The words “next generation” are thrown around all over the place when it comes to motorcycle manufacturers trying to explain how far their new offerings have come.
Sometimes, this is not entirely true. There may be a lot of improvements over the old one, but it can’t exactly be called “next generation”. But in the case of the latest spec Ford Everest Platinum that I am waiting for the December holidays, the next generation!
It’s longer and wider than before, and rides on huge 21-inch wheels as standard. Rougher 18-inch wheels are available if you want to get serious about the road, or just roll around dodging all the potholes that are on the road today.
The Ford Everest looks like a truck
I don’t have to waste any more time telling you that from the outside the difference, the image clearly shows Ford’s global design DNA in the C-clamp headlights and upper grill bar in the front.
The interest in this new Everest going anywhere during the trip in December is off the charts. Now it looks like a Ford truck you get in the US and we South Africans love things that come from the land of the free. And the home of the brave, although it is made in Thailand, like Apple is made in China.
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Moving inside is where the title of “next generation” really earns. You can immediately feel the place, and when it’s done, you’ll notice the premium look and finish, while the instrument panel and the large infotainment screen command attention.
Comfort and convenience come in the form of Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment system that combines wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as a factory-installed modem that lets you connect to Everest via the FordPass App.
Functional interior
You also benefit from heated and ventilated 10-way power-adjustable front seats, while the second-row seats offer USB Type A and Type C charging ports, 12-volt sockets in the front, in the back and in the luggage compartment.
In addition, you get a 400-Watt inverter that can be used for laptops and other devices. Although very useful for many, I’m sure this function is not used when I’m digging holes in my yard and burying my laptop to escape during the holidays.
The third row of seats can be folded by the touch of a button, and both sides and the second row of seats can be folded flat, and this opens up a large amount of cargo space.
I know just how valuable this proved to be when I decided to clear out the garage and found out that over the years, somehow my dear wife has managed to keep a complete second home there.
I honestly thought it would take several trips to clear this all up, but Everest swallowed container after container, and the trailer took care of the rest in one go.
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Towing is definitely not a problem with the Everest. When it comes to bakkies and SUVs, we always want more power, and the Platinum spec comes with the tried and tested 10-speed automatic box, and the new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine that offers 184 kW of power and a chunky 600 Nm. torque slice.
The Ford Everest makes it easy to tow
Brake towing capacity has been increased by 400kg to 3 500kg, and when I had to test it on the track, the Everest didn’t feel my racing car behind me.
Did I test Everest’s off-road capabilities? No, unless you count muddy gravel roads on the way back from mountain biking as extreme.
But this flagship model offers permanent all-wheel drive with 2H, 4H, 4L and 4A, and six drive modes, Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand, because you’re too lazy to find out. terrain and grip on offer around you. I have no doubt that Everest will go wherever it wants to go.
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Included in the recommended selling price, Ford Protect includes a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited roadside assistance and a five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty offered as standard.
Then if you want you have the option to buy a service or maintenance plan for up to eight years or 135 000km. The warranty can be extended to seven years or 200 000km, while roadside assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
Conclusion
Is there anything to whine about when living with this R1 113 100 SUV. confident. It likes the healthy help of diesel when it is only used around town, and the number comes to 13.8 liters per 100km.
But throw in some decent open road driving and this amount drops to an average of 12.5 liters per 100km and even less if you stay on freeways.
Oh, and then there’s the problem of buying. Thanks to global supply chain issues affecting anyone trying to import a car into the country, frustratingly, you’ll be waiting a while before you can get your hands on one. But pop over to your local Ford dealer and get your name on the test drive list at a mean time.