Kiwi-favoured Ranger ute specification now on V6 SUV spin-off.

ANOTHER two members have joined the Ranger family, on the Everest side.

Ford New Zealand has announced intent to add on extra diesels, a 3.0-litre V6 turbo in type-first Wildtrak trim – price yet undisclosed – and also now offer the Sport with the 154kW/500Nm biturbo diesel, for $77,990. The latter derivative has always on offer in Australia.

Everest released last year in $71,990 biturbo Trend and with the 184kW/600Nm V6 in $79,490 Sport and $84,990 Platinum settings.

The additional models takes Everest to an unprecedent showing in this market, where Ranger has been Ford NZ’s biggest hit by far among all its models, the ute achieving 76 percent of all Ford passenger and light commercial registrations in 2022, when it was also the top-selling vehicle.

This performance is despite all Rangers and Everests being hit by Clean Car tax, which has added to recommended retails since April 1. This year Ford will also have to pay a per vehicle penalty on all high emissions product it sells.

In announcing the additional variants today, Ford NZ and Australia said the Everest Wildtrak entered the line-up with exclusive exterior and interior detailing and finishes, advanced technologies, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems.

“The 2022 Everest set new standards for performance, comfort and versatility in the seven-seat, mid-sized SUV segment,” said David Grice, Chief Programme Engineer for Ranger and Everest.

“Now, we’re giving customers all that, wrapped in an SUV that looks as comfortable pulling up outside a hip hotel as it does on the trails.”

Wildtrak has been the most popular Ranger variant in NZ for years. Ford said the specification “blends tough-truck credentials with family-friendly comforts.”

It says that in boasting a range of design and styling enhancements, the Everest Wildtrak helps customers take on everyday challenges and adventures, answering the call for even more style and off-road attitude in an SUV.

The model releases with a hero hue, Luxe Yellow, the first time this colour has been offered on Everest and solely for Wildtrak.

The Everest Wildtrak’s has a bespoke grille and bumper help and has 20-inch alloy wheels with Bolder Grey detailing. The bumper H-bar, grille surround, wheel lip mouldings, fender vents and mirror caps also are finished in Bolder Grey. IT has alloy stand-off roof rails and, of course, Wildtrak logos - on the front doors, tailgate, and bonnet/hood.

Seats are trimmed in ebony leather and logo-embossed and the driver and front passenger seats respectively have 10- and eight-way power adjustment, heating and cooling. Cyber Orange features on the instrument panel, doors, dash and e-shifter.

Wildtraks take a 10-speaker stereo system.