Blue Oval's new Australian-developed seven-seat SUV will be smarter than its rivals – on road and off
Loaded to the hilt with advanced safety features, the all-new model changes the technology game for large SUVs, yet was designed from the outset to tackle serious off-road trails too, says Ford.
The Everest made its world debut just around the corner from the APEC Summit in Beijing, China today with all the glitz and glamour you'd expect of a brand-new global model.
Appearing virtually identical to the show car revealed more than a year ago, the Everest was developed in Melbourne initially for Asian markets but could reach more global markets in future.
It will be produced in Thailand with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and two upgraded Duratorq turbo-diesels from the Ranger ute on which it's based – a 2.2-litre four-cylinder and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder – all matched as standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
In Australia, the Everest will be a diesel-only proposition. The petrol model has been ruled out due to low expected demand. Both two- and four-wheel drive models are available ex-factory but, while the latter is guaranteed, Ford Australia is not saying whether it will offer the rear-drive version.
Some of the Everest's key features include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and active lane keeping assistance, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, front and rear cameras, tyre pressure monitoring, LED driving lights, radar cruise control and a powered tailgate.
There's also clever interior packaging with power-folding third-row seats and a schmick new cabin design with more doodads than the lovechild of an iPhone 6 and a Nintendo Powerglove, including all the smartphone connectivity, app-compatibility and infotainment advances of Ford's SYNC 2 voice-controlled multimedia system, centred around a classy 8.0-inch touch-screen with user-friendly interface and USB/SD card ports.
"We'll continue to roll SYNC 2 out across other models in 2015, of which the Everest is part," said Ford Australia Brand Communications Manager, Martin Gunsberg, saying the advanced infotainment system was a "safe bet" for Australian models.
With an advanced quad-mode four-wheel drive system, low-range transfer case and 225mm of ground clearance, the new SUV is being pitched as a jack-of-all-trades, donning its akubra to cross rivers and descend treacherous slopes on the weekend, then shifting to smart casual for the weekday work commute or to ferry friends and family around in comfort.
Specifications and pricing for local models are yet to be determined and will be detailed closer to next year's local launch.
Five years in the making, the Everest is based on a stretched version of the T6 Ranger's body-on-frame (ladder) platform — a design that traditionally combines rugged durability with off-road capability at the expense of on-road ride/handling performance.
With a "class-leading" 225mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 29 degrees, departure angle of 25 degrees and ramp-over of 21 degrees, plus a dial-operated multi-mode four-wheel drive Terrain Management System to adjust settings on the fly, Ford says the Everest can go anywhere.
Lump in a sizeable 800mm wading depth and it's clear the Everest is no pretender. Hill ascent and descent control are there if you want to bush-bash pedal-free and an electronic locking rear differential is designed to deliver extra traction in tricky situations.
On paper, it sounds like the Everest will give the Toyota Prado — which was only recently eclipsed by the Jeep Grand Cherokee as Australia's most popular large SUV — a run for its muddy.
Ford is yet to reveal statistics like performance or vehicle weights, but one of the benefits of offering the same 3.2-litre five-pot turbo-diesel as the Ranger is that the Everest will also come with impressive towing capabilities, with a 3000kg braked-trailer limit. It has a cargo payload of 750kg and can carry up to 100kg on the roof, adding more versatility.
Perhaps most impressive is the array of automated systems packaged into the Everest, led by a new electric power steering system with a semi-automatic parking function.
Also making living with the big SUV simpler is voice-controlled in-car functionality with improved recognition software. For example, you can say "I'm hungry" and the satellite-navigation will search for nearby restaurants.
It's not yet clear how many features will be standard or optional, but apart from the automated tailgate and push-button rear seat operation, there's a 10-speaker sound system and MyKey smart key that can be programmed to limit functions of the car, such as its top speed and audio volume.
Beyond the advanced driver aids, the Everest offers seven airbags, traction and stability control, a rollover mitigation system and curve control help -- the latter a segment first, according to Ford. The new curve control system works when it senses the Everest attempting to navigate a corner with too much speed, and activates the brakes to maintain control.
As well, Ford promises that when customers step inside the car, they will be taken aback by the attention to detail and quality, thanks in part to a combination of "premium materials and advanced fabrics". A large moon roof will be optional.
All three rows will offer heating and cooling vents and Ford claims its Active Noise Cancellation technology will create a super-quiet cabin. Similar to noise-cancelling headphones, the system 'listens' to noises via three microphones and generates a frequency that masks ambient sounds, such as tyre, engine and wind noise.
There's a single 240-volt outlet to charge larger devices (laptops, etc) in the second row and another three 12-volt outlets in each row, catering to the modern preoccupation with mobile devices.
The Everest equipment list extends to heated and eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and the three-position reclining second-row seat is split 60/40. The twin-seat third row is split 50/50 and power-folding. Leather upholstery will be available and there are plenty of satin chrome accents in the cabin.
Ford says a total of 48 litres of storage space is liberated via more than 30 storage cubbies, and there's a substantial total of 2010 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded "completely flat".
"The new Ford Everest represents an epic commitment on the part of the Ford Motor Company to meet and exceed high customer expectations," said the vice-president of Ford Asia Pacific Product Development and former Ford Australia R&D chief Trevor Worthington.
"In every aspect, the new Ford Everest is one of the smartest vehicles on the road. Technology is the bedrock of the Everest, and helps set it apart from its competitors. With its intelligent four-wheel drive system and its array of first-in-class smart and safe technologies, the new Ford Everest gives drivers a sense of confidence and comfort," he said.
The burning question is what will Ford charge for all this off-road capability and luxury-car equipment? It'll be at least another nine months before we find out but, for now, Ford says the wait will be worth it.
"From the very beginning we set aggressive targets and with the Ford Everest we have truly raised the bar for this type of vehicle in design and capability, with advanced technologies for a smarter, safer and more capable vehicle at a very attractive price," said Worthington.
Given its position as Ford's most advanced SUV, and that Ford Australia is expected to release a direct replacement for its homegrown Territory in the form of the five-seat Edge and/or seven-seat Explorer, the Everest won't be cheap.
Indeed, Ford Australia executives say the Everest is "very much in the Prado space" and they expect little cross-shopping with seven-seat soft-roaders and off-roaders in the $40-$60K bracket, like Ford's own Territory, the Holden Captiva 7 and Colorado 7, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu MU-X, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Challenger, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Kluger.
So it's almost certain the Everest will be priced from under $60,000 to compete directly with Australia's top-selling large 4x4 wagons like the Prado, Grand Cherokee and Mitsubishi Pajero in the $55-75K region
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