Q.Ford Endeavour detailed review: Go anywhere, do anything

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/40"]Praveen[/URL] Wow.So for most of the models, the price is now lower than then the introductory prices. This is a massive reduction, and would not be taken well by the public. Ford will now have the reputation to launch products at a high cost and then to reduce the price. The same happened for Ecosport,Fiesta, Figo, Aspire and now the Endeavor. For a person who would be considering a newly launched vehicle from Ford, he would wait for some more time and till the prices reduce. Meanwhile, the car would be seen as a flop,by the rest of the public which would lead to further low sales. Ford needs to learn to get the pricing right, and to stay on it. Otherwise they should do a move like Nexa , and return the money, like Nexa did for early S Cross buyers.

[QUOTE=JijoMalayil;n15925]Ford has silently increased the prices of the Endeavour in India by upto Rs 1.72 lakh. Here are the revised prices. [IMG]https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/filedata/fetch?id=18576&d=1474889899&type=full[/IMG] It’s interesting to note that Ford just slashed the prices of the Figo and Aspire by up to Rs 91,000 earlier this month. Source:- cardekho.com [/QUOTE] The image above was when there was a price hike (sometime in August) Here are the current prices and the difference it makes compared to the above image: [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px][B]New Price:[/B] 2.2L 4x2 MT Trend- 25,00,800/- [B]Difference:[/B] 1,17,437/-[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px][B]New Price:[/B] 2.2L 4x2 AT Trend- 23,78,000/- [B]Difference:[/B] 2,92,486/-[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px][B]New Price:[/B] 2.2L 4x4 MT Trend- 23,78,000/- [B]Difference:[/B] 4,07,437/-[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px][B]New Price:[/B] 3.2L 4x4 AT Trend- 25,93,000/- [B]Difference:[/B] 3,02,163/-[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px][B]New Price:[/B] 2.2L 4x2 AT Titanium- 27,50,800/- [B]Difference:[/B] 1,30,516/-[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px][B]New Price:[/B] 3.2L 4x4 AT Titanium- 29,76,800/- [B]Difference:[/B] 1,40,686/- [USER="12"]Arjun[/USER] Yes, you're right. Toyota may not need to price the new Fortuner competitively. People are going to buy the Fortuner solely because of the brand itself as they have the reputation of being built to last. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[URL="https://www.zigwheels.com/forum/profile/40"]Praveen[/URL] Yeah.It would be a first where a automatic is being sold cheaper than a MT. Can you put a comparison with the earlier prices and the reduction max and min across models? I believe the price drop is a preparation for the Fortuner's launch. All this time the endeavor was able to sell without much competition. Now that the Fortuner, its main competitor is going to launch, this price change may put Toyota in a fix and make them reconsider their pricing. That said, for all we know, Toyota may not pay any heed to the Endeavors pricing and may launch at a much higher price. Toyota has been known to be successful to sell overpriced products in all segment and maybe able to pull this off too.

[B]Ford Endeavour Price Cut For Select Variants:[/B] Looks like the prices have been reduced for certain variants of Ford's flagship product, the Endeavour. The new prices (in INR, ex-showroom, Delhi) are as follows: 2.2L 4x2 MT Trend- 25,00,800/- 2.2L 4x2 AT Trend- 23,78,000/- 2.2L 4x4 MT Trend- 23,78,000/- 3.2L 4x4 AT Trend- 25,93,000/- 2.2L 4x2 AT Titanium- 27,50,800/- 3.2L 4x4 AT Titanium- 29,76,800/- These are the prices that have been displayed on the company's official website. The price difference between the 2.2L 4x2 AT Trend and 4x2 MT Trend is a bit absurd. Same goes for 2.2L 4x4 MT Trend and 2.2L 4x2 MT Trend. It may be a glitch on their end, but you never know. Ford's officials are yet to confirm the price change.

