MANILA: Waylaid for a while by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ford Philippines plan to augment the lineup of its popular midsize SUV came to fruition today with the launch of the Ford Everest Sport.

Launched digitally, the fourth variant of the Everest features “enhanced design and a host of driver-assist technologies that will help widen the appeal of the Ford Everest among customers who appreciate the vehicle’s versatility, safety, and capability,” the company said in a release.

Meanwhile, Ford Philippines Managing Director PK Umashankar stated that the Sport “supports the Everest’s position as one of the safest and most capable SUVs in the market today,” adding that variant will set “another standard in mid-size SUVs... with its design and technology that match various needs and lifestyles.”

"(The line) straddles a wider space now," he said. During the launch, Umashankar assured that the company was able to secure a country allocation of new Sport units even before the worldwide disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Sourced from the Ford plant in Thailand, the Everest Sport is powered by the same engine that drives the Turbo Titanium 4x2 variant — a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine serving up 180ps and 420Nm. It is mated to Ford’s 10-speed automatic with SelectShift. The proprietary system allows the driver to “choose between a conventional automatic-shifting drive mode (D) or semi-automatic shifting sport mode (S).” When Sport is engaged, the user can opt for automatic Sport shifting  or manual shifting. According to Ford, SelectShift delivers enhanced acceleration, fuel efficiency, and smoothness on both on-road and off-road terrains. 

Visually, the Everest Sport is distinguished by black body exterior accents like a new mesh grille design, embossed Everest hood badge at the front, gloss-black painted wheels and exterior side mirror assembly, black tailgate appliqué in the rear, and a Sport decal on the liftgate. The Everest Sport boasts LED projector headlamps, daytime running lights, and 20-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Inside, blue stitching around the steering wheel and on the dashboard, seats, center, console, and door trims highlight the Sport. A leather seat comes standard with eight-way power driver seat function, smart keyless entry with push button start, and a power liftgate with hands-free function.

The Sport is given an eight-inch LCD touchscreen with Sync3 featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, two USB ports, and 10 speakers. Other niceties include cruise control, electronic power assist steering, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, electronic stability control with anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, and roll stability control. The SUV boast seven airbags including side, curtain, and driver knee airbags.

Four colors are available: Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Arctic White, and Deep Crystal Blue. The last is a new color variant available to the Ford Everest and is exclusive to the new Everest Sport.

With a retail price of P1.868 million, the Ford Everest Sport will be available in all Ford dealerships nationwide starting May 22. A free three-year scheduled service plan will be given to customers who reserve on or before May 31, 2020.

Everest Titanium add-ons

Meanwhile, Ford upgrades its Everest Titanium series with new features without adding to the price tag. The Everest 2.0L Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4x4 AT and Everest 2.0L Turbo Titanium 4x2 AT get LED projector headlamps, plus a high-mount USB feature for the 4x4 variant.

For more information, visit www.ford.com.ph/suvs/everest/ or call a Ford dealer.

Photos from Ford Philippines

Also read: Ford PH reopens showrooms in GCQ areas, announces safety measures