TAKING a bold step to redefine the SUV market in Jamaica, Ford unveiled the new Ford Everest, a technologically advanced, stunningly capable and refined seven-seater.

With a rugged, sculptural design that reflects its unshakeable toughness and technological prowess, the new Ford Everest blends strength, smart features and style to bring consumers a tough and versatile SUV with true off-road capability. In addition to surprising and delighting fans of rugged off-road SUVs, the new Ford Everest embodies Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA to deliver rewarding and dynamic on-road handling, offering no compromises on refinement and comfort.

“The new Ford Everest represents an epic commitment on the part of the Ford Motor Company to meet and exceed high customer expectations,” said Pablo Haase, managing director PRCCA. “From the very beginning we set aggressive targets, and with the Ford Everest we have truly raised the bar for this type of vehicle in design and capability, with advanced technologies for a smarter, safer and more capable vehicle at a very attractive price.”

“The Ford Everest will help to expand our product footprint in the region with a tough and refined vehicle that enables drivers, their families, friends and colleagues to go anywhere comfortably — whether on urban roads or far off the beaten track,” said Hasse. “The Everest’s unique blend of tough capability and exceptional comfort is going to resonate with drivers across the country. The new Ford Everest sets a new standard in the medium-size SUV segment and represents a compelling addition to our global line up of SUVs in Jamaica. The design and product development teams have made good use of Ford’s global SUV expertise — the new Ford Everest builds on the reputation of its predecessor, which won praises for its durability and versatility. The new Ford Everest will be available in 2WD and AWD versions.

Balancing rugged off-road and refined on-road capability

The new Ford Everest was designed from the ground up with the durability to take on the most inhospitable environments. One of the toughest SUVs in its segment, the Ford Everest has a true body-on-frame design, ensuring the torsional strength required for challenging terrains. Together with a 2WD and AWD systems, an active transfer case with torque on demand, terrain management system, and best-in-class ground clearance of 225 mm and water-wading capability of 800 mm, the Ford Everest helps drivers navigate difficult terrain with ease.

For ultimate capability, the advanced terrain management system gives drivers four preset settings – Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, Sand and Rock – that alter the vehicle’s throttle response.

These impressive off-road credentials are paired to a new level of ride quality and dynamic handling beyond what consumers have come to expect in a rugged SUV. Thanks to its coil spring front and rear suspension and a Watt’s linkage on the rear axle, the new Ford Everest provides a comfortable, stable ride with agile and predictable handling on the road, keeping the promise of Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA.

Advanced technology for a smarter, safer drive

Ingeniously packaged with “up for it” functionality, enabling extraordinary journeys, the new Ford Everest is one of the most technologically advanced off-road SUVs ever made, and builds on Ford’s global expertise in the utility segment.

The latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity solution, SYNC 2 in Titanium version, lets drivers use natural voice commands to control the car’s entertainment system, climate controls and connected mobile devices more easily than ever before. SYNC 2 also boasts an 8-inch touchscreen with color-coded corners for easy menu navigation. Ambiance and Trend versions have SYNC 1.1.

The new Ford Everest also offers a number of segment-first technologies, including lane departure warning and lane keeping aid, two technologies that help prevent drivers from unintentionally drifting out of a lane; and blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross traffic alert, which informs drivers when there is a vehicle in their blind spot while driving or when preparing to reverse out of parking spots.

The vehicle also offers other advanced features, including adaptive cruise control, forward alert with collision mitigation, roll stability control and an electronic stability program that works with traction control to help the driver stay in control. To reduce parking anxiety, active park assist enables drivers to parallel park hands-free, requiring only accelerating, shifting and braking from the driver.

In addition to advanced active safety systems, a strong passenger cage using high-strength materials like boron steel, and passive safety features, including seven airbags, help to keep occupants safe in the event of a collision.

Power and efficiency to go further

The incredible capabilities of the new Ford Everest are made possible by two diesel engines, mated to durable and efficient six-speed automatic or manual transmissions. The engines deliver uncompromised power and torque with excellent fuel efficiency.

To achieve maximum power and torque for heavy-duty towing, Ford is offering the latest generation of its globally proven 3.2-liter Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine, with upgrades including an updated exhaust gas recirculation system to boost efficiency.

For maximum fuel economy without compromising performance, Ford is also offering the latest generation of the 2.2-liter Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel.

Smart and functional design

The new Ford Everest stands apart with a bold, sculptural design that communicates its impressive capabilities and advanced smart features, while the robust front end with signature LED daytime running lights and wide stance make for a powerful presence on the road. The chiseled and technical design is also highly efficient; extensive aerodynamic testing led to an exterior that seamlessly melds form and function.

The new Ford Everest’s bold exterior presence is paired with a modern interior that makes use of refined materials and emphasises horizontal lines to create a comfortable, harmonious environment for up to seven adult occupants. Interior features balance ride comfort with ultimate practicality, including a large moon roof, a convenient powered liftgate, more than 30 cleverly designed stowage spaces, multiple power outlets in the first and second rows, and flexible seating and cargo arrangements — including fold-flat second- and third-row seating — to achieve a perfect balance between passenger demands and packing efficiency.

KIG is the authorised dealer for Ford in Jamaica.