Ford Everest refresh brings Raptor power
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 17th May 2018
FORD’S brawny 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo-diesel engine and 10-speed automatic from the top-spec Ranger Raptor will be made available in the refreshed Everest off-roader as an option in Trend grades, and standard on Titanium variants.
Announced as part of the update coming to the rest of the Everest range in the fourth quarter this year – and announced just a day after revealing the refreshed Ranger – the new engine will be offered alongside the existing 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five pot/six-speed torque converter auto combination that will continue to underpin lower grades of Ford’s ute-based SUV.
Fuel consumption with the new engine drops to as low as 6.9 litres per 100km in the rear-wheel-drive Everest Trend, an improvement of 1.5L/100km over the equivalent five-pot version, while towing capacity has also increased slightly from 3000kg to 3100kg with the 2.0-litre mill.
In addition to amping up outputs and lowering fuel consumption, Ford also says the new-to-Everest drivetrain combo “is markedly quieter than the 3.2-litre Duratorq thanks to an engineering focus on quiet operation”.
Meanwhile, Ford’s Everest line-up also scores revised looks and updated specification, including a redesigned grille that sits proudly up front for all variants, HID headlights for Trend grades and new-look 20-inch wheels on the top-spec Titanium.
New to Everest will be Ford’s pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that will be introduced as standard on Trend and Titanium grades.
Keyless entry and push-button start are also offered as standard across the facelifted range, with higher-spec Trend and Titanium versions also scoring a hands-free powered tailgate at no cost.
The new Everest carries over existing safety equipment including a reversing camera and rear parking sensors as standard, and semi-automatic Active Park Assist as an option.
Ford’s 8.0-inch Sync3 infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation – which includes free updates for seven years if serviced on time at a participating dealership – features inside, along with new ebony interior trim and improved soft-touch surfaces.
According to the Blue Oval brand, in-cabin aural intrusions are quelled by an Active Noise Cancellation technology, while revised suspension geometry promises improvements to the “Everest’s ride and handling for greater composure on- and off-road”.
Full specification and pricing is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, but Ford’s Everest range currently kicks off at $47,990 before on-roads for the rear-drive, five-seat Ambiente and tops out at $74,990 for the four-wheel drive, seven-seat Titanium.
Ford’s Ranger Raptor pick-up meanwhile also wears a $74,990 pricetag, but hides a number of off-road enhancements under its widebody including Fox Shox suspension, beefed-up underbody protection, increased ride height and widened track.
