Ford Australia has released an upgraded MY19.75 Ford Everest range in which every model now comes standard with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) including pedestrian detection.
The range-wide AEB fitment comes a year after the launch of the MY19 Ford Everest range, which brought a new 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel from the Ford Ranger Raptor and AEB only for premium variants.
From May production, all Everests will come standard with not only AEB, but Lane Keeping Aid with Driver Alert System, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam (all of which were previously unavailable for the base Ambiente).
These safety features are in addition to Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incorporating ABS, Load Adaptive Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Traction Control and Trailer Sway Control, plus Rear View Camera, Rear Parking Sensors, Cruise Control with adjustable speed limiter and Emergency Assistance. 4WD models add Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist and E-locking Rear Differential.
The 157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder Bi-Turbo engine and 10-speed automatic transmission remains unavailable for entry-level Ambiente variants, which (along with the mid-range Trend 4WD Bi-Turbo) are now $300 more expensive to account for their extended Driver Assist Technology suite.
Pricing for the Australian-engineered, Ranger-based Ford Everest line-up now starts at $49,490 plus on-road costs for the base five-seat Ambiente RWD 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel with six-speed auto (plus $5000 for 4WD).
A third row of seats remains a $1000 option in both Ambiente models, but all other variants come with seven seats as standard and the top-shelf Titanium 4WD Bi-Turbo flagship is now $1700 cheaper at $72,290 plus ORCs, which Ford says positions all Everest models below the Luxury Car Tax threshold.
In between are the most popular Trend variants, which remain available in RWD Bi-Turbo ($56,190), 4WD 3.2L ($59,990) and 4WD Bi-Turbo ($61,490) forms.
Capped-price servicing now also applies to the Ford Everest, bringing a maximum price of $299 per service for the first four years or 60,000km. A five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, Ford Loan Car Program and auto club membership are also part of the deal.
There are no mechanical changes to the all-diesel Everest range; 3.2-litre models continue with a 3000kg towing capacity, 2.0-litre models remain at 3100kg and a tow kit is standard for the Titanium but $1000 extra for other models.
“The Everest has won many accolades, and we’re proud of that, but we are always looking to add the latest technology and the most advanced features for our customers,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO, Kay Hart.
“The addition of AEB on every model is part of our commitment to constantly improve our products, services and ownership experiences.”
How much does the MY19.75 Ford Everest cost?
Ambiente RWD 3.2L 6A — $49,490 (+$300)
Ambiente 4WD 3.2L 6A — $54,490 (+$300)
Trend RWD Bi-Turbo 10A — $56,190
Trend 4WD 3.2L 6A — $59,990
Trend 4WD Bi-Turbo 10A — $61,490 (+300)
Titanium 4WD Bi-Turbo 10A — $72,290 (-$1700)
Options:
Prestige Paint (all variants) — $650
Third-row seating (Ambiente) — $1000
Tow-bar (Ambiente and Trend) — $1000
Fabric trim/non-powered driver’s seat (Trend) — NCO
Off-road 18-inch wheel/tyre pack (Titanium) — NCO