Here is a clarification from Ford on the Endeavour prices: [quote]Beginning August, we have undertaken a price increase of INR 50,000 on the Endeavour, first time since the introductory launch prices in January. This pricing action undertaken in August is also limited to the two top-end variants of the Endeavour -- 2.2L Titanium 4X2 AT & 3.2L Titanium AWD AT. Rest of the model lineup remains unchanged. The articles, however, have combined the current pricing action with a 4% hike in excise duty announced by the government in the Union Budget for 2016-17, thus making them come across as the total quantum of price increase than the actual one of INR 50,000 on two variants coming into effect August.[/quote]

[QUOTE=JijoMalayil;n15925]Ford has has silently increased the prices of the Endeavour in India by upto Rs 1.72 lakh.[/QUOTE] Cashing in on the increased demand I see. And with the Supreme Court doing away with the diesel ban in Delhi/NCR, I expect Ford to bring in a lot of cha-ching!

Ford has silently increased the prices of the Endeavour in India by upto Rs 1.72 lakh. Here are the revised prices. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n18576[/ATTACH] It’s interesting to note that Ford just slashed the prices of the Figo and Aspire by up to Rs 91,000 earlier this month. Source:- cardekho.com

30 lakh rupee budget. Which offers more value-for-money? The Ford Endeavour or the new Skoda Superb? Check out this Cardekho review! [video=youtube_share;llVXzqMkcZE]https://youtu.be/llVXzqMkcZE[/video]

[URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/posts/10558-george-everest-peak-in-the-new-ford-endeavour"]Click here [/URL]to read about our travelogue in the New Ford Endeavour 2.2

The new Toyota Fortuner is some time away. But has it got what it takes to beat this behemoth from Ford? To find out, click [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/topics/car-and-bike-research/comparisons/6479-new-toyota-fortuner-vs-ford-endeavour-vs-competition"]here[/URL].

[USER="6"]Roshun[/USER] , great work with the off road video. This proves that even though the car does not look as boxy as its predecessor, it still has not lost any of its character when it comes to off-roading. This is a great competitor for the Toyota Fortuner which was going unchallenged for quite a while. The interior quality is top notch and Ford has taken safety to the next level by giving 7 airbags. The second row seats not tumbling would be an issue, but in most cases the last row is hardly used and it would not be much of a decider for most buyers, as its pampering them with other features over the Fortuner. Hope it is given a green signal by the Delhi government, as that is one of its major potential markets.

