OREANDA-NEWS. Following on its local reveal at the Go Further event in Sandton recently, the exciting and capable all-new Everest was launched to SA and SSA media from 28 September to 02 October in the Western Cape.

The launch took the form of a four day event, comprising 96 representatives over four rotations from automotive, lifestyle, influencer and consumer media. 

Media especially enjoyed that we hosted Ian Foston, Chief Everest Program Engineer at the event, which allowed for both an international flavou?r to the business presentation and an in-depth Q&A session. Alongside Foston in these presentations - and adding the local context - were Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, and LCV Brand Manager Dale Reid.

The launch followed the positioning of the new premium SUV, allowing attendees to experience fast and winding roads along with a scenic and challenging off-road driving experience in Kroonland, outside Franschhoek. 

The infamous Franschhoek Pass gave attendees a last spurt of adrenalin on the day, again proving the driving dynamics of the new Everest - before they settled in at the L’Ermitage Chateau and Villas for the night – a venue befitting of the premium nature of the all-new Everest.

From a Social Media perspective twenty influencers, ranging from bloggers to creative, attended the launch. The hashtag used for the event was #FordEverestLaunch - it generated 479 tweets and trended in South Africa on the consumer day rotation.

Ian McLaren – Car Magazine

The new Everest is well-specced and a looker. Where the Fortuner is a charcoal braai the Everest cooks with gas. It has what it takes to take on cars like the Discovery Sport. I especially liked the butch and rugged stance and the comfy electric seats.

Alex Parker – Business Day

The latest Everest is great off-road, especially quiet at highway cruising speeds, and very comfortable to pilot. It feels expensive, offers a firm and confident ride, and a surprisingly good turning circle.

Lance Branquinho – TopGear

It’s indescribable how much better the new Everest is over the old one. It must also be said that the watts link rear suspension set-up is a clever solution versus the other options available out there. Then there’s the debate about pricing, people forget that the new Fortuner, specced with the same options offered standard in the Everest, will cost loads more than latest Everest pricing.

Glen Hill – The Citizen

Well done Ford - great aesthetics and a huge improvement over the previous car. It’s especially capable off-road, ride quality is very good, and engine torque makes for an engaging drive experience.

David Taylor – cars.co.za

In the new Everest we have a great offering from Ford – ride refinement is excellent, NVH is superb, damping is impressive, it looks damn good, spec levels are great, and it’s extremely capable off-road!

Janine Gordon – wheels24.co.za

My favourite party trick was the electric third-row seats, very cool! I love the looks of the new Everest – especially the rugged chrome grille and its huge Ford badge. The package almost reminds me of the F250, it has that much on-road presence. The drive is pleasant and handling feels solid too. Those many storage compartments are a boon for ladies too!

Ane Theron – Auto Trader

There’s a general ease of use going on here. It’s fuss free and practical while being high on convenience features. On-road refinement should raise a few eyebrows in the segment, while handling for something this size is exceptional.

Lawrence Smith – YFM

How nice does this new Everest look? I dig the high driving position, the way the gearbox adapts to your driving style, the extra power versus the current Fortuner, and the general handling attributes. I also like the well-appointed interior with its premium finishes – a great family car this.

Melinda Ferguson – Kaya FM

What’s not to like – the new Everest is rugged, classy, stylish – simply drop dead gorgeous to be exact. Describe it in one sentence? Capable as a camel man on steroids..

Phuti Mpye – Blaque Magazine

We finally have a new benchmark in segment. It may sound excessive, but I reckon the new Everest has mind-blowing refinement and is surprisingly luxurious. I’m truly impressed with this new offering – Toyota should keep a close eye on this one..

Thami Masemola – In4Ride

Its official, the Fortuner is in trouble! The Ranger has already broken the back of the Hilux in sales terms, the Everest is about to dish the same up to the Fortuner. While new Fortuner is painful on the eye, new Everest is a stunner with its smooth lines – not to mention being beautiful to drive with its elegant handling.