Living With It – Ford Everest V6 Platinum [update 2]

An update on our long-term Ford Everest V6 Platinum, including scheduling the vehicle for its 15 000 km service. Ian McLaren reports:

Time spent: 3 months of 6 months

Distance covered: 5 300 km

Average fuel consumption: 10,7 L/100 km

Driver: Ian McLaren

We like: Sense of assured presence

We don’t like: AdBlue intricacies

Ford Motors South Africa has recently supplemented its local Everest range with the addition of two new entry-level XLT derivatives, including 4×2 and 4×4, as well as a second (4×2) Sport model and distinct Wildtrak version. While each of the models in the now six-strong line-up offers a level of distinction – including the brand’s popular Luxe Yellow paint finish on the Wildtrak – it’s still easy to spot the range-topping Platinum edition on the road. This includes its 21-inch wheels and liberal use of chrome detailing throughout, including for the signature lettering on this SUV bonnet.

With the vehicle’s scheduled 15 000 km service booked via the impressive FordPass App, “my” Platimun V6 was gifted a warm welcome by Kelfords Ford in Somerset West. I was offered a complimentary coffee and a timeous lift home before the call to inform me of a software update that would be performed while the vehicle was in the workshop.

Spotlessly clean at collection later the same day, I was somewhat surprised to see an AdBlue level warning light appear on my instrument cluster just two weeks after this otherwise impressive service experience. On investigation, I was informed that because this additive that is mixed with the fuel in an imported turbodiesel drivetrain with the aim of lowering NOx emissions levels is indeed a consumable, it is not something that is currently on the checklist of a dealership workshop. Instead, an owner is encouraged to purchase this liquid from a dealership (a cost of around R700 per 10-litre bottle) to add it manually as and when it is required. The nozzle for this 20-litre supplementary tank is sited alongside the intake for the car’s fuel tank. Have a look at how its done below!

With 10 litres of AdBlue purchased and added, I’ve noticed a slushing sound emanating from the rear of the Everest. Perhaps, it’s best to fill this tank to capacity once the indicated level (checked via the on-board computer) dips below a certain point.

Especially through one of the coldest and wettest winters that the Cape has experienced in many years, piloting a vehicle as imposing and assured as the modern Everest on both the highway and, indeed, on the school run is welcome – not least for the obligatory pavement hop outside of the school gate. It stands to reason that my whole family has enjoyed the benefits of having heated upholstery throughout the Platinum-spec SUV. I’ll also admit to calling on the heated steering wheel from time to time – a feature that I never assumed we would need in our market.

When he’s not seeking the warmth of the second row, my son has adopted the third row of seating as his “home base” on family outings. Able to climb in via the tow hitch, he’s become notably adept at operating these electrically controlled twin seats to first aid his entry, and then close himself into this space. Regardless of where my children are seated, I’m grateful for the Everest’s on-board confirmation that all occupied seats do, in fact, have their seat belts fastened.

An interesting aside is that the speed limiter button on the multifunction steering wheel is sited just above the audio system’s volume control switches. On one occasion, when I went to lower the volume, I pressed this function instead resulting in a moment of confusion as the car refused to accelerate above my then-current speed.

Considering the available performance from the 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel in the Everest Platinum, I’m satisfied that my average fuel consumption figure of 10,7 L/100 km for the past four months is representative.

Keyword: Living With It – Ford Everest V6 Platinum [update 2]