[B]Design and Styling Interiors[/B] Ford has tried to make the Endeavour has plush and luxurious as possible on the interiors. The insides of this Ford Endeavour 3.2 4x4 Titanium AT are pretty well equipped. Ford did not want this new Endy to suffer from the shortcomings of the previous generation one - which had a lack of underthigh support owing to the high floor, being based on a pick-up truck platform. However, Ford has not been really successful, as the Endeavour still suffers from a lack of headroom and legroom in the last row especially. Yet, that's not really a deal breaker. The seats are nice and comfortable. Ford has used a beige and black combination all through - beige for the seats and door pads, and black for the roof liner. The AC vents for all three rows are in the roof, along with reading lights for all three rows. I really like the design of the dashboard especially, with the dark tan leather finish with double stitching. Looks very luxurious. Plastic quality is good and the use of different textures goes well. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6136[/ATTACH] The leather topped dashboard. The quality of the fit and finish is excellent. That double stitching makes it look very classy. Notice the position of the vents for demisting the windshield and side windows on the dash. The glossy panel in front of the passenger is plain. The Thailand and Australian editions have "Everest" printed on it. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6139[/ATTACH] The steering is adjustable only for height. Note the limited range of adjustment as well. The photo on the left below has it set at maximum height and on the right the steering is at minimum height. Not too much range of adjustment there. Also notice the grab handle - one each is present on each door pillar to aid entry into the tall Endeavour. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6144[/ATTACH] All the doors have enough storage space in them. Each can hold a one-litre bottle as well as other knick knacks. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6145[/ATTACH] The middle row seats can slide fore and aft, as well as recline a little and that's a good thing, because one needs to adjust these seats if there is someone seated in the third row. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6146[/ATTACH] The middle row can easily seat three abreast, although the middle passenger has a fairly large hump in the transmission tunnel to contend with. The drop down arm rest in the centre has pop out cup holders. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6147[/ATTACH] The seats feel comfortable and the leather upholstery is nice. It may be difficult keeping it clean though. Legroom and headroom as we mentioned earlier is a bit of an issue. Here is [USER="42"]CorsaVeloce[/USER] seated in the last row. First of all, getting in there is a task. He's a six-footer and just look how he has to keep his legs - they are raised off the floor, with next to no underthigh support in the last row. Headroom is also just about enough - the roofliner is scooped out to accommodate tall people. Knee-room is OK because the second row can be slid forward to make some space in the last row. Take a look at [USER="42"]CorsaVeloce[/USER] in the second row next. The passenger seat in front of him has been adjusted for a 5 foot 8 inch passenger. Headroom is still a bit of an issue, but then you can recline the middle row a bit (see the last photo, bottom right), to allow for a more relaxed seating position. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6142[/ATTACH] But it's the multi-utilitarian nature of the Endeavour that really makes it a good choice. Look at the boot space here. The boot space with all rows in use is a respectable 450 litres (if loaded till the roof) or half that if loaded till seat height only. Notice the matte black plastic cladding over the bumper to prevent the paint from getting scratched if you drag heavy bags into the Endeavour. Also see those metal loops on the boot sill - those are there to tie down luggage. There are two more of these in the third row too. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6138[/ATTACH] The third row can be folded flat into the boot floor to increase luggage space to 1050 litres with both seats down. In the Titanium variant, to fold the seats you just need to press either of the buttons on the right side in the boot. The seat will bounce back if it encounters an obstruction while folding - so don't worry about inadvertently squashing a pet or something there. In fact, don't even worry about closing the hatch - it can be done with the push of a button as well. The height that the hatch opens too can be set - in case you are in a low basement and don't want it hitting the roof. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6140[/ATTACH] Ford down the second row (it's a manual mechanism) and you get a whopping 2010 litres of luggage space. However, the seats don't offer a completely flat floor when folded. There are gaps between the second and third row in which you could lose a few knick knacks. So if you plan on using the Endeavour to go camping and spending the night under a starry sky, make sure you take a thick mattress along :-) [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6137[/ATTACH] Just to give you a perspective on the space available in case you want to cart around a couple of bodies - here's a six footer flat out in the boot with enough space to spare even beyond his head. But, yes, that mattress is needed. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6141[/ATTACH] There's enough storage all around in the boot. Look at this underfloor storage that houses the tools and the jack. To remove the spare wheel from under the Endeavour you will need to access this panel on the floor, and wind down the tyre. There's a boot light and a groove to house a parcel shelf (sold as an accessory) in case you want to keep the stuff in the boot away from prying eyes. A 12-volt socket and baggage hooks offer convenience. Notice how thick the electro-hydraulic struts are. These have motors in them to open and close the boot. It has a bounce back feature too in case you accidently shut it on a person. I tried closing it while [USER="21"]JijoMalayil[/USER] was rummaging in the boot and it bounced back - but not before giving him quite a shove, although it didn't squash him (yes, it's not gentle). [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6143[/ATTACH] In fact, the Endeavour is loaded with little convenience features all around. The standout feature though is the "Reverse Park Assist" feature, where with the push of a button the Endeavour can steering into a suitable parallel parking spot. This can be either on the left or the right of the vehicle (default is left). To select a spot on the right, you will have to turn on the right indicator and it will search for a spot on the right. See video of the Park Assist feature: [video=youtube;53UsfyMum2w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53UsfyMum2w[/video] Continued in next post...

