On Test: The Ford Everest Platinum. Refined all-round luxury.

As a motoring scribe, I get to drive a whole host of vehicles and some just stick with you with lingering thoughts, long after the vehicle has gone back to the manufacturer. The Everest Platinum is one of those vehicles that has made a more than lasting impression, so much so that I wish I had it for a longer period of time, instead of the one week on test. When it arrived, I was gob-smacked at the sheer size. It’s big, bold and has a commanding presence.  The exterior design, including the imposing front grille and neatly housed lights adds to the bold stance of the Everest Platinum. Unmistakeable from the outside. Step inside to see that Ford has upped their game with a more than comfortable and luxurious cabin to add pleasure to those long highway commutes. It’s so smooth to drive, refined, quiet and packed with all the tech you need. The test drive revealed just how smoothly the engine and the gearbox are mated to each other. Very, very smooth. (The Everest offers a choice of durable powertrains that includes a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, or the proven 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engines, both matched to advanced 10-speed automatic transmissions). The average fuel consumption on a combined cycle was around a pleasing 9.9l per 100 kms.     

Rugged outside, luxury inside!

The Next-Gen Everest is unreservedly sleek and modern, with a wider track and longer wheelbase enabling designers to create a more progressive, muscular appearance. Comfort and convenience are raised to even greater heights, with the inclusion of standard integrated wireless charging, an electric parking brake and a svelte new leather trimmed e-Shifter on the range-topping Everest Platinum. 

Be adventurous

Engineered to excite, the Next-Gen Everest has been built for the adventurous – with capability at its core. Inside, premium levels of craftsmanship have created a quiet and refined sanctuary for up to seven occupants, while class-leading technology and safety make every journey more memorable.

“The Next-Gen Everest has been designed with one thing in mind, and that’s our customers,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.  And we know that Everest owners are people who like adventure.

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Customer-focused technology

In addition to a more refined and comfortable interior, Ford focused on incorporating the latest connectivity and technology features into the Next-Gen Everest. In place of traditional analogue clusters, the Everest Platinum boasts an engaging 12.4-inch tablet on the Platinum.

The Platinum is loaded with Ford’s latest SYNC® 4A system, which comes customer-ready with its voice-activated communications, entertainment and information systems. Linked to the wireless charging functionality, the system also incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to seamlessly integrate your smartphone functionality.

The ‘tablet’ screen is linked to a 360-degree camera with split-view display to make parking a breeze in tight urban spaces or to assist when negotiating particularly tricky terrain while out exploring.

 

Engineered for adventure

Solid and exacting precise performance is a hallmark of the Everest Platinum regardless of the terrain, with the adoption of an advanced permanent four-wheel drive system that additionally features a default 4A (Auto) mode that can be used on and off-road. It constantly adjusts the flow of drive between the front and rear axles for enhanced traction for even greater peace of mind.

With the twist of a dial or push of a button, next-gen Everest customers can choose from up to six drive modes designed to improve on and off-road comfort and capability. The drive modes are: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand.

Stay in your lane

Both the Sport and Platinum models are equipped with Ford’s Lane Keeping System, which includes Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, along with Road Edge Detection and Driver Warning. Pre-Collision Assist with Dynamic Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning, Automated Emergency Braking and Reverse Brake Assist further up the arsenal of innovative safety features.

Final Thoughts

The ford Everest Platinum blends adventure-ready capability with exceptional comfort and customer-focused technology in a rugged, refined and fun to drive sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Engineered to excite, the Next-Gen Everest has been built for the adventurous – with capability at its core. Inside, premium levels of craftsmanship have created a quiet and refined sanctuary for up to seven occupants, while class-leading technology and safety make every journey more memorable. Whether conquering sand, rocky paths or city life, I really appreciated capability and spaciousness of an SUV, and this is where the Platinum excels. The back electronic cover made life such a breeze. Just tap on the key tab and the cover slides open. Load up and close by a simple touch of a button. Excellence personified in so many ways. Refined luxury at a competitive price.Time to hand the keys back, reluctantly. 

Pricing (incl)

Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 AWD 10AT           R 1 240 600

Included as standard is Ford Protect comprising a four-year/120 000km warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.