The Ford Endeavour has always been one of those tough, beefy, huge but comfortable SUVs in our market, and over the years, it has found itself a spot in the Indian market. It has a good market share in its class and does remarkable well for itself in other overseas markets. Various rivals have tried to get the better of the Ford, but the manufacturer is always prompt in updating its SUV offering. The Endeavour is the first SUV in its class to come equipped with a BS6-compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine. We take it for a spin to see what it’s all about.
Brawn and beautiful
Not much has changed on the outside of the new Endeavour. The large chrome grille, silver skid plate and tall bonnet remain. However, it now gets new LED headlights and badging on the sides that read ‘Endeavour’ instead of 3.2 or 2.2. Along the sides, you’ll notice the flared wheel arches and the large door mirrors. At the rear, the tail lights are joined by a thick band of chrome. Overall, the Endeavour still has the looks to please an SUV enthusiast.
Step inside
The cabin too, remains unchanged. But the gear lever is new, and the dashboard has a neat and uncluttered appeal to it; there are lots of storage spaces around as well. The big seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s ample room for occupants in the second and third rows. It also features an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford Pass, remote engine start and cabin cooling, active noise cancellation and 55 additional features that can be used through the app.
Power play
Under the hood lies the biggest change: a BS6-compliant, 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine that makes 170bhp and 420Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is more fuel efficient and more silent as well. There’s instant torque available the moment you put your foot down. It has a better low and mid-range, and the torque converter gearbox works well to ensure the SUV in the powerband at all times. The Ford Endeavour cruises seamlessly at high speeds, and it’s only when you redline it, do you feel like it is being stressed and becomes coarse. The suspension soak in everything that comes in the way, and the SUV corners with confidence too.
Wrapping it up
In this updated avatar, the Endeavour feels a whole lot better. What’s missing is the big engine, but the new motor isn’t a disappointment either, thanks in part to the 10-speed auto ‘box. It is also frugal and hugely capable off the road too, and the impressive equipment list only makes it that bit more interesting. Also, grab the latest info on the upcoming cars, only at autoX.
