Mako goes after Raptor
With Ford holding the reins of the ute market since about 2014, it was always going to be a case of when – not if – Toyota NZ would deliver a model to compete.
The modern trend to fewer cubic centimetres and more gear ratios continues as car manufacturers chase better fuel economy and lower emissions.
The revised Ford Everest Titanium does its bit by replacing the 3.2L, five-cylinder single-turbo diesel with a 2.0L four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel, and by replacing the six-speed automatic transmission with a 10-speed.
This efficient new drivetrain is the major update to the Everest, the rest being largely a visual refresh inside and out, changes to suspension tuning and some new active safety technology thrown in for good measure.
High-pressure fuel injection and low-friction design both feature in an engine that manages to get more from less: more power than the old 3.2L (157kW vs 143kW) and more torque (500Nm vs. 470Nm). Power delivery is similar to the old engine up to 3000rpm, at which point the 3.2L is done, but the 2.0L keeps making power up to 4000rpm. The small engine also makes max torque as low in the rev range as the 3.2L did. So it’s faster.
Towing capacity must be lower, surely? Not according to Ford: it says the new Everest can now tow an extra 100kg at 3100kg braked capacity.
And the payoff Ford was chasing -- better fuel economy at a claimed 7.1L/100km (combined cycle) -- is a decent improvement on 8.5L/100km.
The only real downside is the loss of tone: the old five-cylinder made a distinctive growl that the new engine can’t match. However, the new four-cylinder is more refined.
The new 10-speed can take some credit for the lower fuel consumption and for the better progress across country: with 10 ratios to choose from, the Everest was nearly always in the right gear for the road speed and conditions. Co-developed by Ford and General Motors, this transmission impressed with its smoothness and quick shifts.
Ford says it has fettled the damper tune, lowered spring rates and modified the front stabiliser bar to improve suspension performance. It’s hard to tell the difference behind the wheel, to be honest, but we’ve always found the Everest handled better than most SUVs with ute-based heritage. That remains the case and for such a high-rider it inspires confidence on the road, holding a line through corners and not bucking and wobbling like many in this category used to do.
Substantial off-road capability no longer requires comprised driveability on the road.
Like its Ranger stablemate, the electric steering is also well weighted, nicely accurate and, while a bit numb, still rates at or near the top of a class once known for vague tiller feel, to say the least.
Last but not least, the active safety technology has radar and sensors for Africa and now includes adaptive cruise control that matches the speed of traffic in front, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and a lane keeping system. The driver aid we appreciated the most though was the foward alert with collision mitigation, which prevented a nasty rear-ender. At least we know it works in the real world.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.