Nor'West News: January 18, 2024

16
Thursday January 18 2024
Everest Wildtrak sets new SUV benchmark
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
THE WILDTRAK, one of the
most identifiable and desirable
nameplates in the popular Ford
ute range, has transitioned to its
SUV sibling the Ford Everest,
where it is poised to enjoy similar
sales success.
With its crisp assertive styling,
class-leading sophistication,
refinement, safety, and immense
on and off road capabilities, it’s a
large SUV that ticks all the boxes
that matter.
Tucked between the priceleading
$77,990 Everest Sport and
$86,990 flagship Platinum model,
the $84,490 Everest Wildtrak
is OK rather than outstanding
value for money.
Those wanting the extra cred of
the Wildtrak badge won’t see this
heftier price as an issue. For them
it is money well spent for the
exclusivity factor alone, including
unique exterior and interior
detailing and finishes, and a
comprehensive suite of driver
assistance systems. It intelligently
blends tough-truck
credentials in a package
loaded with car-like
comforts that will satisfy
those seeking more style
and off-road attitude in
their full-size SUV.
The ‘look at me’
treatment that’s liberally
used on this vehicle is at
play on multiple fronts.
Incorporating
best motorbuys
www.drivesouth.co.nz
For example, the test vehicle was
well garnished with Wildtrak
logos. Among the targets are the
front doors, tailgate, and leading
edge of the bonnet. In fact it has
more badges than a boy Scout
Jamboree.
With 184kW of power and
600Nm of torque the 3.0-litre V6
turbo diesel arrived here with a
big and well-deserved reputation.
Strong acceleration and excellent
low speed pulling power enable
it to effortlessly front-foot the
many and varied challenges
posed by our tough roads,
terrain and weather. Wind and
road noise on the open road are
barely audible in the passenger
compartment. The motor shows
its all-round class, by making
light work of demanding long
haul trips that would weigh
heavily on the shoulders of
lesser vehicles. It rolls back the
kilometres with ease to deliver
you at your destination relaxed
and refreshed. The 10-speed
automatic is well-schooled in
the art of quick well-judged gear
changes, expertly matching the
right ratio for most imaginable
driving scenarios.
A spacious seven-seat cabin has
room for everyone. A power-fold
third-row of seats, and fold-flat
second row, add both flexibility
and versatility to this impressive
SUV. The central focus of the
tech laden cabin is a 12.4-inch
fully digital instrument cluster
and the portrait-oriented 12-
inch touchscreen that controls
Ford’s SYNC 4A infotainment
system. In the Wildtrak, guise
also scores a ten-speaker stereo
system, wireless device charging
and wireless Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto.
Top-notch safety and drive
assist technology are to the
fore with 9 airbags and Lane
Departure Warning, plus Rear
Cross Traffic Alert. The latter
warns you of approaching
vehicles that you may not be
able to see when reversing out
of car parks. Keeping an allencompassing
electronic eye out
for hazards around the vehicle is
an excellent 360-degree camera
with clean and sharp imagery.
Road holding and handling
sets a new benchmark for a large
SUV in this price bracket. For its
size it feels remarkably light and
Ratings out of 10:
Performance 8; Handling 8;
Build Quality 7; Comfort 7;
Passenger and Load Space
8; Avg fuel consumption
on road test – 11.2L/100km;
Value for Money 7; Safety
– Five Star ANCAP crash
rating.
Overall points out of 10: 8
agile to drive over undulating
roads and through corners with
the sort of pace and composure
rarely found in a vehicle this big.
The Everest is a true champion
that revels in the rough stuff.
My off-tarmac excursions
were limited to a selection of
weathered farm tracks that
offered up a few muddy hill
climbs as well. All of these were
easily dispatched by the test
vehicle with minimal effort,
leaving me with a sense that its
4WD capabilities extended well
beyond mine. The Wildtrak is an
interesting and worthy addition
to the ranks as one of New
Zealand’s favourite full size ‘go
anywhere’ SUVs that’s right at
the top of its game.
Vaughan Pirie
owner operator
027 565 5577
vpbaeries@gmail.com
www.vpbaeries.co.nz
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