[B]Design and Styling[/B] [B]Exteriors[/B] One look at the Ford Endeavour with its evil-looking daytime running lights bearing down on you in your rear-view mirror and you can see why this SUV commands respect. The bold chrome grille is a bit too bling for my liking (I would have preferred it in black), but adds that meanness to its character. And yet, the design looks pleasant overall – there is nothing really to hate about it. It’s proportionate. It’s not as long as it looks – in fact, it is shorter than the previous Endeavour (5060 mm vs 4892 mm for the current Endeavour), but about 190 mm longer than the Fortuner. The large wheel arches and fenders lend it that rugged feel, shod with 18-inch wheels with 265/60 R18 all-terrain tyres which actually look small in those massive wheel wells. Our test vehicle was running MRF Wanderer all-terrains, which were surprisingly impressive. The Endeavour in profile looks quite muscular, with the narrow window-line in comparison to the bodywork. The rear loses the chunky spare wheel from the previous generation Endeavour. The spare is now under the vehicle, allowing Ford to incorporate a powered lift gate which can be operated by a button on the dash, a switch on the tail gate or from the remote flip key. The LED tail-lamps partly wrap around the fender and merge with the fat chrome strip running across the boot that has ‘Endeavour’ emblazoned in it. The front and rear parking sensors (eight of them) are nicely camouflaged. On the sides of the front bumper, you will find two more sensors on either side – this is the one used for park assist – to identify suitable parking spots for the Endeavour. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6098[/ATTACH] The Endeavour looks imposing from every angle. Look at the power bulges on the bonnet. The mirrors are also high set - they come up to shoulder level for a 5ft 8 inch driver. Cleaning this car is a workout, as you have to stretch to reach the centre areas. Notice the amount of clearance between the wheel and fender, despite these being huge 18-inch rims with 265/60 tyres. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6101[/ATTACH] In profile, you will notice that the Endeavour, despite its size is actually shorter than the earlier Ford Endeavour (see [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/reviews-advice/reviews/2014-ford-endeavour-review/19740/"]LINK[/URL]), which is about 168 mm longer than this one. The slim window-line with the blacked out pillars give it a more muscular look because of the proportion of metal to glass. The 225 mm of ground clearance is evident below. Incidentally, it also has 800 mm of water wading depth - which means it's able to cross river crossings in water that comes up to its headlight level. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6099[/ATTACH] The rear of the Endeavour is a bit muted. The earlier Endeavour had a chunky spare wheel which gave it that SUV character. But in the interest of weight savings and for a cleaner look, the spare is now under the vehicle, allowing Ford to use a vertically opening hatch, instead of the swinging door used earlier. Note the design symmetry between the rear fog lamps and the front fog lamps - they are both surrounded by matte silver scuff plates. Also look at the C-in-C shaped LED tail-lamps, while the reverse lamps blend seamlessly with the chrome strip on the boot. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6100[/ATTACH] A reverse camera is standard across all variants of the Endeavour. The camera is fitted just below that massive chrome strip on the boot and has a good field of view. More on that when we come to the features of this SUV later. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6134[/ATTACH] It's easy to reach the independent front suspension with these large wheel wells. The Endeavour runs on 18-inch alloys with 265/60 R18 tyres. This is the same size that the Chevrolet Trailblazer also uses. The next generation Fortuner will also come with this size - an upsize from the current 17-inch rims. Note that large sensor just in front of the wheel, on the side of the bumper - that is what helps identify parking slots for the automatic park assist feature. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6102[/ATTACH] The rear also gets disc brakes in the Endeavour. The insides of the wheel well are nicely covered for a clean look. The Ford Endeavour runs 6 lug nuts on its allows with a PCD of 139.7 - not a very common size or pattern. The MRF Wanderer tyres it comes with have an all-terrain pattern that is decent enough for off-road use. No worries about road noise in this Endeavour because of the noise cancellation feature (explained later). [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6103[/ATTACH] The scuff plate, finished in matte silver, extends to surround the fog lamps. These are deeply inset and have a decent spread of light just in front of the vehicle. Strangely, the Endeavour does not offer cornering lamps, like the Yeti, Scorpio or XUV500 or even the Hyundai Creta. Well, the Fortuner too does not have them, so it's not something you would miss. