Seeing is believing and Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has given this to drivers of all XLT specification Everest models with the upgrading of the lighting to high-tech LED headlamps as standard – at the same adding a new XLT 4×4 option.

The new XLT 4×4 derivative is powered by the  2,0-litre Single Turbo engine in combination with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.

“The Ford Everest remains one of the best equipped, most capable and versatile vehicles in its segment, and these characteristics are especially true of the New Everest that was launched last year,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager Marketing at FMCSA.

“The new-generation 2,.0-litre turbo-diesel engines brought even greater refinement, performance and fuel economy to the range, so we are delighted to be increasing our line-up to seven models with the launch of the new Everest XLT 2.0-litre Single Turbo 4×4.

“This new derivative slots in perfectly between the existing XLT 4×2 with the same 2.0 Single Turbo engine and the powerful 157 kW 2.0 Bi-Turbo derivatives, thereby offering the ideal combination of sure-footed all-terrain capability along with exceptional fuel consumption and superb value for money,” Mashinini adds.

The new model produces 132 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque available from 1 750 r/min to 2 500 r/min – with up to 340 Nm available from as low as 1 250 r/min.

As with all models equipped with the new 2.0-litre engines, the new addition has a 10-speed automatic transmission. It features an electronic control system with real-time adaptive shift-scheduling, engineered to help select the correct gear at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capabilities. This enables the transmission to adapt quickly to changing conditions, enabling the optimal gear to be selected in order to deliver maximum performance, fuel-efficiency and refinement to suit any driving scenario.

The high-tech transmission incorporates Progressive Range Select (PRS), which gives the driver the ability to lock out gears from the automatic shifting range. This provides greater control when driving in slippery conditions, when towing or climbing steep gradients.

In 4×4 guise, the Everest relies on a permanent four-wheel drive system that ensures optimal grip and control in all conditions. It boasts an easy to use Terrain Management System, accessed via a rotary dial next to the gear lever to engage the various drive modes: Normal, Rock Crawl, Mud and Sand. The system tailors the engine and drivetrain according to the terrain by adjusting throttle response, gear selection and traction control, as well as the engagement of high or low-range, with a standard rear differential lock further aiding traction on uneven surfaces.

In XLT trim, standard items include Passive Entry and Passive Start (PEPS) with keyless unlocking and push-button starting. Front and rear parking sensors are provided, linked to an integrated rearview camera to make parking the vehicle in even the tightest spaces a cinch.

The standard safety package across the line-up includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system with Traction Control (TC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) on the 4×4 models, Load Adaptive control (LAC) and Roll Over Mitigation (ROM). A full Category 1 Thatcham-specification alarm is standard on all Everest models for enhanced anti-theft security.

SYNC3 with Navigation is standard on the XLT and Limited models, linked to the integrated eight-inch touch-screen colour display, along with two USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The system boasts fully-featured embedded navigation, convenient multi-touch gestures (such as swipe, slide, scroll and pinch-to-zoom), plus voice recognition that uses simple, real-world voice commands. SYNC3 also offers the benefits of smartphone integration provided through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Model Range and Recommended Retail Prices:

2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4×2                                               R552 500

2.0 SiT XLT 10AT 4×2                                                R637 800

2.0 SiT XLT 10AT 4×4                                               R679 400

2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4×2                                                R693 300

3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4×4                                               R715 300

2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4×4                                                R744 500

2.0 BiT Limited 10AT 4×4                                           R819 400

All models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000 km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000 km service plan is included, with 15 000 km service intervals.