Ford Adds No-Cost Off-Road Tyre Package to Top-Shelf Everest 4×4

Ford has boosted the off-road credentials of its Everest 4x4 with the addition of a no-cost tyre package for the top-spec Everest Titanium that replaces the standard 20-inch wheels with a more off-road compatible 18-inch wheel and tyre package.

The move comes in reaction to customer demand from buyers seeking the fully-loaded features of the $74,701 (plus on-road costs) flagship Titanium model who still want to be able to venture off road.

The 18-inch wheel and 265/60 R18 tyre package also includes suspension changes, plus a recalibrated stability control system tuned to better handle off-road conditions.

20-inch wheels shod with 265/50 R20 tyres will stay on the standard equipment list, with buyers able to select the 18-inch wheel, suspension, and stability control package at the time of ordering.“There are many owners who want to take their Everest off-road - something we welcome,” said Ford Australia spokesman Damion Smy.

"The addition of an 18-inch wheel on the Titanium gives Everest owners more flexibility. It enables them more confidence in the harsh, challenging conditions that Everest is capable of traversing, while allowing them the higher-spec of the Titanium, such as the heated seats, that panoramic sunroof and, of course, the leather seating.”

Based on the mechanicals of the Ranger ute, the locally-engineered and developed Everest targeted the top selling Toyota Prado, a car popular with families, outback adventurers, caravanners and grey nomads.

The Everest has made inroads, with a 22.5 percent increase in sales accompanying the introduction of additional rear wheel drive variants, though at present the Toyota Prado outsell the everest by about three-to-one.

It is hoped the newly-added off-road tyre package will further drive sales by offering buyers a more diverse model mix.

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