44 SEPTEMBER 2019 leisurewheels.co.za
ADVENTUREDRIVE Ford Everest in Botswana
Inside the Everest sees
premium levels of quality,
outstanding interior space and
maximum versatility, now with
a selection of new colours.
Adding further exclusivity
to the cabin is the use of
contrast stitching on the Everest
Limited, along with shadow
chrome finishes, perforated
leather and high-quality paints
that add further lustre to the
upgraded interior.
Sync3 with navigation
is standard fitment on all
models from XLT upwards,
incorporating 10 speakers, dual
USB ports and an eight-inch
touchscreen display.
The navigation screen
provides a full 3D experience
with an elevated map view, with
points of interest and building
images. Similar to searching
on Google, destinations can be
entered via the search box.
Tracks4Africa is included in
the package, as well as access to
maps for over 20 countries in
Africa. Free annual map updates
are included for a period of five
years. Smartphone integration is
seamless through Apple CarPlay
or Android Auto.
Thanks to its versatile
seven-seater layout, the Everest
provides exceptional versatility
and practicality, whether
carrying people or folding the
seats for added loading capacity.
But the biggest changes are
under the skin. Following the
recent launch of the all-new
2.0-litre Bi-Turbo and single
turbo engines on the Ford
Ranger, these powerful yet
efficient engines have been
added to the Everest range.
Building on the innovative
technology of the award-winning EcoBoost petrol
engines, these Bi-Turbo and
single turbo engines deliver
improved driveability and
torque. The new 10-speed
automatic transmission ensures
these engines are always in
the sweet spot in terms of
power delivery and efficiency.
Reducing the gaps between
gears provides smoother
acceleration response and
improved performance at lower
engine speeds.
One of the innovative
features is the progressive
range select (PRS), allowing
the driver to lock out gears
from the automatic shifting
range, providing greater control
when driving in slippery
conditions, towing or climbing
steep gradients. Select shift
transmission functionality is
retained, enabling a switch“Driving into and out of the Okavango is entirely possible
but, due to the remoteness of northern Botswana, many
of the camps are more easily accessed by air”
Above: Wild horses still
roam the edges of the
Makgadikgadi salt pans.
Opposite page, clockwise
from top left: A refreshed
grille adds new depth to the
design. The area around
Khwai is said to be home to
around 130 000 elephant.
The Okavango Delta area
is a treat for bird watchers.
The front suspension has
been extensively tweaked and
the improved ride quality was
immediately evident on the
rough tracks leading to the
pans. Baobabs remain
an awesome sight but are
under threat from the large
elephant population.