Ford Endeavour XLT 4X2
Maxabout Review
Grand Size SUV
Monday, July 21, 2008
Overview
Endeavour is the only true SUV available in the market; the SUVs are not meant for city or highway driving but truly make its sense in off-road. But the concept of crossover has diluted Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V.
It was introduced in India in 2003. It is sold as the Ford Everest in Asia and was built on the lines of the local Mazda-based Ford Ranger pickup truck platform.
With this offering, Ford brought to the Indian consumer a premium, world class and versatile 7-seater. In India Ford Endeavour is available in two versions: the 2.5L XLT 4x2 and the 3.0L Thunder+ 4x4.
Update: New 2009/2010 Endeavour is coming
Ford India is planning to launch the facelifted 2010 new endeavour by the end of 2009. The new model will be based on the new ford ranger. Following changes have been made in the new model:
- All new front grille.
- New headlights.
- New tail lights.
- All new bumpers.
- New fog lights.
The Photos shown here are of New Ford Everest (Endeavour is known as Everest in rest of the world.
With the competition heating up the current generation endeavour started looking outdated. It is expected that the new model is going to change all this and will beat the current segment leader - The Honda CR-V.
With the launch of new endeavour Ford India may also introduce automatic transmission as Checrolet Captiva & CR-V both come with option of automatic transmission.
Click here for more details & photos of all new Ford Endeavour
The five-speed automatic transmission system features an innovative Transmission Control Module (TCM) that can automatically detect and quickly adjust to the changing engine speed and driving condition. It keeps the transmission system always at its peak power band, thus making the vehicle more responsive.
Design & Style
The bold and tough styling of the Ford Endeavour gives it a commanding presence on the road. With the overall length of 4,998mm the Thunder+ makes a Mercedes M class shorter and could rightly be called the biggest SUV around.
The front end is distinctive with its high bonnet and super grand size. The rather aggressive fascia out-front is decked up with a large, bold and sporty looking grille as well as multi-reflector headlamps.
Aiding and abetting the Endeavour, in its hardy off-road worthiness, are the mud flaps and wheel moldings along with fashionable roof rails. Silver side-steps run along the length of the vehicle and accentuate its brute quality.
The Thunder+ variant offers a classier exterior compared to the XLT. It has larger mirrors that incorporate turn indicators and puddle lamps, a spare wheel cover, body cladding and many more attractive features.
The variants offers wide tyres - 265/70 R16 - that facilitate the most favourable combination of traction and stability on slippery ground.
It is also fitted with a highly toughened and modern bull bar, two-tone body cladding that gives it an even sportier look, alloy wheels, a fifth door mirror that comes in handy while parking or reversing, and a hard top cover for the extra tyre that can be l
Engine & Transmission
The toughness is more than skin deep. Endeavour is available in two engine options:
- 2499cc, TDCi with VGT, DOHC
- 2953cc, TDCi with VGT, DOHC
The 2.5 litre engine generates maxiumu power of 142 Bhp at 3500 rpm with maximum torque of 330 Nm at 1800 rpm. The 3.0 litre engine generates maxiumu power of 154 Bhp at 3200 rpm with maximum torque of 380 Nm at 2500 rpm.
Both the engines comes with Dual Overhead Camshaft technology. The engine has 16 valves and variable Geometry Turbo. Thunder+ boasts of 4x4 transmission which makes it fitting for off-road rides.
Endeavour's 4WD transmission system is equipped with the world renowned Borg Warner transfer system and electronic Active Shift-on-the-Fly, allowing a driver to shift the driving mode from 2WD to 4WD at high driving speeds of up to 100 km/h. There are number of attractive features in the car, it got a dual air conditioner, which is environmental friendly.
Interiors
The interior of the Ford Endeavour is roomy and elegant with world-class levels of comfort. Both the variants are endowed with luxurious leather upholstery and AC vents for all the three rows to make long and bumpy drives cushy.
It comes with well-appointed amenities harboring little details, that both surprise and delight. For entertainment on-the-go, the vehicle has been endowed with an iPOD-compatible audio system.
The Thunder+ is enhanced by Camel tone full leather interiors, six CD changer and MP3 player with six speakers. The entertainment is also loaded with an interior roof-mounted DVD player and dual air conditioning with controls mounted on the ceiling.
It has as much as seven cup holders, leather steering, and a gear knob as well. It got two-sunglass holders with easily tilt able steering in it. It comprises of the tachometer, which lets you know the engine power as well as the footrest for the clutch.
The seats of the car folded easily and split for the convenience of the user. It got a back pockets for the front seat as well as the door map seats for all the doors in the car.
Safety
All the models feature standard cutting-edge theft protection feature, passive anti-theft system (PATS) which prevents the engine from being started with an incorrectly coded key by automatically shutting off fuel to the fuel injection system after two seconds.
A high visibility "command" driving position makes for better visibility while driving. Also included in the Endeavour are much required safety features such as a 4-wheel ABS with EBD and dual airbags, child-proof rear door locks, fuel tank shields, seat belts for all seven occupants, front passenger airbags.