The new generation Endeavour or the Everest has been revealed in spy images and all its production spec glory to the world several times now. The India bound SUV, which would pose a genuine challenge to the Toyota Fortuner and the upcoming Chevrolet Trailblazer is a widely anticipated car, and has most recently been spied in Thailand. There is some Ford branding in the background, and from what we could make out from the original source’s report in Thai, the vehicle was displayed at one of the Ford Dealerships in Thailand.
Here we have a few close-up images of the SUV revealing some nice details
Stylish 5 spoke wheels (we estimate them to be 17 inchers). Disc brakes all round. The model in pictures comes equipped with street tyres.
3.2S Chrome badging over the front fender. Two-tone chrome black ORVMs with blinkers
Satin silver front undercladding for the front bumper. Square fog lamps and park sensors up front. We love that big chrome grille too.
The variant caught on camera is powered by the 3.2 liter diesel engine. The big engine is good for 200 bhp of power and a massive 470 Nm of torque. The engine that the Indian version would most likely see, though, is the 2.2-liter turbo diesel with 148 bhp of power and 385 Nm of torque. There is a petrol engine on offer, too – a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, twin-scroll turbocharged, EcoBoost petrol engine with 234 bhp and 360 Nm of torque, but in all likelihood it won’t make it to the diesel centric Indian SUV market. Transmission is taken care of by a 6-speed manual unit. There is a 6-speed automatic option available internationally, which may make it to India as well.
The new SUV is expected to be a capable off-roader with a high 225 mm of ground clearance and a capability to wade through water 800mm deep. In addition, the AWD models will get several modes to choose from to offer optimum driveability over a variety of terrains and surfaces.
Inside the cabin, the new Endeavour will get all-new interiors with a touch-screen infotainment system and the latest version of SYNC voice command system.
Internationally, the new Endeavour offers some really neat features such as lane departure warning and blind spot information system (BLIS), which may be skipped for the cost conscious Indian market.
Some features that may make it to India, though, are Curve Control, meant to enhance control around a corner, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Alert with Collision Mitigation, Roll Stability Control, ESP and Active Park Assist.
The India bound Ford Endeavour will be built in Thailand, imported to India via CKD route and assembled at Ford’s Chennai plant.
Always known for its solid build quality rugged character, the new Endeavour will almost surely be a hit in India if priced correctly. We expect a price tag ranging between Rs 20-25 lakh, which shouldn’t look very steep going by the money Toyota is asking for its SUV and making a “Fortune” in the process. Expect the new Ford Endeavour to launch in India by late 2015
Would you opt for the new Endeavour over the Fortuner at the same price? Why, why not? Do let us know your thoughts.
Source: AutoZoom