Random ramblings and things that are, well, random and informative. All photos used within are copyright Joe Hupp (or their respective owners) 2012-2015 and do not belong to the public domain. Any unauthorised use may lead to civil action. Feel free to reblog my posts
Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Electric Car – 3/4 Rear LHS
Dubbo City Council has taken the initiative to lower it’s carbon footprint by the use of low emission hybrid cars or, in this case, 100% electric cars. This Nissan LEAF is the first 100% electric car being used as an official Mayoral vehicle anywhere in Australia.
Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Electric Car – front
Driven by Mayor Matthew Dickerson, the LEAF is the first electric car used by any official at Dubbo City Council. Previous to this, Cr. Dickerson has had a Toyota Camry Hybrid, a Holden Volt and a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (the most recent vehicle).
Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Electric Car – 3/4 front LHS
I went to the Orana Caravan, Camping, 4WD, Fish and Boat Show last weekend – while I was there, I was very lucky to be amongst the lucky Dubbo residents who were able to view the amazing Ford Everest for the first time. Here are my first impressions of the Everest…..
New Ford Everest Trend
Where do I start with the Everest? Ford have got themselves a very capable family-size 4WD wagon – they have used the Ranger’s chassis and running gear to create this. One thing I really, really like is the Microsoft SYNC system as part of the audio system – available on the Trend and Titanium, this allows the driver to control things, like the air-conditioning, the audio system and the Bluetooth, with his or her voice. As for the Bluetooth, you can use it not only to talk on your phone hands-free but stream audio from a compatible device, such as a iPod or a smartphone.
Bluetooth Audio Streaming – iPod
Another really good thought on Ford’s behalf is the inclusion of a 230V AC power outlet in the second row – this outlet is handy for people who need to charge a phone, a iPod (although there is a 12V outlet alongside where you can use a iPod charger), etc.
A very convenient and well thought of touch is this 230V 150W AC power outlet in the second row
The Everest is powered by a 3.2 litre 5 cylinder common-rail direct injection turbocharged intercooled diesel engine (as per the Ranger) with 143kW of power and 470Nm of torque. This engine uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce the emissions of NOx in the exhaust. The power is put to all four wheels via a 6 speed automatic transmission with manual controls.
AdBlue/Diesel Fillers – the Everest is the first Ford 4WD to require this important fluid due to having SCRThe Everest’s 3.2 litre 5 cylinder CRDi turbocharged intercooled diesel engine
Overall, I feel the Everest is very well finished, everything inside is easily reached and fits in with the overall theme. I think that the competition are going to be easily scared – the competition (Isuzu MU-X and Holden Colorado7) look exactly like the utes on which they are based. Ford have gone the opposite way with the Everest – the grille looks like it was taken from the previous generation Ford Explorer in the States (the Terrain Management system definitely is!)…. this is what sets the Everest apart from the Ranger.
Ratings:
Fit and Finish: 5/5
Appearance: 5/5
Appeal: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Total: 20/20
The all new Ford Everest has arrived in Australia. The Everest is available in three model variants (prices below as well):
Ambiente – $59765 Drive Away
Trend – $66065 Drive Away
Titanium – $83493 Drive Away
New Ford Everest TrendBluetooth Audio Streaming – iPodThe Everest’s 3.2 litre 5 cylinder CRDi turbocharged intercooled diesel engineAdBlue/Diesel Fillers – the Everest is the first Ford 4WD to require this important fluid due to having SCRRanger XLT on left, Everest Trend on rightA very convenient and well thought of touch is this 230V 150W AC power outlet in the second row
The Everest is based on the Ranger ute line and has been punted against the Toyota LandCruiser Prado (rather than it’s direct brethren, the Isuzu MU-X and the Holden Colorado7). The Everest is a much better finished vehicle than the Colorado7, the interior layout is something amazing and the overall impression I got when I first saw it was indescribable! I will recommend it to those looking at the MU-X and the Colorado7…. if you want to see more or to learn more about the Everest, check out http://www.ford.com.au/suv/everest/
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