Twenty years ago, an all-metal station wagon conversion of your single or double cab bakkie from Des Meano in Joburg was the hottest family/fishing vehicle out. Sani was also doing a good job of combining fiberglass and metal structures to make better and better Nissan Hardbody wagons.

Mostly though, the bespoke conversions were pretty crude: often short on passenger leg space, devoid of fancy interior cladding and mechanically unchanged. These were bakkies with a permanent hard-top.

Climbing into the Ford Everest 4x4 XLT feels like a trip back to those times and those vehicles. Except by a 90s yardstick, this one’s exceptional. The ribbed metal roof is all in one and graced with sturdy roof rails. The rear section aft of the wide section B- and C-pillars is square and upright, reminiscent perhaps of a Pathfinder, Discovery II or a, or a … GWM Multiwagon. The front section is neat, taking all the cues from the just facelifted Ranger, and while this is the third generation of Everest built in Thailand (and imported fully built-up), this is its first, fresh appearance here. Territory replacement it is not, however.

Out back, there’s a wide right-side hinged door with a proper catch to keep it open when required and a substantial step bumper that can take up some typical tailgate cooking and stuff stashing duties if its not too covered in mud or dust. Parked next to a Patrol it might look like an overtrained flyhalf against a solid prop forward early in the season, but on its own the Everest looks macho enough to cope with any loose scrum.

The 16 inch wheels shod with 245/70 section Bridgestone Duelers are going to be relatively easy to find replacements for when travelling north. The aluminium sidesteps are smart, but are going to be destroyed on the first deep hole outing in the bush. Most Everests probably won’t do that kind of duty. There are lots of plastic cladding sections over the wheel arches, on the flanks and on the rear door. Good on the looks front, and easier to replace than body panels, but these seem aimed more at style than substance. Likewise the flimsy cover on the rear-mounted wheel. Said wheel interferes with rearward vision, but not massively, while it imparts rugged 4x4 looks in the tradition established by the Pajero, Prado, Patrol and er ... Terios. This arrangement also puts a strain on the swing door and the wheel mounting points when the vehicle is driven consistently on corrugated dirt roads. On the one hand, it’s easier to access when stuck and needing to replace a flat. On the other hand, there is space for another spare under the rear of the vehicle – or an additional fuel tank. Many hands, much debate.

Climb inside with a 90s mindset and you will be blown away. Carpeting all round, quality plastic finishes that are properly designed for fit, and a headliner that kicks up for the second row and contains vent controls for the aircon. Not to mention electric windows, proper fitted audio with what’s this, a CD player with Aux input capability and, believe it, power steering – almost a novelty twenty years back.