Ford previews 2019 Everest
Everest is still a relatively new nameplate in Australia, but we’ve seen a positive response from customers as we’ve honed the line-up based on their passionate feedback,” said Graeme Whickman, President and CEO, Ford Australia. Key changes include a new twin-turbo diesel engine, increased towing capacity and the addition of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
While the 3.2-litre TDCi Duratorq five-cylinder diesel remains, the 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel that powers the upcoming Ranger Raptor (and will also be added to selected Ranger model grades) will be added as standard to the Everest Titanium and optional on the Trend grade.
Paired with the new 10-speed automatic, maximum torque from this engine is 500Nm (up from 470Nm in the 3.2) and fuel economy improves from 8.5lt/100km to 6.9lt/100km (combined cycle). The existing six-speed auto remains the standard transmission on the Trend and Ambiente grades.
Safety and tech upgrades include the addition of Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Vehicle Detection on Trend and Titanium grades, while these upper variants also get a hands-free power tailgate.
Increased towing capacity of 3,100kg (up from 3,000kg) will be standard across the MY19 Everest range, as will keyless entry and push-button starting, SYNC 3 with Google Maps/Apple Maps (with complimentary map updates for up to seven years), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, an 8.0-inch full colour touchscreen and reversing camera. A new ‘Active Park Assist’ semi-automatic parking system will be optional.
Minor styling changes on the MY19 model include a new 20-inch wheel design for the Everest Titanium, a new-look grille insert across the range and new ebony finishes inside, along with more soft-touch surfaces.
In tandem with the improved look of the interior is what’s described as improved refinement, with Trend and Titanium grades fitted with the 2.0 twin turbo delivering a significantly smoother, quieter on-road experience. Combined with Active Noise Cancellation and advanced sound insulation, Ford says engine and transmission noise from the new engine and transmission is markedly quieter than the 3.2.
Across the range, revised suspension geometry improves ride and handling for greater composure on- and off-road, with Ford assuring that the upcoming MY19 Everest will retain its off-road ability, thanks to extensive Australian testing that has tuned the Terrain Management System, suspension, tyre and wheel packages tuned for local conditions. The 2019 Everest range is due in September, with pricing to be confirmed closer to local release.
