Ford Endeavour

The Ford Endeavour was introduced in India in 2003. It is sold as the Ford Everest (a midsize SUV) in Asia and was built on the lines of the local Mazda-based Ford Ranger pickup truck platform. With this offering, Ford brought to the Indian consumer a premium, world class and versatile 7-seater. The new Ford Endeavour is available in two versions: the 2.5L XLT 4x2 and the 3.0L Thunder+ 4x4.

Besides its commanding road presence and imposing built, the Endeavour offers a genuine SUV experience and proclaims its SUV-truck roots with pride. It is a hugely functional SUV with serious off-road capability, especially in the all-wheel drive (AWD) version. For city driving, however, the 2-wheel drive variant would be a better choice.

This new Ford is equipped with a comprehensive list of safety features that meet the highest standards of excellence and are in keeping with the Indian regulations. It has been designed to withstand the impact of an accident with a rigid body shell, reinforced cabin and crumple zones in the front and rear. With these features and a potent engine, it competes with Hyundai Tucson and Honda CRV.

Endeavour comes in two variants - 4x2 XLT and the 4x4 Thunder+. The base is equipped with a 2.5L In-line 4 turbocharged diesel engine that generates a power of 141 bhp and renders 330 Nm worth of torque, whereas the Thunder+ is powered by a 3.5L TDCi In-line 4 diesel engine that churns out 154 bhp.

The XLT is available in a Two-wheel drive configuration (4x2) whereas the Thunder+ comes with All-wheel drive. 4x2 is perfect for city/highway driving, whereas the 4x4 is geared up for rugged and all-terrain driving. A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard on the model.

Despite its imposing size, the engine serves up power efficiently. It handles reasonably well, takes a corner like a veteran and delivers a satisfactory ride in the city. Transmission is smooth and seamless, with smooth upshifts and downshifts.

This SUV might not exhibit aerodynamic proficiency on the highway, but it handles rugged terrain like a pro and is in its element on dirt roads. The anti-lock braking system (ABS), with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), makes for quick braking response.

The Endeavour's humungous tyres and rigid chassis soak up bumps. Handling is superb, while steering is precise and responsive.

There is no denying the Ford legacy in the Endeavour's overall architecture. The front end is distinctive with its high bonnet and behemoth size. The rather aggressive fascia out-front is decked up with a large, bold and sporty looking grille as well as multi-reflector headlamps. Aiding and abetting the new Endeavour, in its hardy off-road worthiness, are the mud flaps and wheel moldings along with fashionable roof rails. Silver side-steps run along the length of the vehicle and accentuate its brute quality. The Thunder+ variant offers a classier exterior compared to the XLT. It has larger mirrors that incorporate turn indicators and puddle lamps, a spare wheel cover, body cladding and many more attractive features.

The variants offers wide tyres (265/70 R16) that facilitate the most favourable combination of traction and stability on slippery ground.

It is also fitted with a highly toughened and modern bull bar, two-tone body cladding that gives it an even sportier look, alloy wheels, a fifth door mirror that comes in handy while parking or reversing, and a hard top cover for the extra tyre that can be locked to prevent its theft. Decals on the body of the vehicle enhance its looks.

The interior of the Ford Endeavour is roomy and elegant with world-class levels of comfort. Both the variants are endowed with luxurious leather upholstery and AC vents for all the three rows to make long and bumpy drives cushy. It comes with well-appointed amenities harboring little details, that both surprise and delight. For entertainment on-the-go, the vehicle has been endowed with an iPOD-compatible audio system. The Thunder+ is enhanced by Camel tone full leather interiors, six CD changer and MP3 player with six speakers. The entertainment is also loaded with an interior roof-mounted DVD player and dual air conditioning with controls mounted on the ceiling.

A standard cutting-edge theft protection feature, passive anti-theft system (PATS), prevents the engine from being started with an incorrectly coded key by automatically shutting off fuel to the fuel injection system after two seconds. A high visibility "command" driving position makes for better visibility while driving. Also included in the new Ford Endeavour are amenities such as a 4-wheel ABS with EBD and dual airbags, child-proof rear door locks, fuel tank shields, seat belts for all seven occupants, front passenger airbags, and more.