Ford's next big thing Ford is planning to launch its upgraded Endeavour with a 2.5-litre common-rail diesel engine in India by early 2007. |  |
Ford has officially unveiled the new Endeavour (Everest in other markets) in Thailand. It’s more than just a face-lift and claims it an all-new SUV with 75 percent new parts. The silhouette of the new Endeavour remains largely unchanged and the macho look is instantly recognisable. The straight and uncluttered lines have been softened a bit to ensure it doesn’t look overtly boxy. The new Endeavour hasn’t lost any of its butch appeal and it still looks as intimidating as before. In fact, the new Endeavour with a length of 5009mm is marginally longer than the earlier model though the wheelbase of 2860mm remains the same. A huge rectangular grille and a massive cowl dominate the front end, giving the SUV a truck-like look. The turn indicator and parking lamps in the headlight unit are more prominent and the sideview mirrors get integrated indicators, a trend that’s catching on with manufacturers.
The big change though is in the interiors. While the earlier model’s cabin scored high on space and solid build, it looked old-fashioned and utilitarian. Importantly, it lacked the essential upmarket feel expected from a product in its price range. Although Ford had spruced up the Endeavour’s interiors in 2006 by replacing the grey upholstery with beige, it didn’t have the desired effect. Expect that to change now. The dashboard is a combination of circular and rectangle design elements. The big circular gauges are clear and easy to read. The silver-finished centre console looks good on the black dashboard. Circular AC vents on the corners of the dash seem similar to the Fiesta’s. Overall, there’s an airy feel to the cabin and the extremely refreshing interiors are a huge step up from the current model. AC vents are present for both the rear rows as well. The seating configuration remains unchanged and that’s a bad thing for passengers in the third row who suffer from a complete lack of under-thigh support, besides needing an athletic ability to get in and out easily.
The biggest change, however, is under the hood. Ford plans to replace its mediocre 116bhp diesel with a new 2.5-litre TDCi engine developing 143bhp. What’s more, it develops a healthy 33kgm of torque (5kgm more than the earlier model). It would be safe to expect that the Endeavour’s new powerplant should also be a more responsive unit than the current engine. Refinement levels are expected to be higher as well.
The Endeavour’s ride quality was always stiff, the SUV riding well only on very smooth roads. We don’t expect that to change very much as the rear suspension still uses antiquated leaf springs. This power increment should also make the already good off-road abilities even better. And the massive tyres should go a long way in absorbing impacts and ensuring that the SUV feels as indestructible as ever before. The braking, which was always exceptional, will now be aided by ABS (expected to come as optional kit, as will airbags). Also, this SUV’s huge ground clearance makes it easy to take off-road.
With the new Endeavour, Ford has made an improvement on a proven package. The new model should help improve the company’s foothold in the SUV segment in India. But, as always, a lot depends on the increase in price and we expect it to cost around Rs 17-18 lacs which is Rs. 1.5- 2 lakh more than the previous model. But with an engine that now gives this mammoth SUV the power it deserves, the Endeavour promises to be equally good value.
The big change though is in the interiors. While the earlier model’s cabin scored high on space and solid build, it looked old-fashioned and utilitarian. Importantly, it lacked the essential upmarket feel expected from a product in its price range. Although Ford had spruced up the Endeavour’s interiors in 2006 by replacing the grey upholstery with beige, it didn’t have the desired effect. Expect that to change now. The dashboard is a combination of circular and rectangle design elements. The big circular gauges are clear and easy to read. The silver-finished centre console looks good on the black dashboard. Circular AC vents on the corners of the dash seem similar to the Fiesta’s. Overall, there’s an airy feel to the cabin and the extremely refreshing interiors are a huge step up from the current model. AC vents are present for both the rear rows as well. The seating configuration remains unchanged and that’s a bad thing for passengers in the third row who suffer from a complete lack of under-thigh support, besides needing an athletic ability to get in and out easily.
The biggest change, however, is under the hood. Ford plans to replace its mediocre 116bhp diesel with a new 2.5-litre TDCi engine developing 143bhp. What’s more, it develops a healthy 33kgm of torque (5kgm more than the earlier model). It would be safe to expect that the Endeavour’s new powerplant should also be a more responsive unit than the current engine. Refinement levels are expected to be higher as well.
The Endeavour’s ride quality was always stiff, the SUV riding well only on very smooth roads. We don’t expect that to change very much as the rear suspension still uses antiquated leaf springs. This power increment should also make the already good off-road abilities even better. And the massive tyres should go a long way in absorbing impacts and ensuring that the SUV feels as indestructible as ever before. The braking, which was always exceptional, will now be aided by ABS (expected to come as optional kit, as will airbags). Also, this SUV’s huge ground clearance makes it easy to take off-road.
With the new Endeavour, Ford has made an improvement on a proven package. The new model should help improve the company’s foothold in the SUV segment in India. But, as always, a lot depends on the increase in price and we expect it to cost around Rs 17-18 lacs which is Rs. 1.5- 2 lakh more than the previous model. But with an engine that now gives this mammoth SUV the power it deserves, the Endeavour promises to be equally good value.
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