By Tet Andolong
FOLLOWING its successful launch in Bangkok just a couple of months ago, the all-new Ford Everest finally rolled out in Manila on Tuesday at the Ford Pavilion in Filinvest, Alabang. Based on the Ranger pickup platform, the Everest looks rugged yet polished, which makes it ideal for owners who need a vehicle that’s capable of on- and off-road duty.
Ford’s new sport-utility vehicle (SUV) has a generous cargo space and cabin, which is comfortably configured for seven people. Loaded with amenities, the Everest offers more than 30 cleverly placed stowage spaces, multiple power outlets, flexible seating and cargo arrangements, including a fold-flat second-row and first-in-class power-fold third-row seat.
An infotainment system—with an 8-inch touchscreen, advanced first-in-class 10-speaker sound system with an integrated subwoofer, including SYNC 2 with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation—is a standard feature.
“The all-new Everest embodies Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA, delivering a fully capable and competitive SUV that remains to be one of our most sought-after SUVs, and we are excited to introduce the latest member to our growing lineup of One Ford products here in the Philippines,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines.
“With a price range of P1,339,000 to P1,899,000, you can have an all-new Everest, which is arguably one of the automaker’s widely popular SUVs,” Hart added.
Toughness is one of the Everest’s strongest suits owing to its true body-on-frame design, which endows it with the torsional strength. With an intelligent four-wheel drive system, an active transfer case with torque on demand, 20-inch alloy wheels, as well as best-in-class ground clearance of 225 mm and water-wading capability of 800 mm, the vehicle handles difficult terrain with ease. The driver can also select from four terrain settings: Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, or Sand and Rock.
The top-of-the-line Everest is powered by a 3.2-liter Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine, which generates 200 ps of power and 470 Nm of torque and is mated to a durable and efficient six-speed automatic transmission.
For maximum fuel economy without compromising performance, Ford is also offering a variant with the latest generation of the 2.2-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel, which puts out 160 ps of power and 385 Nm of torque, with a choice of either an automatic or manual transmission.
“The all-new Everest is truly ‘built Ford Tough,’ that allows our customers to take on the world. Stunning, tough and exceptionally capable, it redefines what it truly means to be a progressive SUV. Its unshakable toughness and premium comfort makes it the perfect solution for customers looking for a tough and highly capable vehicle,” said Minnie Valencia-Bustamante, Ford Philippines vice president for marketing and sales.
Safety has also been looked after in the Everest, as it is equipped with a Hill Descent Control, which sets and maintains a constant speed while driving down steep descents. The Electronic Locking Rear Differential feature helps prevent rear wheels from spinning while driving off-road, increasing traction in slippery conditions.
Other safety features are Curve Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, Roll Stability Control and Electronic Stability Program that works with traction control. Ford added advanced active safety systems, such as high-strength materials like boron steel, and passive safety features, including up to seven air bags that assure both the driver and passengers’ safety in the event of a collision.
The all-new Everest comes in five variants and deliveries will begin in September. Prices are P1.339 million for the 2.2L 4×2 Ambiente MT; P1.399 million for the 2.2L 4×2 Ambiente AT; P1.539 million for the 2.2L 4×2 Trend AT; P1.639 million for the 2.2L 4×2 Titanium AT; and P1.899 million 3.2L 4×4 Titanium AT.
Ford is also offering an optional premium package for the 3.2L 4×4 Everest Titanium at an additional cost of P100,000, which includes HID Projector Type Headlamps with Auto-Leveling and Headlamp Washer; LED Day Time Running Lamp; Eight-way Power Adjust Passenger Seat; Power Fold 3rd Row Seat and Power Liftgate; 240V Inverter; Panoramic Moon Roof; Heads-Up Display; Adaptive Cruise Control; Lane Keeping System; Collision Mitigation; and Active Park Assist.