Earlier this year, before hell broke loose and taken over the optimism with the automotive industry, Ford Philippines started 2020 with a bang by updating the Ranger lineup and resurrecting its black-clad variant – the Ranger FX4. Months after that, the Blue Oval company sent out invites to an intimate launch event of a new Everest variant, but that didn’t push through because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ford Philippines had to postpone the launch, but with technology dearly involved in these adverse times, the company decides to push through with the launch and introduced the Ford Everest Sport via an online launch.
Aesthetically, the Everest Sport isn’t any different from the Aussie- and Thai-spec version of the midsize SUV, which means that it dons a blacked-out styling – and we mean really black. For those getting sick of looking at chrome ornaments, this new variant is definitely for you.
From the meshed grille, lower bumper,20-inch alloy rims, roof rails, tailgate, front and rear splash guards, and side mirror caps, the Everest Sport comes with blacked-out accents similar to the treatment done to the Ranger FX4 before. The nameplate is also spelled out on the hood (also in black) for this variant. This does remind us of a similar styling from a certain British brand, doesn’t it?
As for lighting, the sole of the Everest Sport comes with auto on/off LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, front and rear fog lamps, daytime running lights, and side repeaters.
Inside, the Everest Sport distinguishes itself from the rest of the Everest lineup with Deep Crystal Blue accents on the dashboard, around the infotainment, the doors, and with the stitches to accentuate the leather seats. Black is still the theme, though, but occupants will enjoy a colorful 8-inch infotainment system armed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Cruise control is also standard with this variant, along with 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone auto climate control, smart keyless entry, and push button ignition.
Seven seats are standard, of course, but just like the range-topper, the Everest Sport variant comes with handsfree power tailgate for added convenience. This special variant, however, is deprived of a sunroof.
The Everest Sport comes in a single 4×2 variant powered by a single-turbo 2.0L TDCi diesel engine that pushes out 178 hp and 420 Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. As for safety, expect stability control, ABS with EBD, hill launch assist, seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and rear parking cameras with parking sensors.
Price-wise, since the Everest Sport variants are positioned to bridge the gap between the Trend and Titanium, it’s also priced accordingly so. The Everest Sport 4×2 comes in at P1,868,000.
And oh, Deep Crystal Blue debuts in this variant exclusively, which we think blends well with the while blacked-out affair. It’s also available in Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, and Arctic White.
The new 2020 Ford Everest Sport is already available in all Ford dealerships starting May 22, 2020. Early customers who made reservations on or before May 31st are entitled to free maintenance services for three years.