Beijing: Production-spec 2015 Ford Everest (Endeavour) shown

American auto major Ford has unveiled the production-spec 2015 Ford Everest in Beijing. The 7-seat SUV will go on sale in markets such as China, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa in 2015. For ASEAN markets the SUV will be built at AutoAlliance Thailand in Rayong, Thailand, while for China it will be made at by Ford’s Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC) joint venture at the JMC Xiaolan Plant in Nanchang, China.

The Everest is based on the Ford Ranger pick-up truck and uses a body-on-frame construction. The Everest features a bold trapezoid grille, projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights front and rear skid plates, side steps and a roof-mounted rear spoiler.

On the inside the Everest features a new multifunction steering wheel a redesigned modern-looking dashboard, centre console with a new audio system and redesigned controls for the air-conditioning and round air vents at the extreme ends of the dashboard. There are 30 stowage spaces, multiple power outlets, powered liftgate, split folding second and third row seats and a large moon roof.

The 2015 Everest gets Ford's SYNC 2 infotainment system. Driver assist features include curve control, roll stability control, lane departure warning and lane keeping aid, active park assist, curve control, blind spot information system with cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward alert with collision mitigation and an electronic stability program that works with traction control. The car also comes with seven airbags.

Engine options for the Everest include a new 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder twin-scroll EcoBoost petrol and 2.2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.2-litre 5-cylinder diesel units. The vehicle will be available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, depending upon specific market demand.

The Everest gets a Terrain Management System with four preset settings - normal, snow/gravel/grass, sand and rock—that alter the vehicle’s throttle response, transmission, intelligent four-wheel drive system and traction control according to the terrain. Drivers can manually lock the transfer case in low-range four-wheel drive if necessary. The SUV has a ground clearance of 225 mm, and water wading capabilities of 800 mm.

In India, the Everest is likely to be renamed as the Endeavour. Ford is expected to assemble it locally from CKD kits imported from Thailand to keep costs in check. The SUV will compete against the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.