New Ford Endeavour to Launch During Festive Season

Ford is on a bit of a launch spree in India with the all-new Endeavour set to break cover during this festive season. The launch of the next generation Endeavour, known as the Everest in other markets, follows the Figo Aspire sedan and the new Figo hatchback.

The new-gen model was first showcased as the 'Everest concept' in Sydney, Australia in 2013, followed by its unveiling at the 2014 Bangkok Motor Show. The production-ready model of the car looks exactly similar to the concept, save for the new alloy wheels.

Based on Ford's Edge design philosophy, the SUV has muscular styling all through with an extremely butch front end which features a four-slat chrome grille. Despite its aggressive-looking exterior, the Endeavour still manages to pull off a more upmarket look with respect to its predecessor.

The Ford Endeavour is likely to be made available with two diesel engine options in India - a 2.2-litre four-cylinder pot and a powerful 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine. While the 2.2-litre diesel unit has an output of 158bhp and develops 385Nm of torque, the 3.2-litre diesel engine churns 197bhp and 470Nm of peak torque.

Also Read - New Ford Endeavour: What to Expect

Both engines will come with a six-speed automatic transmission, though the 2.2-litre engine model might also get a six-speed manual gearbox. The 3.2-litre engine model will come in a 4x4 variant, while the smaller engine might only come with a 4x2 layout.

Ford has developed the latest version of its SUV in conjunction with the Australian engineering team and is based on a new ladder frame chassis in order to beef up its off-road capabilities.

What will add more to its drivability is the inclusion of a new independent coil-spring layout at the rear instead of the leaf spring setup found in the current model.

Another stand-out feature is the company's new Terrain Management System (TMS) that allows a driver to select from a pre-defined list of settings (Normal, Snow, Mud, Grass, Sand and Rock) while driving. Selecting these modes helps the driver adjusts the traction control, engine torque, four-wheel drive system and a few other features to better the driving performance in different conditions.

The four-wheel drive Endeavour also comes with Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist and an electronically locking rear differential.

The cabin of the new-gen model is likely to be inspired by Ford's F-150 pickup truck. Just like the F-150, it will have Ford's SYNC2 multimedia system with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display.

The new Endeavour will come to India via the CKD route and will be priced between Rs 22-27 lakh in order to take on the likes of Toyota Fortuner and the recently-launched Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Also Read - First Drive: 2015 Ford Endeavour

It remains to be seen whether the American automotive giant will be able to get the better of the Fortuner, the runaway segment leader in India. But as far as initial impressions go, Ford might just have a winner on its hands if they can get their after sales act together.