By: Charles Molefe
The Ford Everest has managed to etch itself as one of the favourites in our test fleet, previously we evaluated the XLT iteration of the behemoth, and we were very impressed with its overall capability. This time, we are testing the Everest Sport, dubbed as a car geared towards the more exuberant consumer who is not afraid of taking the road less travelled.
Aesthetics.
The standout feature in this aspect is the Agate Black hue that covers the test mule, it is not often that test cars are blacked out, black 20-inch rims and tinted windows were the order of the week. As silly as the earlier sentiments may sound the test mule shouted, I am security detail. To add to the above, the LED daytime running lights make the Everest Sport an attractive proposition.
The interior is very familiar, several of the best features have been borrowed from the XLT, so, technology is not in short supply. The Sport has been handed blue stitching on the embossed leather seats to add a tinge of flair.
Entertainment
The sound system is still one of the best attributes the Everest carries, the 10 speaker system managed to fill the cabin with ease, Ford has worked very hard in supplying you with a system that caters to all walks of life.
The system is controlled by the famed SYNC 3, it includes voice control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a fully customisable 8” touch LCD screen. Integrated into the screen is the reverse camera that comes in handy in tight spots.
Performance and Drive
The Sport is powered by a single turbo 2.0L engine that produces 132kW and 420Nm of torque, this is unfortunately the demise of the Sport nomenclature. One aspect that Ford negated here is the weight this vehicle carries, the power at hand is simply not enough to spur on inspiring drives.
Acceleration is steady and the Sport will reach the 100 km/h mark in 11, 46 seconds, nonetheless, I strongly believe that it could do with a decent bump in power and torque. I would have thought that the Sport may have clawed back on the economy front, however, I averaged a figure of 10,4 L /100km during my test tenure and I felt that the Sport was pretty thirsty.
I am well aware that performance is not the highlight in the single turbo iteration of the 2.0L, yet, the in-gear acceleration is somewhat pleasing, never at any stage did I have a challenge in overtaking any dawdling traffic.
Ford claims a towing capability of 3100kg’s, nevertheless, I believe you are going to struggle to get up and going in any hurry. Comfort levels are ranked amongst the best, the suspension soaks up even the most challenging of roads and it manages to emulate a ride that will hold a candle to some of the sedans out there.
Summary
Not all is lost with the Everest Sport, you have an extremely capable car that manages to seat seven in fairly high comfort. Bear in mind that the terrain management system is highly capable of taking you anywhere without fuss and that is a bonus in many consumers books.
As things stand, the Sport is my favourite seven-seater vehicle, not because it lights up the timing gear but rather how it goes by doing its business. It competes in a highly contested segment and I strongly believe that Ford needs to at some stage consider a high power SUV that will assert a strong shift towards the American.
Gottagged Rating:
7.1 / 10
Pricing:
2.0 single turbo 10AT 4×2: R662,800
2.0 single turbo 10AT 4×4: R704,400
Features
- Cruise Control
- All Terrain Management System
- SYNC®3 including Bluetooth with Voice Control & Navigation
Warranty
- Four-year/120,000km warranty
- Six-year/90,000km service plan.
- 3-year roadside assistance.
