The new Ford Endeavour will be adding some brute force to Ford’s India line up this year. Although the new Endeavour SUV will be based on the Ranger pickup sold internationally, the company has given the Endeavour a bit more differentiation than its predecessor, this time around. The new Endeavour’s large trapezoidal grille, big wheel arches and wheels give the new SUV loads of presence. Cosmetically, the new Endeavour retains pretty much everything seen on the concept, except for a different design for the alloys. Prominent design elements include LED daytime-running lights, aluminium front and rear scuff plates.  Ford has begun testing the next-gen Endeavour in India and the model was seen shod with chrome alloy wheels. Ford’s new SUV will take on the likes of the Fortuner, Pajero Sport, Hyundai Santa Fe and the SsangYong Rexton in our market.

The cabin of the new Ford Endeavour is likely to take a big leap in quality. It does look inviting even in pictures and the dashboard, with its central screen, is in sync with the times. Top-spec trims should get an 8-inch touchscreen system with Ford’s SYNC 2 infotainment along with sat nav and a rear-view camera.

India-specific Endeavours will receive a 7- seat configuration with large front seats, and flat folding seats in the second and the third rows as standard. While cabin space is expected to be better than the outgoing version, we can only hope that the current model’s knee-up seating position in the second and third rows is also improved on.

Two engine and transmission options are expected to be offered — a 2.2-litre 158bhp and a 197bhp 3.2-litre diesel. The former is likely to be paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox and the bigger engine is likely to come only with a 6-speed auto. An array of safety and assistance systems such as start assist, assist to control ascent, descent and curve when on a hill, a warning system for lane departure, a system to indicate blind spots, adaptive cruise control and ESP are also to be included.
We believe that Ford will stick to an aggressive pricing strategy for the new Endeavour, and it could start from Rs 18 lakh. It certainly looks like the best Endeavour yet, and has all the ingredients to become a success in our market.