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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