Driving Ford’s large Everest SUV – four trim models in the range, the Ambient and Trend with 2.0-litre twin turbo four-cylinder diesel, the Sport and Platinum, with 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 – prices spanning $53,270 to $77,530. I drove the top-line 3.0-litre 10-speed automatic Everest Platinum seven-seat 4WD, more than an SUV, in Ford’s words “tough on the outside, a sanctuary on the inside and ready for anything ahead of you with uncompromising capability, safety and comfort.” And that’s not an overstatement, this is one impressive hard-nosed SUV. A great interior, roomy in the first two rows with top quality leather seats, the third row best sized for kids. The dash and centre infotainment touch screen, mounted portrait style, first class, designed by car people and not computer tech heads, its practical and partners with a great digital instrument display, both with great graphics. Highly equipped with Five Star ANCAP safety with all the latest drive assist technology, 21-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare, a power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system and part time 4WD the Ford Everest Platinum wants for little – Well priced too with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, service intervals 12 months or 15,000k’s. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon

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