2016 Ford Endeavour Launched in India; Prices Start at Rs. 24.75 Lakh

The new-generation model of the Ford Endeavour has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs. 24.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Offered in a total of 7 variants, the price goes all the way up to Rs. 29.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). With an all-new design language and features that make it the 'best SUV in its segment', the new Endeavour SUV marks the third launch for Ford India in the 2015-16 fiscal.

The first Ford Endeavour, which arrived in India in 2003, was primarily a big old pickup truck-style SUV. It sported long front and rear overhangs, which kept the SUV from living up to its market potential after the launch of cars like the Toyota Fortuner in India. However, a lot has changed since then; the Ford Endeavour now gets a well-chiseled body, thanks to the all-new design language adopted by Ford.

The 2016 Ford Endeavour is based on Ford's T6 platform and retains the Hulk-like personality along with the long stance. The front-end sports a massive chrome grille with projector head-lamps and DRLs. The bold bumper design comprises a very prominent silver skid plate that extends to house the LED fog-lamps as well.

Also Read: Ford Endeavour Review

Moving on to dimensions; while the new Ford Endeavour is not as long as its predecessor and measures 4,892mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and 1,837mm in height. Furthermore, the SUV now gets a comparatively shorter wheel base of 2,850mm and a higher ground clearance of 225mm. Long story short, this means that the new Endeavour will now offer better approach and departure angle along with less bodyroll as compared to its predecessor.

Ford is offering its latest SUV with two engine variants: the 3.2- and 2.2-litre Duratorq with just two trims, Trend and Titanium, albeit in multiple combinations. The 2.2 TDCi is available in Trend 2WD/4WD manual or 2WD automatic and Titanium 2WD automatic. The 3.2 TDCi is only available in 4WD automatic in Trend or Titanium avatars. The 2.2 litre TDCi develops 157bhp, which kicks in at a reasonable 3200rpm. Torque is great at 385Nm. The 3.2-litre monster churns out a meaty 196bhp. The manual gearbox is a 6 speed, and so is the AT (only available on the 3.2-litre), which is the 6R80 autobox from the new generation of Ford's F-Series pickups in the US.

The cabin is loaded too; it gets a side stepper, bucket-seat at the front, LED lamps, multi-information display, remote key entry, power windows with one touch and anti-pinch action, and rear parking sensors. The new Ford Endeavour also gets voice control functionality on steering wheel, rain sensing viper, dual-zone AC-automatic climate control, cruise control, power folding 3rd row seat, terrain management system, and more.

About the 4WD system on offer, it can be deemed similar to that in a Land Rover, with a dial that allows you to switch the car's character to respond to varying surfaces. This Terrain Management System has Rock, Snow/Mud and Sand modes, and helps you guide the car through any of these terrains.

For safety, the new generation Ford Endeavour gets dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags and driver knee airbags along with ABD with EBD, electronic stability programme, traction control system, hill launch and decent assist, and Ford MyKey among others. All variants have 3-row air-conditioning, while the tyre pressure monitoring, front parking sensors and the sunroof are offered only on the Titanium variant.

The car will take the CKD route to India and Ford really has a winner on its hands. We now await to see what Toyota has to offer with the all-new Fortuner.