The Toyota Fortuner has been the bestseller in its segment ever since it was launched, there are many reasons for this, like legendary reliability, butch looks, low maintenance costs etc. but we feel, the most prominent reason for its success in that magnitude is, the lack of competitors. The Toyota Fortuner literally has no competition because its main rival, the Ford Endeavour is outdated and Ford has completely ignored the Endeavour in India.
The Ford Endeavour is a very capable SUV, but the boffins at Ford India have been ignoring it for a while now and this lack of attention is clearly showing in the sales numbers. The Ford Endeavour has been selling in poor numbers for a few months now and Ford has now realized that the Endeavour needs a replacement, not just a small facelift with a few design changes, but a proper update with changes to the design as well as mechanical bits.
A few months ago Ford took the decision to update the Endeavour for the Indian market and the engineers have been hard at work developing the new Endeavour. The new Ford Endeavour had been spotted testing a few weeks ago and now a report has surfaced giving us information that the new Endeavour will be launched in India by the end of August.
The new Endeavour facelift poses a serious threat to the reign of the Toyota Fortuner in the large SUV Segment as this SUV from Ford is quite a looker. To me, the new Endeavour looks like the Ford Ecosport on steroids from a few angles. It is quite ironic because the new Endeavour looks handsome and bulky while parked but it will definitely look scary when it appears in the rear view mirrors of a sedan at speed!
Features like the LED DRL’s, Halogen Projector headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 265/60 tires, bumper integrated Fog Lamps, Roof rails and rear spoiler with integrated brake lights only serve to further enhance the butch character of the SUV.
The new Endeavour easily pips the Fortuner in terms of features, as the list of features which will be provided on the Endeavour just goes on and on compared to the Fortuner. The new Endeavour will get features like rain sensing wipers, light sensing headlamps, auto dimming rear view mirror, Dual Zone HVAC, multi-function steering wheel, 12 Volt sockets on all three rows of seats, 60:40 split seats for the second row, 50:50 split folding seats on the third row etc.
Some other features include cruise control, SYNC infotainment system with Radio, CD, MP3, AUX-IN, USB, SD card and Bluetooth connectivity. Ford has given the new Endeavour full leather upholstery, with leather wrapped steering and gear knob too, the driver’s seat gets 8-way adjustment.
One can opt for one of the two 4-cylinder diesel engines which will be used to power the Ford Endeavour. The upcoming Endeavour will be powered by either a 2.2 liter diesel engine or a 3.2 liter diesel engine. The maximum power output stands at 157 BHP and 197 BHP respectively and the maximum torque output stands at 385 NM and 400 NM respectively.
The 2.2 liter engine will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and drive will be sent to the rear wheels only, while the 3.2 liter engine will be available only with an automatic gearbox and a full time 4-wheel drive system. Customers will be getting other goodies like terrain management system and a lockable rear differential on the 4-wheel drive variants.
Suspension duties will be handled by an independent front suspension with coil springs and an anti roll bar and the rear wheel s of the car will be sprung up by curled springs equipped watts link suspension. The upcoming Endeavour boasts of being a very safe SUV, being equipped with many safety features like ABS, EBD, ESP, Hill launch assist, traction control, RSC Rollover protection system, dual front airbags, Reverse parking sensors, keyless entry with immobilizer etc.
The Ford Endeavour sold in international markets comes with features like stainless steel scuff plate with LED lights, power operated third row seats, Driver side knee airbag, ambient lighting, driver and passenger 8-way adjustable electric seats etc. but we do not think Ford India will be providing these features on the Indian Endeavour, as they will be looking for way to cut costs.
Ford India will be pricing the Endeavour aggressively in order to fight against the Toyota Fortuner, hence the new Ford Endeavour might be launched between Rs. 18-20 lakhs. We feel the upcoming Ford Endeavour upgrade will pose a mighty threat to the reign of the Toyota Fortuner in the large SUV segment.
To read more on Ford Endeavour, Click here
Also see: 2015 Ford Endeavour spied for the first time in Tamil Nadu
Source: AutoCarIndia
