The all New Ford Endeavour

Introduction

I am a big lover of SUV’s and a very big fan of the the Tata Safari( the only SUV developed and manufactured entirely in India). In my earlier post I had analyzed the Tata Safari right from its early days. However it gives me a great pleasure to write about one of my favorite SUV’s on the Indian roads i.e. the all new Ford Endeavour

Ford 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.

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

Engine and Powertrain

The new Ford Endeavour is even more powerful and now it sports 16-valve DOHC 3 litre turbo-diesel common-rail injection (TDCi) engine offering a torque of 380 Nm at 2,500rpm. The maximum power churned out by the beast is at 156 PS at 3,200 rpm. It is third the third version of Ford Endeavour in India. Also, new 3L engine of Ford Endeavour is better than 2.5L engine variant launched earlier in terms of mileage / fuel efficiency too. Earlier,every one used to talk about Turbo lag which in the Endeavour but now it comes with Variable Geometry Turbocharger that cuts the turbo lag.

New Endeavour gets a new 5 speed automatic transmission system though manual is also offered. 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)

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

Interiors and Styling
On the interiors the new Endeavour (know as Everest in some countries) has a camel tone full leather interiors, all new entertainment system with interior roof-mounted DVD player and innovative storage solutions for all passengers. It comes with Dual front airbags, ABS, engine immobilizer, anti theft alarm, fog lamps, collapsible steering column and few other safety features. It also has new headlamps, new bumper and a new lockable 16" wheel cover.