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Kea Zawadi
First impressions of the Everest Wildtrak: It’s big. It’s an 7-8 seater with plenty of space and all the comfort creatures you’d expect from a ‘large’ vehicle. Ford has really raised the bar for luxury, sophistication and capability in the mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment. The drive is just immaculately smooth and I remember using the word ‘butter’ to my driving partner. It’s athletic yet a smooth operator indeed. The exterior lines are eye-catching but the interior is also well-appointed and everything centred around the driver. This is an ideal family ride for those long weekend trips to just about anywhere.
Image: Supplied
Of particular interest is the introduction of Ford’s legendary Wildtrak specification on the Everest for the first time, slotting in below the opulent Everest Platinum but sharing the same 184kW 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine and permanent four-wheel drive system as the range-topping model.
Wild yet Tamed
A real thoroughbred ready for any action, yet it will wait on your command. Something like a Camargue horse. The distinctive character of the Everest Wildtrak is evident in the athletic design which incorporates a Wildtrak-specific bold front grille with horizontal bars and a tough mesh, all of which is painted in signature ‘Bolder Grey’. This liquid-like metallic accent colour is also applied to the front bumper design.
Image: Supplied
The strong and muscular design theme is reinforced with the unmistakable C-clamp headlights with their trademark LED daytime running lights, complemented by full LEDs for the headlights, fog lamps and tail light clusters. Added visual appeal is provided by the bright-finish side steps, stand-off roof rails and privacy glass, while an additional paint colour, Luxe Yellow, is exclusively available on the Everest Wildtrak.
Striking machine-faced two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 R20 tyres are standard on the Everest Wildtrak, but customers can option 18-inch rims and 255/65 R18 all-terrain tyres should they be more inclined to venture off-road on a regular basis.
Interior
The cabin environment is equally appealing, featuring the modern and upmarket design introduced on the Next-Gen Everest, incorporating the modern coast-to-coast dashboard and extensive use of soft-touch materials with high-quality finishes throughout. In Wildtrak execution the interior gains additional sporty flair courtesy of contrasting yellow stitching on the dashboard, door trims, steering wheel, gear lever and the comfortable yet supportive premium leather seats that incorporate the Wildtrak logo on the eight-way power-adjustable front seats. A dark roof lining along with the dual panel powered Moon Roof further enhance the upmarket ambience.
Image: Supplied
Drive Modes
The Wildtrak is equipped with a dedicated off-road SYNC screen and a rotary Drive Modes control that accesses six settings: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand. It also features an impressive range of driver assistance technologies as standard, comprising Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering, Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage, Cross Traffic Alert, Evasive Steer Assist, Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Pre-Collision Assist, Reverse Brake Assist and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Also available on the Everest Wildtrak as an option is Ford’s Active Park Assist 2.0 with full autonomous parallel and perpendicular parking, in combination with the 360-degree camera system that replaces the standard rear-view camera.
Under the Bonnet
The Everest Wildtrak is powered by Ford’s powerful yet silky smooth 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine which is shared with the range-topping Platinum model. It produces 184kW and 600Nm, and is mated to the latest version of Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission which uses the innovative electronic E-Shifter.
In 3.0L V6 guise the Everest boasts a permanent four-wheel drive system that uses an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical transfer case (EMTC). The default driving mode for this system is 4A (Automatic) which can be used on and off-road as it constantly adjusts the flow of drive between the front and rear axles for enhanced traction in all road conditions. Based on the driving conditions, 4H for four-wheel drive high-range can be selected by simply pushing a button to improve grip and control on loose surfaces, or low-range (4L) for steep or rocky tracks and deep sand where enhanced low-speed control is required. There’s also a 2H mode which engages rear-wheel drive only.
Verdict
The Wildtrak is an all in one package. Athletic sportiness that is waiting to be unleashed. Take it on any terrain and this 7-8 seater family SUV will never disappoint. It has all the drive modes you will need. The engine and gearbox pairing is ultra-smooth. The interior is plush and satisfying. The look and feel: Unmistakeably Ford!
Pricing (includes VAT):
Everest Wildtrak 3.0L V6 4WD 10AT R 1 084 000
Included as standard is a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first.
