Driven - Ford Everest Sport
We spent time sampling the Blue Oval’s seven-seater SUV, the Everest Sport. We sampled it at the launch last year as well as the XLT variant and we have always been a fan of the practical no-nonsense off-roader SUV.
The Everest Sport sets itself apart from the XLT by certain exterior as well as interior enhancements as well as a detuned 2.0 turbo diesel power plant. Upfront, the Everest Sport adopts a black mesh grille, black bumper inserts as well as a bold ‘Everest’ nameplate on the top of the bonnet. The side profile remains essentially the same however the side steps are kitted in black, Sport cladding while the alloys also receive black detailing. The rear then rounds off with LED taillights.
Inside, the Everest Sport receives leather stitched seats with the Sport in the headrest with all the tech and the seat are very comfortable. As a 7-seater, there is obviously a lot of space interior-wise. You also get 3 Zone climate control courtesy of the central SYNC3 infotainment system that features screen mirroring. Keyless entry, auto-dimming mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and multifunction controls on the steering wheel as well as heated electrically adjustable side mirrors that can be retracted are all part of the package.
In terms of the drive, The Ford Everest XLT Sport is powered over the terrain by a 4-cylinder single turbo diesel engine that produces 132kW and 420Nm sending power to all four wheels via its ten-speed automatic gearbox and it handles all terrains exceptionally well. The 20-inch Goodyear rubber is also great both on and offload. The ten-speed automatic transmission is a winner and as we have sampled other products that use the same transmission at the Blue Oval, we have always commended it. Overtaking feels effortless while fuel consumption for such a heavy vehicle is also commendable with the best during our week coming in at 9.0L/100kms.
Overall, the Ford Everest has also been our pick when it comes to seven-seater SUVs, it offers a great ride quality and the addition of the cosmetics on the Sport models will make it appeal to even more people.
PRICING
2.0 Single Turbo 10AT 4x2 R662 800
2.0 Single Turbo 10AT 4x4 R704 400
All Everest models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