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6104[/ATTACH] The headlamp unit consists of a projector for the low beam, a standard H7 halogen bulb for the high beam, LED daytime running lamps - which dim to become park lamps, and amber turn indicators. Interestingly, the DRL switches off when the turn indicator is switched on, to enable better visibility of the indicator on that particular side. The headlamps are auto-levelling in the 3.2 4x4 AT Titanium and you can see them do a swivel motion each time the vehicle is switched on - to get the perfect beam alignment depending on the weight on board the SUV. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6107[/ATTACH] The headlamps are provided with powered headlamp washers, which operate when the headlamps are turned on and the windshield washer is used. The headlamp washers will spray twice and then spray again only if the lights / wipers are switched off and then switched on to save washing fluid / water. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6105[/ATTACH] The headlamps themselves have a pretty good spread of light. Look at the photos below. The first is with the low beam projectors only and the second is with high beam on as well. It really lights up the road ahead pretty well, while the fog lamps can be used to provide some spread of light just ahead of the vehicle. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6111[/ATTACH] The faux air vents on either side of the Endeavour display the variant - 3.2 litre engine with six-speed auto. The Titanium badging is on the boot lid. Trend gets no badge on the boot. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6106[/ATTACH] This is what the Endeavour looks like from under the front bumper. Notice how this thick metal plate covers the engine, protecting it. Behind it you can see another metal plate protecting the transmission too. Every part is neatly tucked between the ladder frame chassis rails, leaving no dangling bits. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6108[/ATTACH] A look at the under body of the Ford Endeavour from the rear. Notice that the spare wheel is a steel wheel, not an alloy. Also visible in the photo is the "Watts linkage" suspension, where there are two arms of the suspension attached to the rear differential, which helps with better articulation off-road, helping keep the wheels in line - with no side-to-side movement. It also has front and rear stabilizer bars. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6109[/ATTACH] A look at the 80-litre diesel tank in the Ford Endeavour. There is a metal plate below the actual fuel tank which will protect it when the going gets tough. This is definitely one purpose-built SUV. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6110[/ATTACH] Turn indicators are incorporated in the outside rear view mirrors (also swathed in chrome). These mirrors are power adjustable and power foldable, but don't auto-fold when you lock the car. I looked for a setting for that, but missed it. There's a puddle lamp below each mirror that turns on with the interior lights. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6131[/ATTACH] Shut lines and panel gaps are consistent and minimal around the vehicle. Notice the gloss finish masking tape around the windows. To ensure continuity, there's masking tape on the B-pillar as well so that there's a seamless look for the windowline. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6128[/ATTACH] A view from the top of the Endeavour of the panoramic sunroof. The silver finished roof rails can take a roof rack along the rear portion. Only the front portion of the sunroof opens up. The rear one stays fixed. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6129[/ATTACH] Here's a view of the panoramic sun roof from inside the Endeavour. There is an electrically operated slide for the liner to cover the glass when needed. The slide is operated by buttons near the interior light. Pull once for it to open half, pull twice for it to slide back fully to reveal the full panoramic sun roof. The sun roof itself opens in tilt mode and in full open mode, where it slides in under the rear glass, and a wind deflector pops up in front, as can be seen in the photo below. (Off topic: @speedzilla's E30 is in the background). [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6130[/ATTACH] Speaking of wind deflectors, ever wondered what these little extensions on either side of the rear glass are for, besides that spoiler integrated with the rear windshield? That is supposed to aid in aerodynamics as well. Well, it apparently works, as the Endeavour has a a pretty low drag coefficient of 0.389. Commendable for a boxy SUV. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6132[/ATTACH] Again, aiding aerodynamics, Ford has chosen to go with the aero-twin style wipers, without that thick metal blade on conventional wipers. The twin windshield washers are nicely hidden under the bonnet (these spray in a mist pattern on the windshield). The rear wiper has the washer hidden in the spoiler. The Endeavour comes with rain-sensing wipers - the rain-and-light sensor is located behind the rear-view mirror. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6133[/ATTACH] Ford seems to have left nothing to chance with the new Ford Endeavour. It looks tough enough to handle any kind of terrain. But before we get to how it drives, let's take a look at the interiors next, followed by the engine and power train.

