Ford Everest Sport launched - Driven
Quick Facts
- Price: From R662 800
- Engine: 2.0-litre Single Turbo diesel engine
- Transmission: 10-speed auto
- Power/Torque: 132kW/420nm
Ford seems to be doing everything right at the moment, I travelled to the Western Cape to sample the new offering the Everest Sport. Based on the XLT, the Ford Everest Sport receives some updates to the exterior and interior.
With a Black mesh grille, an Everest badge on the bonnet, along with black mirror caps and door handles – replacing the chrome finishes on the Everest XLT, 20-inch black alloy wheels, Sport badges on the sides as well as the rear while the interior receives some updates which are fit for it. A soft-touch dashboard, a bigger infotainment screen as well as stitched leather seats with “Sport” in the headrest. The Ford Everest Sport surely looks Sporty.
I was particularly interested in the all-black colour which was reminiscent of the Lincoln and made me feel like I was part of the presidential convoy. Not to say that the other colours are not impressive, in fact, I was overly impressed with the Diffused silver colour (pictured above). A colour that looks really good especially considering the 20-inch black wheels as well as the other black bits.
There are six body colours to choose from namely;
- Diffused Silver
- Frozen White
- Agate Black
- Moondust Silver
- Sea Grey
- Copper Red
I drove the Everest XLT last year for a week and I took it to the Kruger national park and I was overly impressed, it was a car that I considered buying on my own. Now, you might think the 20-inch wheels on the Everest Sport might be a bit of an overkill and might affect the ride quality but on the contrary, it feels like a magic carpet ride. In fact, it rides even better than the XLT (yes I said it). The ride is refined, smooth and so comfortable that I had to sit in the third row to test out its comfortability while my co-driver took the wheel.
Customers have the choice of 4x4 and 4x2 models, both of which are available with Ford’s frugal 2.0-litre Single Turbo diesel engine, delivering 132kW and 420Nm – with up to 340Nm available from just 1 250 r/min. This is mated to Ford’s sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission, which contributes to exceptional fuel and all-around performance.
Further enhancing the capability of the Everest 4x4 models is the standard Terrain Management System which allows the driver to easily select the preferred driving mode to suit the terrain by simply turning the TMS dial, ranging from snow to mud, grass, rocks or paved roads. Additionally, Hill Descent Control helps owners safely negotiate steep slopes with supreme confidence.
Inside, the seats are comfortable, 2 USB ports, three 12V sockets ensure that the cabin is charged, the dashboard has soft-touch materials and does not feel cheap. There are some dashboard trimmings that are exclusive to the Everest Sport and it gives it a good look in the interior.
The Everest Sport comes with an SYNC®3 infotainment system, which offers exceptional connectivity and multimedia options, along with intuitive voice control for ease of use. The system comes standard with embedded navigation it also benefits of smartphone integration provided through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
One thing I was however not impressed with, and it took me sitting in the rear to find out, is the shortage of USB ports in the second row as well as the third row. The XLT had USB ports to make sure that everyone is charged up no matter where you sit and this made my trip to the Kruger a bliss because I had 5 grown adults in the car who are constantly on mobile devices.
Overall, the Everest Sport Is a looker, the addition of this model is a great thing and I am confident many buyers will be jumping into it knowing that they do not have to buy black alloy wheels. The price is also impressive and I would recommend it to any family looking at a sporty super SUV with the ability to seat 7 people.
PRICING
2.0 Single Turbo 10AT 4x2 R662 800
2.0 Single Turbo 10AT 4x4 R704 400
All Everest models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
