2015 Ford Everest SUV 2.0-litre EcoBoost 240 HP

2015 Ford Everest 

 Ford's new wagon has car-like coil springs which should result in a more comfortable ride for seven occupants across three rows of seats.

The Everest is a close relative of the Ford Ranger , which has donated its 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel powerplant to the cause.

2015 Ford Everest 

Other options include a 2.2-litre Duratorq diesel with superior economy to the big five, while a petrol option is available in the form of Ford's ubiquitous 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four.

Ford has not released power or economy figures for the Everest, saying only that it features upgraded engines in a different state of tune to the Ranger.

The ute currently makes 110kW and 375Nm in 2.2-litre form and 147kW and 470Nm when fitted with a five-cylinder diesel. A 2.0-litre EcoBoost motor fitted to the outgoing FG Falcon makes 179kW and 353Nm.

2015 Ford Everest 

Technology for the Everest includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Ford's latest voice-activated Sync system that allows drivers to control infotainment and comfort features with simple vocal commands, along with a broad suite of driver aids ranging from lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance to blind spot detection and cross traffic alert systems.

Ford says proper four-wheel-drive coupled to an advanced terrain management system with settings for various surfaces should give the Everest an advantage off-road. The car can be locked into a low-range four-wheel-drive mode for extreme circumstances encouraged by its 80 centimetre water wading ability and 225mm of ground clearance.

The big unit could find a happy home in rural or commercial applications thanks to its three tonne towing capacity and the ability to carry 750 kilograms of cargo.

Developed and designed largely by Australian engineers, the Everest will be built in Thailand for most Asia-Pacific markets, with China sourcing its own cars internally.