D R I V E N

SUVs.  They come in all shapes and sizes from microscopic to the gargantuan. They’re powered by anything from petrol to electric.  In any case, they have but one goal: to move the world and the rising popularity is a testament to this.  Family men consider them to haul the clan, rappers are ‘in’ when seen in them and Greenpeace just wants to smash them.

Still, for all its perceived advantages, SUVs have just begun to pick up steam here.  For once, thank the government for growing a brain; but most of all thank the manufacturers for actually bringing the vehicles here.  Main proponent and first to take advantage is Ford Philippines.  Luckily, we’ve managed to take two new Fords—vehicles that will surely shape the company, and perhaps the industry, for years to come.

Ford Everest

If there’s a vehicle destined to end up in the garage of every Filipino, it’s this one.  Sadly, with its stratospheric P1.21 million price tag, it’s probably ending up as bodyguard transport.  Coupled with its looks and reputation, there’s no wondering why.

From the outside, it’s a cross between three perennial bodyguard favorites.  The Everest has the Toyota Revo’s overall proportions (including the large headlamps); the Mitsu Adventure’s tail lamps (which are already derivative); and the Isuzu Crosswind’s body cladding, exposed spare tire and roof rails.

It doesn’t win any daring design contest awards.  In fact, personally, it’s the blandest vehicle to come out since the Nissan Bluebird.  It’s got fat tires and four-wheel drive—but but it doesn’t look it—the Isuzu Crosswind looks more like an SUV.

No one’s buying the Everest for its looks, that’s for sure.  However, one big plus factor is its practicality.  The story starts with the interior. Though it looks and feels like the Ranger, it has technology so clever it will make the Revo feel prehistoric. 

Most obvious is the third row seating, which is forward facing.  Coupled with their own 3-point ELR seatbelts, it’s the safest place to leave your five year old.  Look up and you’ll notice another plus: dual air conditioning with seven separate vents.  That’s a departure from having some passengers freeze and others boil to death.  Climb over to the second row and you’ll notice a leg room that’s not out of place in a Mercedes S-class.  Flip a lever and it folds and tumbles easily.  Ford calls it Quick-Release, but you can call it magic.

Twist the ignition and a very diesel-like shudder comes on.  Not a very good start.  Press the clutch, shift to first and feel the rubbery linkage.  Not a very good start indeed.  Still, zoom off and you’ll change your opinion.  The Everest has 110-bhp and 268 Nm, the most powerful for an AUV-cum-SUV.  It may be down on the Ranger’s 117-bhp, but it delivers the power more smoothly.

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