The All New Ford Endeavour model will be launched in India by the end of 2015. It will exist alongside the EcoSport compact SUV in the Indian market, says a report on AutoCar India.
It was the Compact SUV EcoSport that gave Ford a firm footing in the Indian market. Unfortunately, the bigger SUV Endeavour hasn’t been able to taste as much success. The Ford Endeavour still sells in paltry numbers as compared to competitors like the Toyota Fortuner. And this happens despite it having existed in the Indian market since a long time.
The multinational now plans to bring the New Ford Endeavour into India by the end of 2015. To keep prices withing touching distance of its rivals, Ford has opted to assemble the new Ford Endeavour locally. To increase the localisation percentage, Ford might consider producing the parts for the new Ford Endeavour here in India. Ultimately, the new Ford Endeavour could be exported from India as well. This news goes in sync with the earlier report about Ford India assuming greater responsibility and emerging as an export hub.
The new Ford Endeavour draws lots of inspiration from the Ford Everest concept, which was showcased at the Bangkok Motor Show. It remains bulky and imposing like its predecessor edition. However, it appears more sculpted and presentable. If the old Ford Endeavour was slouchy, the new Ford Endeavour appears agile and active. As if it is ready to spring at a moment’s notice. Chrome has been used generously. Notice the wing mirrors and the bold engine grille. Accentuating the brawny image are the puffed wheel arches, and a wide stance. The Endeavour has definitely matured in its looks.
However, the interiors look dull and drab for a premium SUV. The talking point will be the four-spoke steering wheel. Ford’s trademark SYNC system will be certainly there on the feature list. The new Ford Endeavour will come in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options. The four-wheel drive would be activated by a simple button push on the dashboard.
The new Ford Endeavour will also disappoint in terms of technology. It will squat on an ancient ladder-frame design chassis. Engine options will include 2.2 Litre and 3.0 Litre diesel engines, with a host of permutations between them and the duo of manual and automatic transmissions giving rise to numerous variants.
While the new Ford Endeavour certainly catches the eye, Ford could have offered something like the Ford Explorer that possesses a unibody construction. Can the new Ford Endeavour take on the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport with its dull interiors, lacking feature list and an ancient construction?
Source – Autocar India