Ford Everest Sport – daring, adventurous and accessible

I was wrapping up an online meeting when the guys delivering the Ford Everest Sport arrived, so I asked my husband to run out and sign for it. He came back in soon after, looked at me with a beaming smile and said: “We’re going for a drive!” Needless to say the rest of the week was a tug of war over the keys or a race to see who could find the keys first! I swear that devil was hiding them from me and I really had to make sure he was in Zoom meetings to get some alone time to drive this beauty!

Exterior

At first glance you can see that this is more than the standard Ford Everest – even though an Everest is something special. The model I was given for a week was Agate Black with 20” black alloy wheels. It’s a beauty, the all black exterior with black mesh grill and subtle sport trim made me feel like a Bond villain. The Everest Sport 2.0 SiT 4×4 10AT is also available in Frozen White, Moondust Silver, Sea Grey and Copper Red.

According to Ford, this SUV is just so much better. Whether on or off-road, the new Ford Everest is tremendously dynamic. On the outside, the design is bolder and more aerodynamic, while the technology is smarter on the inside.

Interior

The interior of the Ford Everest Sport is incredibly spacious and really is a true 7-seater, it also has some nice touches, from blue contrast stitching on the steering wheel, leather dashboard and seats to the “Sport” insignia stamped into the driver and passenger front backrests.

I also found Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system a huge step up from the previous Sync1 and Sync 2, although I am still not a fan of the GUI colouring on the touchscreen, the blue colouring is distinctive, but in my opinion, not a premium look.

The Drive

The 2.0 litre single turbo gives enough power (132kW) even for such a large vehicle and overtaking is made easy with the very responsive 10 speed automatic gearbox. Although I am surprised that Ford didn’t opt for a little more oomph considering the “Sport” moniker. General driving is a pleasure even in stop start traffic and open road highway driving is fantastic.

I did not really do much, if any, real off-roading so perhaps look elsewhere if you need feedback in that area.

Comfort

Yes, this is a large vehicle and no I was not expecting it to be super comfortable, but I was impressed. I have mentioned before the power trip I often experience when driving larger vehicles and it was no different when I first began driving the Everest, but to be honest it very quickly stops feeling like a large vehicle and you just settle in.

Ergonomically everything is laid out well. Information and control is right where you need it, and this reduces the adjustment period. I never once found myself taking my eyes off the road when looking for radio controls or settings, which I know should never happen but………. well, we all know it does!

To be honest the thought gone into the in-vehicle electronics is amazing. There are multiple sets of controls on the steering wheel and visible menus directly in front of you. The ease of use is fantastic and without once reading a manual I was whizzing through the available options with hardly a glance at the controls. From setting cruise control to returning calls and changing radio stations, everything is accessible. I drive a lot of vehicles, but I still find larger SUVs a little intimidating when I first get behind the wheel and any features that help with that adjustment make a huge difference to me.

Would I buy it?

Okay….so this is probably not a vehicle I would buy, in fact I’m actually driving the vehicle for me right at this very moment (I will reveal that soon so keep an eye out for my next Ford post). Why? Well, it just isn’t what I need, we don’t have kids so seven seats is overkill. Having said that if I found myself with a brood to schlepp then it would be difficult to say no.

Specs for Ford Everest Sport

2.0/Turbo 4-Cylinder Diesel Engine
Maximum power: 132kW @ 3500rpm
Maximum torque: 420Nm@ 1750-2750rpm
20″ Alloy Wheels
7Leather Trim Seats with Capital Blue Stitching
Black Body Exterior Accents including Mesh Front Grille & Front Bumper
Sport Logo on Front Seats
Leather Dashboard Topper with Capital Blue Stitching
Exterior Mirrors: Power adjust & fold, Heated Mirrors with
Puddle Lamp & indicator
3D Everest Badge on Bonnet
Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS)
Electronic Locking Rear Differential
Fuel consumption of 7.1/100km
CO emissions of 187g/km
10-Speed Automatic

ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
ESP with Traction control
Towing Capacity (braked): 3100kg
Passive Entry and Passive Start (PEPS) & Push Button Start
7 Airbags: Dual front airbags, Side & curtain airbags
Driver knee airbag
LED Headlamps
LED Daytime Running Lights (DTRL)
ISOFIX child seat anchorage points
Rear View Parking Camera; On Screen Display
Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter
SYNC3 Radio/CD/MP3 with 10 Speakers & USB Port
Dual Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
Rain Sensing Wipers
12Volt Power Points x4
Hill Descent Control
Roll Over Mitigation
Emergency Brake Warning
Curve Control
Child Proof Door Locks
Bluetooth with Voice Control & Navigation
Front and Rear Parking Sensors
Electrochromatic Rear-view Mirror

Options Available
Metallic Paint
Tow bar
Peace of Mind Motoring 4yr/120 000km Comprehensive Warranty, 6yr/90 000km Service Plan,
3yr Roadside Assistance and 5yr/unlimited km Corrosion Warranty
Recommended Retail Price R718 000
www.ford.co.za