Cape Town’s storms and the Ford Everest 2,2
Last year, Ford expanded its Everest SUV line-up and included a slightly cheaper 2.2-litre derivative. While the storms in Cape Town last week left most motorists feeling weary of driving their cars on wet and hazardous roads (rightly so) the timing of being able to have the new Everest on test was perfect, especially while I had some unavoidable events and meetings to attend!
If you saw WOW editor, Juliet McGuire’s, video review on the new Ford Everest you’ll probably remember her mentioning just how “ginormous” this vehicle is…there’s no over exaggeration there. In fact, we spotted a few colleagues at work taking pictures of themselves next to it in the basement parking, to show just how big it really is.
Watch: Juliet reviews the Ford Everest
Ground clearance sits at 225 mm in the new Everest, so if you enjoy feeling like the tallest kid in the class (or rather, on the road) then you’ll have no problem feeling on top of the world in here.
The 2,2-litre is still superbly capable on and off road despite the fact that it features a smaller engine. As part of the running changes to its line-up the Everest received several new features from its locally produced Assembly Plant…
New features include SYNC®3 with Navigation on the top-spec models and improved driving convenience, safety and comfort. Phone connectivity was quick and easy, however I had a slight gripe with the touchscreen system; you’ve got to give quite an aggressive touch for its response when pressing on your selection and if you’re trying to drive at the same time you’re asking for trouble. Thankfully, the upgraded Everest’s multi-functional steering wheel has just about all you really need to avoid having to play with the screen while driving.
In terms of space, well as you’d imagine, there’s more than enough inside for the whole family, plus friends! It quite comfortably seats 7 people and I can confirm this after driving 6 of my friends through Cape Town’s storm without any complaints. ISOFIX child seat mounting points are provided in the outer-middle-row seats on all Everest models, to add to its positioning as a safe and practical family car.
If you’re in the market for a sophisticated family SUV and you’ve got about R500 000 to spend, you can opt for the Everest 2.2 TDCi XLT, or you can opt for it’s entry-level variant, the 2.2 TDCI XLS starting at R459, 900.
Also read: Car Review: Ford Everest 2,2 XLS & XLT
2017 Model | Excl. Vat | Incl. Vat |
EVEREST 2.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4X2 SUV | R403,421 | R459,900 |
EVEREST 2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4X2 SUV | R419,211 | R477,900 |
EVEREST 2.2 TDCi XLS 6MT 4X4 SUV | R471,842 | R537,900 |
EVEREST 2.2 TDCi XLT 6MT 4X2 SUV | R429,737 | R489,900 |
EVEREST 2.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4X2 SUV | R447,281 | R509,900 |
EVEREST 3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4X2 SUV | R499,912 | R569,900 |
EVEREST 3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4X4 SUV | R561,316 | R639,900 |
EVEREST 3.2 TDCi LIMITED 6AT 4X4 SUV | R613,947 | R699,900 |
OPTIONS | ||
Metallic Paint | R1,053 | R1,200 |
Towbar (Excluding Tow ball) | R3,509 | R4,000 |
Front Mudflaps | R237 | R270 |
Dual Panel Moon Roof | – | – |
Driver Knee Airbag | R1,096 | R1,250 |
Running Boards / Step Bar | – | – |
SERVICE PLAN | ||
2.2 Diesel 4X2 (compulsory – 5yr/100’000km) | R14,589 | R16,631 |
2.2 Diesel 4X4 (compulsory – 5yr/100’000km) | R14,756 | R16,822 |
3.2 Diesel (compulsory – 5yr/100’000km) | R16,009 | R18,250 |
Source: QuickPic and Ford Motor Company of South Africa