Keen to cash in on the current craze for buying SUVs rather than cars Ford Australia has added extra models to its Everest Ambiente range, fitted extra equipment to other models and, in many cases, reduced prices.
Everest range now include a new Ambiente two-wheel-drive (the rear wheels) with five-seats and a suggested list price of $47,990. Adding a third row of seats only puts another $1000 to the price.
Ford Everest Ambiente models now have standard Sync3 including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This is operated through an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen. This display also shows the reversing camera and controls the dual-zone climate control. Ambiente has an upgraded 10-speaker audio system.
All Everest Ambientes now come standard with running boards. As there is no longer any pretence that people buy SUVs as off-road vehicles, the running boards, which reduce off-road capability, reflect Ford’s push towards fashion before function.
The Everest Ambiente comes standard as a five-seater with an optional seven-seat configuration. There’s 1050 litres of cargo space behind the Ambiente’s second row 60:40 split-fold seat. Second-row air-conditioning and heater controls are installed on the rear of the centre console for second-row passengers.
When fitted with the optional third row seat, the Everest Ambiente also offers five child-seat anchor points, with two IsoFix anchor points in the second row.
The Everest Ambiente shares the Everest 4WD’s Australian-engineered chassis. It benefits from the same 225 mm ground clearance. It even has the same all-terrain tyres as Everest 4WD models. This will be able to travel to off-road areas that may even trouble some so-called SUVs that are really only tall station wagons.
Ford Everest Ambiente RWD offers the same 3000kg braked towing capability as the Everest 4WD. Proving it’s tow-ready, Ambiente comes with Trailer Pre-wiring as standard, so is covered by Ford’s new car Warranty. Trailer Sway Control is also standard.
The 2017 Everest Trend comes standard with seven-seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and higher equipment levels than the Ambiente. Satellite Navigation with Traffic Management Channel, previously an option, is now standard as part of the Trend’s Sync3 infotainment system.
Driver Assist Technology that includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Forward Collision Alert (FCA) helps drivers who aren’t paying attention to prevent a crash, or reduce the severity in the event of a collision.
Everest Trend also features Lane Keeping System. If the vehicle starts to drift from the centre, the system can help guide the vehicle back through gentle steering torque. If further drifting is sensed, the system is designed to emit a warning vibration through the steering wheel to wake up the inattentive driver.
The flagship Titanium has polished 20-inch alloy wheels and chromed door handles and side mirrors. A 4WD and room for seven occupants it has electrically-folding third-row seating and a powered panoramic sunroof.
Everest Titanium features eight-way power front seats with leather accents complemented by leather trimmed steering wheel and gear lever to add to the premium feel.
Blind-Spot Information warns drivers of blind-spots created because they haven’t adjusted the door mirrors correctly. Cross-Traffic Alert is a handy safety feature in tight parking areas. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System alerts the driver of a puncture.
The Everest Titanium is distinguishable by its HID headlights to give the driver better vision of the road and surroundings during the night, while LED daytime running lights make the Everest more visible.
Ford’s 2017 $450 million R&D investment in Australia includes the high-tech Asia Pacific Product Development Centre in Melbourne as part of a $50 million investment in R&D facilities through a new virtual reality engineering facility that speeds development, improves efficiency of next-gen vehicles for Australia as well as on global markets.
2017 FORD EVEREST MODEL RANGE:
Ambiente 3.2L RWD 6-speed automatic five-seat $47,990 (new variant)
3.2L RWD 6-speed automatic seven-seat $48,990 (new variant)
3.2L 4WD 6-speed automatic five-seat $52,990 (new variant)
3.2L 4WD 6-speed automatic seven-seat $53,990 (previously $54,990)
Trend 3.2L RWD 6-speed automatic seven-seat $53,990 (previously $55,990)
3.2L 4WD 6-speed automatic seven- seat $58,990 (previously $60,990)
Titanium 3.2L 4WD 6-speed automatic seven-seat $74,990 (previously $76,705)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Ford dealer for driveaway prices.
