FORD EVEREST GETS MAJOR UPGRADE

Ford has announced major upgrades for its big 2019 Everest SUV, with a stylish facelift, added levels of equipment, new fuel-efficient powertrains and optional Driver Assist Technology (DAT), the latter including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

Just as important in today’s hotly contested SUV market the Everest has a warranty of five years with no distance limit.

Ford Everest is sold in five- and seven-seat variants and offers the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. The 4WD models have higher ground clearance for those who like to get serious in mild to moderate off-road regions.

There’s an expansive new front grille, as well as a fascia redesign, bold bumpers and halogen projector headlamps.

Inside there’s been a freshen up that focuses on dark colours.

FORD EVEREST AMBIENTE
Now has SYNC 3 with satellite-navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making this technology standard across the Everest range.

Upgrades to the Ambiente include 17×8.0-inch alloy wheels with 265/65 R17 tyres, Powerfold exterior mirrors, Smart Keyless Entry and a laminated acoustic windscreen to reduce sound entry.

Infotainment has a 10-speaker audio with amplifier, single CD, AM/FM/DAB+ and its SYNC 3 features Voice Control, Emergency Assistance and MyKey

Ambiente’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder engine with 143kW of power and torque of 470Nm through a nice spread from 1750 to 2500 rpm. It has maximum towing capacity of 3000kg and drives through a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifter overrides.

FORD EVEREST TREND RWD / 4WD
The biggest news in the upgraded Everest is a new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine with 10-speed automatic transmission that’s standard on the rear-wheel drive, and optional on 4WD. Power is 157kW, torque is a juicy 500Nm that peaks at 1750 and goes through to 2500rpm.

New to MY19 Ford Everest Trend are a chromed grille, silver painted roof rails high intensity discharge (HID) with automatic levelling, LED daytime running lights and a hands-free power rear tailgate. It rides on18 x 8.0-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 tyres. Inside there is leather accented seat trim, an eight-way power driver’s seat.

Additional standard safety features on Everest Trend include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Keeping System.

FORD EVEREST TITANIUM 4WD
Everest Titanium also has the new turbo-diesel and 10-speed automatic. It has a new design of 20-inch x 8.5-inch alloy wheels with 265/50 R20 tyres.

Luxury touches include a dual-glass-panel powered sunroof with electric blind, powered and heated front seats, a leather-trimmed handbrake.

Outside are chromed door handles and exterior mirrors, ambient lighting and illuminated stainless steel front scuff plates.

Life is made easier by the fitment of semi-auto parallel park assist.

New Everest is not going on sale until September but it might be an idea to get onto your Ford dealer sooner rather than later as the Everest has been climbing up quickly in sales and there may be delivery delays.

MODEL RANGE
Ambiente 3.2-litre petrol RWD five-seat: $49,190 (six-speed automatic)
Ambiente 3.2-litre petrol RWD seven-seat: $50,190 (six-speed automatic)
Ambiente 3.2-litre petrol 4WD five-seat: $54,190 (six-speed automatic)
Ambiente 3.2-litre petrol 4WD seven-seat: $55,190 (six-speed automatic)
Trend RWD 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel seven-seat: $56,190 (ten-speed automatic)
Trend 4WD 3.2-litre petrol seven-seat: $59,990 (automatic)
Trend 4WD 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel seven-seat: $61,190 (ten-speed automatic)
Titanium 4WD 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel seven-seat: $73,990 (ten-speed automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for drive-away prices.