Brian Joss –
The new Ford Everest which made its debut in Thailand this week, will be launched in South Africa towards the end of the year. Ford said the Everest has redefined the Asian SUV market with bold design, advanced technology, excellent off-road and on-road capability, and an improved interior for up to seven passengers.
“With the new Ford Everest, we’re further strengthening our showroom lineup across Asian markets with a competitive premium SUV that works well as a comfortable and refined family vehicle or taking on the roughest terrains of Southeast Asia,” said Matt Bradley, president, Ford Asean.
“It’s a completely new vehicle inside and out with a host of first-in-class features.”
The new Everest blends strength, smart features and style to bring consumers a tough and versatile SUV with true off-road capability. In addition, the new Everest embodies Ford’s DNA to deliver rewarding and dynamic on-road handling.
Led by Ford’s Asia Pacific design and product development teams, and making use of Ford’s global SUV expertise, the new Ford Everest builds on the reputation of the current Everest, which has been praised for its durability and versatility. The new Ford Everest will be available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants.
The new Ford Everest was designed from the ground up with the durability to take on the most inhospitable environments. Together with an intelligent four-wheel drive system, an active transfer case with Torque on Demand, Terrain Management System, and best-in-class ground clearance of 225 mm and water-wading capability of 800 mm, the Everest helps drivers navigate difficult terrain with ease.
The new Ford Everest is one of the most technologically advanced off-road SUVs yet made, the manufacturer said.
The latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity solution, SYNC 2, lets drivers use natural voice commands to control the car’s entertainment system, climate controls and connected mobile devices more easily. SYNC 2 also boasts an eight-inch touchscreen with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation. The entertainment system features a first-in-class 10-speaker sound system with an integrated subwoofer, providing accurate and precise sound reproduction and deep, rich bass.
Other segment-first technologies in the new Everest include Curve Control, designed to help drivers maintain control when approaching turns too quickly, and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, which informs drivers when there is a vehicle in their blind spot while driving or when preparing to reverse out of parking spots.
The vehicle also offers other advanced features, including Roll Stability Control and an Electronic Stability Program that works with traction control to help the driver stay in control. To reduce parking anxiety, Active Park Assist enables drivers to parallel park hands-free, requiring only accelerating, shifting and braking from the driver – a first in its segment in Thailand.
In addition to advanced active safety systems, a strong passenger cage built using high-strength materials like boron steel, and passive safety features, including up to seven airbags, help to keep occupants safe in the event of a collision.
The Ford Everest uses one of two diesel engines from the proven Duratorq family, mated to durable and efficient six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.
The new Ford Everest will be manufactured at AutoAlliance Thailand in Rayong, Thailand, and will be launched in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2015, Ford said, when SA specs and pricing will be announced.
