Sawas dee crub! We're reporting live from the 2014 Bangkok Motor Show, where Ford has just unveiled the handsome Ford Everest Concept. The Ranger T6-based SUV is making its ASEAN debut in the Thai capital. It's similar to the concept car shown in Australia back in August 2013, but today's SUV is painted in an eye-catching "Sunset Flare" orange hue.
"The Ford Everest Concept shows the bold new direction that we envision for a mid-size, seven-seat SUV that has been designed for ASEAN and global markets," said Matt Bradley, president of Ford ASEAN. He also revealed that the production Everest, based on this concept (a "strong precursor" Ford says), will be built in Rayong, Thailand, alongside the Ranger.
The Everest Concept builds on Ford's SUV expertise and is aimed squarely at the global utility market (trucks and truck-based SUVs), which grew 13% in 2013. Ford outpaced this growing segment last year, selling 1.2 million of such vehicles, a 35% growth from 2012. A lot of this is down to the popular Ranger T6, which tops its class in our opinion.
Unlike the previous Everest, this concept doesn't look identical to the truck it's based on. The front end features a bold inverted trapeziodal grille, covered in chrome. The swept back headlamps, which are rather petite for such a big SUV, are connected to the grille. Like the Ranger, there's a faux vent in the front wing.
At the back, the "negative scallop" taillamps are bridged by a chrome bar with Everest lettering. Skid plates at both ends stand out in silver. The Everest will take on the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Chevrolet Trailblazer when it debuts. To our eyes, it's the most handsome of the lot, by far. What say you?
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