Ford Australia has announced it will launch a 2WD Everest Trend in September with the price set to undercut its 4x4 sibling by $5000.
Ford Australia has announced it will launch Everest Trend RWD here in September with a list price of $55,990+ORC. It is also adding two sets of ISOFX mounting points and make its latest-generation infotainment and communication system SYNC 3 standard on 2017-model Trend and Titanium variants.
The two-wheel drive Everest Trend will mirror the Trend 4x4 variant, offering 225mm of ground clearance, 3000kg braked towing capacity, six-speed automatic and the same output from the 3.2-litre turbocharged five-cylinder diesel.
“SUVs are the fastest-gowing segment in Australia and the Everest Trend RWD will broaden our already impressive lineup of utility vehicles even further. The Everest Trend RWD offers customers more choice than Toyota Prado, which does not offer a rear-wheel-drive variant,” said Graeme Whickman, CEO and President, Ford of Australia.
“The Everest Trend RWD was developed extensively by our local engineers in Australia’s harsh conditions, which we believe will help it appeal to Aussie families seeking a rugged and highly capable seven-seat SUV. The addition of SYNC 3 technology advances Ford’s already leading connectivity innovations to help drivers stay connected to their digital lives while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road,’ added Whickman.
SYNC 3 has been out in other markets since 2015 and the latest-generation platform allows integration with Apple Car Pay and Google Android Auto and, according to Ford “faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, intuitive smartphone-like touchscreen and an improved graphic user interface. It combines the best features of the outgoing system with new technologies designed to help customers stay better connected”. We’ll pass final judgement when we’ve had a chance to test it.
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