Ford release Everest Sport

Ford have added a new option to their Everest SUV lineup for 2020, with the ‘Sport’ bringing distinctive looks and some user-friendly tech upgrades.

Positioned between the Trend and top-of-the-range Titanium grades, the seven-seat Sport will be offered with the choice of two drivetrains, with selectable four-wheel drive standard.

“Everest Sport is a new kind of Everest, bringing a unique style inside and out,” said Kay Hart, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand.

“Everest Sport builds on the increased choice of the line-up, and combines a premium, sporty package with renowned off-road capability.”

Bold in Black

While EVEREST lettering on the bonnet’s leading edge clearly identifies the model, what separates the Sport from other variants is its extensive use of blackout parts. The grille insert, front and rear lower bumper sections, mirror caps, roof rails and window surrounds are all finished in black, as are this variant’s 20-inch alloy wheels.

Sport identification graces the rear doors and tailgate, while a new Deep Crystal Blue paint finish is one of five exterior colours available.

Inside, the Sport features door pulls and detailing in Raceway Blue, leather-accented first- and second-row seats, with the front seats adding the Sport logo on the seat backs and contrast Capital Blue stitching. The same stitching is also applied to the soft-touch dash pad.

Handy Tech

Fitted to the Sport and the rest of the MY20 Ranger lineup is a windscreen-mounted USB port for easier installation of dash cameras. The existing USB and dual 12V ports found on the MY19 Ranger are unchanged for 2020.

The Sport also gets Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system with built-in sat nav and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto smartphone compatibility. As part of the Ford Owner Benefits programme, there’s free SYNC3 map updates and the sat nav includes a ‘breadcrumbs’ feature to map your adventures off-road and ensure you can find your way back to the tarmac. The 8.0-inch centre console touchscreen also serves as the reversing camera’s monitor.

The Sport also gets new Bi-LED headlights, part of a ‘High Performance Lighting’ system, that improves low-beam light penetration by 17 per cent and high-beam penetration by 20 per cent.

Auto high-beam is standard with the High Performance Lighting system, which will also be offered on the Everest Trend and Titanium from December.

Choice of Power

Like the Everest Trend, the Sport is available with a choice of the proven 3.2-litre turbodiesel five-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic, or the powerful 2.0-litre ‘Bi-Turbo’ twin turbo four-cylinder diesel and ten-speed auto.

The 3.2 produces 143kW / 470Nm, while the 2.0 Bi-Turbo (first fitted to the Ranger Raptor) offers 157kW / 500Nm. Listed combined cycle fuel economy figures are 8.5lt/100km from the 3.2 and 7.0lt/100km from the 2.0, with the latter also increasing the Everest Sport’s towing capacity by 100kg to 3,100kg.

For off-road adventures, the Everest Sport is largely the same as the rest of the range, with 29.5-degree approach and 25.0-degree departure angles, 227mm of ground clearance and an impressive 800mm wading depth.

Safety First

While the Sport has yet to be tested, the standard Everest’s five-star ANCAP rating should apply, thanks to its substantial safety kit that includes AEB with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Aid, Traffic Sign Recognition, Dynamic Stability Control and Emergency Assistance.

There’s also Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, an e-locking centre diff, seven airbags (including curtain airbags for the third row), rear view camera and rear parking sensors.

Available Soon

Due for release before the end of 2019, the Everest Sport will be priced from $62,290 for the 3.2/6spd and $63,790 for the 2.0/10spd (excl. ORCS), backed by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

The new Everest Sport will also be eligible for the Ford Service benefits programme that includes auto club membership with roadside assist, a service loan car and A and B logbook servicing fixed at a maximum $299/service for the first four years or 60,000km.

See your Ford dealer for more details.