlimited km roadside assistance for flat tyres or batteries, mechanical, electrical, or medical emergencies and towing service to the nearest Ford dealership, if needed.

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