Behind the wheel of Ford’s flagship 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel Everest SUV – the
$76,880 10-speed automatic seven-seat Platinum, fitted with a $2,210 towing pack.
Released last year this hard-nosed 4WD has quickly made friends with buyers
looking for more than a suburban SUV – Rugged, highly equipped with a roomy
interior for a large family, strong performance with a go-anywhere ability, an
outstanding interior with portrait style touchscreen and digital instrumentation,
with prestige level features and equipment. The 3.0-litre V6 an impressive
workhorse – with 184 kW and a punchy 600Nm of torque and 10 automatic gear
ratios it never feels fussed. More power and torque to the segment leading Toyota
Prado which still retains a six-speed automatic. What is impressive with the Ford
Everest is cabin quietness from road and engine noise and with 12,500km’s on
the clock it was as tight as a drum despite having endured some heavy off road
media tests. Importantly, braked towing capacity is rated at 3,500 kgs against the
Prado’s max of 3000 kgs. Ford have done a great job with the Everest, built in
Thailand, but fine-tuned at Ford Australia’s proving ground for our market. Ride
quality a little hard but given its workhorse underpinnings more than acceptable
especially when towing. I’m David Berthon

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