Season of Facelifts..
The premium SUV segment is dominated by Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR- V and Ford Endeavour (also Nissan X Trail makes decent number). Hyundai Tucson and Honda CRV uplifted variants were launched few months back. Now, its turn for Ford Endeavour! Ford has already launched its facelifted Endeavour/Everest in other markets Ford’s new Endeavour will head India soon. Let’s check out the new Endeavour.
Engine and powertrain:
Ford throws away the now available indirect injection engine and the new endeavour will get the necessary CRDi engine. The 2.5L CRDi engine generates 143bhp at 3500 rpm and a whooping torque of 330Nm at 1800rpm.This CRDi engine will make the new Endeavour most powerful beast in this category. In Thailand ford’s Everest is launched in four variants with a mix of 4WD/2WD and 2.5L/3L engine. If the same mix is launched in India true SUV lovers can find a resort in the form of Endeavour. New Endeavour gets a new 5 speed automatic transmission system though manual may be offered in India. The new five-speed automatic transmission system features an innovative Transmission Control Module (TCM) that can automatically detect and quickly adjust to the changing engine speed and driving condition. It keeps the transmission system always at its peak power band, thus making the vehicle more responsive. The new endeavour’s 4WD transmission system is equipped with the world renowned Borg Warner transfer system and electronic Active Shift-on-the-Fly, allowing a driver to shift the driving mode from 2WD to 4WD at high driving speeds of up to 100 km/h. Ford claims the new transmission system will make the new Endeavour perfect for both urban and highway driving as well as off road while providing the best possible fuel economy (22% more than the existing Endeavour)
Styling and Engineering:
Endeavour is the only true SUV available in the market; the SUVs are not meant for city or highway driving but truly make its sense in off-road. But the concept of crossover has diluted Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V. Endeavour is the India’s Hummer or land Rover. Thank you ford for retaining the masculine and intimidating look in the new Endeavour/Everest too. When other manufacturers embrace modern technologies Ford nicely blends old and the new. Except for the square shoulder look (that too is necessary) everything is new, sorry! Old, new Endeavour is made on ladder frame, leaf springs suspends this 1894kg SUV at the rear.
photos: exisiting endeavour/new endeavour front/side/rear
The bold and tough styling of the new Ford Endeavour gives it a commanding presence on the road. A distinctive chrome front grille, prominent wheel arches, extra large wing mirrors with in-built indicators and puddle light and a dominant power dome on the hood all add to that strong look, that’s unmistakably Ford. The toughness is more than skin deep. The two tone exterior and the cladding have not been passed to the new Endeavour. In the rear new Endeavour got no major changes. Endeavour’s characteristic hard spare tire cover has been retained.
The new Endeavour may look like an army tank or truck in the exterior but Ford desperately tries to make the new Endeavour’s interior to resemble a luxury sedan. The plush two-toned treatment of the interior perfectly complements the smooth brushed metal console. New stylish instrument panel consists of illuminating needles on tacho, speedo and fuel indicator. Dashboard looks elegant in silver and black combination and plush leather upholsteries make interior a cool one.
For new endeavour’s 360′ interiors/exteriors
While power windows, power steering, keyless entry system eases Endeavour to drive three-section split air conditioning, durable side foot step and rear defogger eases passengers to live. The 2nd row seat can be easily folded while the third row seat can be completely removed. The usual entry & exit problem in three row seating procedure will be in new Endeavour too this can be evident from claimed legroom. Also because of the spare tyre, the tail gate becomes small hence a Chevrolet captiva like opening rear glass must have been offered, but sadly not which makes Endeavour boot hard to access.
Ride and Handling:
New Endeavour uses ventilated disc at the front and drum at the rear to brake assisted by ABS with EBD. Gear ratios have been changed to increase the performance. Double wishbone with anti roll bar and two stage leaf spring at the rear suspends this 1894kg SUV. Endeavour’s same 265/70 tubeless tyres may replace 245/70 offered in Thailand. Re-circulating ball and nut type power assisted steering might bring you the good straight line stability but the absence of any traction control or ESP (Electronic Stability Program) in new Endeavour will deter you in corners.
Safety and Security:
The body construction has been strengthened with door intrusion beams and reinforced A, B and C-pillars to manage crash forces away from the driver and passengers while still maintaining the shape and integrity of the passenger safety cell. Driver and Co-driver airbags will be standard in new Endeavour too.
Braking is assisted by ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), load sensing proportioning valve (LSPV) and a G-sensor to ensure optimum stopping capabilities on all surfaces. Headlamps have been improved with a greater light distribution while upgraded tail lamps, side indicators and a new center high-mounted stop lamp in the roof spoiler improves visibility of both driver and fellow drivers. For security, the Endeavour is equipped with anti theft alarm and Engine Immoblizer.
Summing it up…
Yes, the Ford will bring the true SUV in the form of new Endeavour. The Endeavour gets a much needed CRDi engine but a little bit of careful engineering if made when it is launched in India, the new Endeavour will certainly lure crossover lovers. But Ford’s new Endeavour also has to match upcoming Maruti’s new Grand Vitara(escudo), Chevrolet Captiva and Nissan new 2nd generation X Trail apart from Hyundai Tucson and Honda CRV. The segment is hotting up, tough time ahead for the buyers to make the pick?