Car Review: Ford Everest 2.2 XLS & XLT
Capable, competitive and comfortable were three characteristics used to describe the new Ford Everest when it was launched last year in October.
Now, Ford has expanded the Everest’s range to include eight derivatives and three specification levels: XLS, XLT and Limited. A choice of 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engines, manual or auto, 4X2 or 4X4 models is now available.
We spent a bit of time in Limpopo getting to know the Everest 2.2 XLS, which Ford predicts to be a firm favourite in the range.
“We expect the Everest 2.2 XLS to be an extremely popular seller. It offers the practicality of a seven-seater configuration, impressive levels of standard specification, great performance and outstanding value for money,” says Tracey Delate, General Manager, Marketing – Ford Motor Company Sub-Saharan Africa Region.
WATCH: Juliet reviews the Ford Everest
Ford Everest 2.2 XLS
The Ford Everest 2.2 XLS is available in three versions comprising a two-wheel drive derivative with six-speed manual gearbox, along with an automatic model that uses Ford’s smooth-shifting SelectShift six-speed transmission to deliver seamless power and refinement, with the added benefit of Sport and Manual modes for ultimate control.
Off the beaten track…
If your purpose of buying a large SUV is to spend more time off-road and climbing obstacles then there’s an option to go for the Everest 2.2 XLS 4X4 model, equipped with a manual transmission. It’s powerful, tough and extremely capable when it comes to tackling those steep inclines and declines, even for those with little 4X4ing experience. Its four-wheel drive system does all the work for you by providing permanent drive to all four wheels, using an active transfer case with high and low range, a read differential lock and Torque on Demand. This gives you the ultimate Toque on Demand and optimum performance and traction in all conditions.
Four driving modes are available thanks to Ford’s innovative Terrain Management System: Normal, Mud, Sand and Rock Crawl and you can select these modes via the rotary dial adjacent to the gear lever. It adapts throttle response, gear shift patterns on the automatic models, the intelligent four-wheel drive system and traction control.
Added luxury
If it’s luxury and comfort you’re after, customers can opt for the higher-specification Everest 2.2 in XLT guise, available in two-wheel drive form with either manual or automatic transmissions.
New to the Everest line-up is a 4×2 version of the powerful 3.2-litre model, also in XLT trim and paired with the six-speed automatic gearbox. This derivative is ideally suited to customers looking for the space, comfort, performance and luxury of the high-spec Everest, but don’t require extreme off-road capability.
As before, the two top-end models are both matched to Ford’s intelligent four-wheel drive system, automatic gearbox and impressive 3.2-litre engine, in either XLT or range-topping Limited specification.
Alloy wheels are common across the range, with 17-inch rims on the XLS, attractive 18-inch units on the XLT and striking 20-inch versions on the Limited.
On the inside
All Ford Everest models are standard with a seven-set layout. On the XLS and XLT the rear seats can be collapsed manually while the second row can slide and tip forward to aid access to the rear, reclined for added comfort, or folded flat.
Ford claims that load space is rated at 1050 litres with the third row seats folded, expanding to 2010 litres with both second and third rows folded down completely.
“One of the most exciting new technologies, available for the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa, is Ford’s latest-generation SYNC®3 integrated communications and entertainment system, fitted as standard on all XLT and Limited models. It includes a total of 10 speakers and two USB ports for multimedia connectivity.
SYNC®1 remains the entry-level system on the XLS models, and offers Bluetooth with Voice Activation, plus mobile and multimedia device integration.
Numerous other sophisticated technologies fitted as standard on the Ford Everest include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist and Trailer Sway Control.”
Performance
The new Ford Everest shares its highly acclaimed Duratorq TDCi engine range with the Ford Ranger. What’s new to the Everest line-up is the refined and extremely capable 2.2-litre four-cylinder unit, which produces a maximum power output of 118kW at 3 700r/min, linked to t torque peak of 385Nm from 1 500 to 2 500r/min.
The 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine remains the range-topping choice, delivering 147kW and a massive 470Nm for superlative all-round performance.
Both versions are rated for a maximum towing capacity of 3 000kg, reinforcing the Everest’s exceptional all-round capabilities – particularly as a lifestyle vehicle.
Now, eight new derivatives
Ford Everest 2.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4X2
Ford Everest 2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4X2
Ford Everest 2.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4X4
Ford Everest 2.2 TDCi XLT 6MT 4X2
Ford Everest 2.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4X2
Ford Everest 3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4X2
Ford Everest 3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4X4
Ford Everest 3.2 TDCi LIMITED 6AT 4X4
Also read: Driving review: Ford Everest
Pricing
Pricing starts with the 2.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4×2 at R452,900 and ends with the 3.2 TDCi Limited 6AT 4×4 at R698 900
All models come standard with Ford Protect, including a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, five-year/100 000km service plan, three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
Service intervals are every 20 000km, while 4×4 models include free 4×4 training.
Source: Ford Motor Company South Africa