The new SUV from Ford is launching in South Africa this week. We’ll be driving it soon, but right now here’spricing plus details.

The new Ford Everest is manufactured in Thailand, unlike its bakkie sibling Ranger, which is made in South Africa at Ford’s Silverton plant. Featuring seven seats, the new Everest is marketed to be supremely comfortable and practical. In terms of safety, there are seven airbags, an electronic stability program, traction control as well as a whole host of intuitive features such as Blind Spot Information and Lane Departure Warning.

The Ford Everest also boasts the latest tech such as SYNC2 infotainment system. The vehicle comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, an SD card slot and an RCA port. The car is also able to parallel park itself thanks to Active Park Assist.

From what we know, there’s only one engine and gearbox combination in South Africa for now. The tried-and-tested 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel mated to an automatic transmission does duty in both models. Power is rated at 143 kW with torque sitting at a worthy470 Nm.

It’s quite capable too, featuring a towing ability of 3 000kg, ground clearance of 225mm and the Ford Everest can wade through water up to a depth of 800mm. The 4×4 system is called Terrain Management and it features modes to tackle snow, grass, mud, sand and it can even crawl over rocks. It also comes with hill descent control and an electrically locking rear differential.

Ford Everest Price in South Africa

With pricing and spec levels set this high, we’re looking at a premium competitor that’s aimed right at the likes of the Toyota Prado, but don’t discount the Toyota Fortuner just yet as that model is due to replaced in 2016.

3.2 TDCi XLT 4×4 R593 900

3.2 TDCi Limited 4×4 R646 900

Options include: Metallic paint (R750), towbar (R4000), front mudflaps (R270), dual motion roof (R10 360 – Limited only)