New Everest undergoes 700 km litmus test in SA

Barely one week after the Nigerian media launch of the new Ford Edge by Coscharis Motors in Lagos, the American automaker this week Monday and Tuesday invited a bout 15 motoring journalists including BusinessDay to South Africa for the launch and long hours and hundreds of kilometers test drive of the all-new Ford Everest around Limpopo province. The new Sport Utility Vehicle is the second model to be  assembled at Ford’s plant in Pretoria, South Africa after the Ranger Pick-up utility truck.

The motoring journalists drawn from countries like Uganda, Mauritius, Angola, Kenya and Senegal   that took part during the two day test drive that covered about 700 kilometers with three stop over breaks after 89km. 243.1and  265.7 km respectively on the first day described the exercise as an opportunity for the sub-Saharan media team to critically put the Everest to set paces on and off-road.

The New Ford Everest expands the Everest family and provides the most capable SUV in its class.Details such as active noise cancellation, make the Everest the ultimate pleasure on any adventure trip and because it is designed to tackle tough terrain and unexpected obstacles, the Everest is intuitive to your needs.

It comes with a wading depth of 800mmj and a 225mm ground clearance. With luxury amenities that allow you to make a quick call hands-free, park perfectly with parking assistance and to keep control in changing traffic conditions, Everest’s intuitive technology and SYNC-4 connectivity system will give the driver more control and less worries..

Ford Everest’s advanced 3.2L TDCi Turbo Diesel engine delivers 147kW of power and 470Nm oof peak torque without compromising fuel efficiency. It also offers a 2.2L TDCi engine that delivers 118kW of power and 385Nm of torque.

For off-roaders looking for traction and grip even in slippery or rugged terrains, the electronic locking rear differential provides full engine torque to both rear wheels, even if one is off the ground.

Negotiating tough slopes in the Everest is simple as the Hill Descent Control uses the brake system to take you downhill at a safe and steady pace, take hold of the steering wheel and the Everest takes care of the rest. C On an incline, Hill Launch Assist removes the fear of rolling, because as you take your foot off the brake, the system holds the brake for a few seconds, giving you time to accelerate away.

MIKE OCHONMA