Ford Everest Wildtrak arrives in South Africa at long last

Wildtrak – a popular version of the Ford Ranger – is finally also being offered on the Ford Everest in South Africa.

After initially launching the Everest locally in only two derivatives last year, the Sport and Platinum, Ford is expanding the SUV’s line-up to six models. A Wildtrak 4×4 will slot in just below the Platinum at the sharp end, a Sport 4×2 model comes in below the Sport 4×4 and two XLT derivatives will provide the new entry point to the line-up.

Built in Thailand, the Ford Everest Wildtrak was first rolled out in New Zealand last year. Like the Ranger Wildtrak, the Everest Wildtrak features a distinctive design incorporating Wildtrak-specific bold front grille with horizontal bars and tough mesh which is all painted in signature Bolder Grey. This liquid-like metallic accent colour is also applied to the front bumper design, providing eye-catching contrast to the Super Alloy silver finish of the front bash.

Wildtrak finishes

The new derivative also features Wildtrak raised lettering on the leading edge of the bonnet which is finished in the dark grey accent colour which is also applied to the mirror caps, rear bumper and the Wildtrak and 4×4 scripts on the rear tailgate.

The exterior also features bright-finish side steps, stand-off roof rails and privacy glass, while an additional paint colour, Luxe Yellow, is exclusively available on the Everest Wildtrak.

While machine-faced two-tone 20-inch alloy wheels are standard on the Everest Wildtrak, customers have the option of fitting 18-inch rims with all-terrain tyres.

Inside, Wildtrak derivatives feature contrasting yellow stitching on the dashboard, door trims, steering wheel, gear lever and leather seats which incorporate the Wildtrak logo.

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Connected cabin

The Ford Everest Wildtrak also comes standard with a 12-inch touchscreen featuring the latest-generation SYNC 4A infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system features an eight-speaker sound system, USB-A and USB-C connectivity and charging ports and a wireless charging pad that provides cable-free charging for smartphones and a built-in 400W/240v inverter.

Like the Platinum, the Ford Everest Wildtrak is powerd by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine which produces 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque. It is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission which sends the twist to all four wheels via an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed electromechanical transfer case.

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Ford Everest XLT

XLT derivatives are feature chrome finish for the horizontal grille bars which is offset against colour-coded treatment in key areas such as the door handles and mirrors.

The Ford Everest XLT shares the same high-tech full LED treatment for the daytime running lights, headlamps, fog lights and rear clusters as the high-spec models.

The interior of the XLT closely mirror that of the Ford Everest Sport and include partial leather seat trim, eight-way power adjustment for the front seats, eight-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch touchscreen inclusive of the SYNC 4A infotainment system.

Safe as a house

Standard safety specification across the range include:

• dual front, side and curtain airbags
• Electronic Stability Programme
• Pre-Collision Assist (with Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking)
• Lane Keeping System (including Lake Keeping Alert and Aid, Road Edge Detection and Driver Warning)
• Blind Spot Information System (with Cross Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage)
• Reverse Brake Assist
• Hill Launch Assist
• Hill Descent Control (on the 4×4 models)
• front and rear parking sensors with a rear camera

The Ford Everest XLT is powered by the same 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine that is serves on the Sport, which produces 154 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque and is mated to a 10-speed auto box.

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Ford Everest pricing

Everest XLT 2.0L BiT 4×2 – R832 400

Everest XLT 2.0L BiT 4×4 – R896 300

Everest Sport 2.0L BiT 4×2 – R918 500

Everest Sport 2.0L BiT 4×4 – R984 800

Everest Wildtrak 3.0L V6 4WD – R1 084 000

Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 4WD – R1 146 500

Price includes four-year/120 000 km warranty, with a service or maintenance plan available optionally.