You should have seen heads turn when the mammoth sunset red new Ford Endeavour 3.2 4x4 automatic drove up into the parking lot. This handsome looking SUV, priced at Rs. 29.46 lakh (pre-budget) was running temporary plates when we got it as the courts haven’t cleared it for sale in the NCR region just yet, owing to the [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/topics/global-auto-news/trending-worldwide/1745-air-pollution-the-sad-state-of-delhi?p=1772#post1772"]ban on SUVs with engines over 2-litres[/URL]. Click [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/topics/car-and-bike-research/cars-in-india/3224-ford-endeavour-launch-updates"]HERE[/URL] for full launch updates, variants and prices of the Endeavour. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6091[/ATTACH] Ford was just handing this out for test drives for a day, which meant we had to get a lot done as quickly as possible, and so we headed out for Greater Noida, where we were joined by [USER="1051"]mailsarkar[/USER] a Yeti owner – and one who is keenly eyeing the new Endy as an upgrade. Before we get into the details of what the new Endeavour is all about, here’s a quick look at what it can do off-road, shot on a mobile by [USER="1051"]mailsarkar[/USER]. Watch how the Endy, in rock mode with low-range, but with rear diff-lock disengaged, makes the climb up a muddy mound look effortless. Electronic gizmo-trickery at work! [video=youtube_share;vEihvHK5OsY]https://youtu.be/vEihvHK5OsY?t=16s[/video] No patience for the video? Some screen grabs in a collage. Notice the 29 degree approach angle help it get up easily, but the 25 degree departure angle results in the spare wheel just touching the dirt while descending. The 225 mm ground clearance is definitely useful. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6090[/ATTACH] After a full 24 hours with the Ford Endeavour here’s what I think you would broadly like and dislike about this burly American SUV. [B]What you will like about the new Ford Endeavour:[/B] * The big, burly styling will appeal to those looking for the most real estate money can buy * Variant for variant, it’s cheaper than the Toyota Fortuner (see below for comparison). * Solid build quality, feels tough and is more than competent off road! * The 3.2 litre engine has good torque, pulls effortlessly at all road speeds with linear power delivery * Active noise cancellation (see link) works brilliantly, resulting in a silent cabin at steady speeds. * Good ride quality and handling for a 2 ton, ladder-on-frame SUV. * Loaded with safety kit – 7 airbags (two front, two side, two curtain and a driver knee air bag), ABS, traction control, all disc brakes, SYNC 2 emergency assistance etc. * Terrain management system with idiot-proof modes for mud & snow, sand and rocks, hill descent control along with low range and electronic differential lock. * Feature rich – panoramic sun roof, LED DRLs, automatic parallel park assist, dynamic reverse camera, powered driver’s seat, powered tail gate, powered last row folding, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting with seven colour choices, 10-speaker infotainment with touchscreen, dual selectable MIDs that can customize what information you want, remote global open and close windows and sunroof etc. That’s quite a long list of things one would like in the Endeavour, but surprisingly there are some glaring omissions that one would have thought would be standard fare in the top-end Ford Endeavour Titanium 3.2 4x4 AT that we were driving, considering cars half its price – even those from Ford – have them. [B]What you won’t quite like with the Ford Endeavour[/B] * Legroom, especially in the last row is not great. The floor is too high, so under-thigh support, like the previous generation Endeavour is poor. * The backrest in the second-row of seats only flips down – you can’t tumble the seat forward, which means getting into the third row is a pretty tough task, good enough only for excitable kids. * Steering tilt adjusts only for height – and in a pretty limited range. * Despite the really fancy SYNC infotainment system with touch screen, there is no GPS navigation available as a standard feature. It’s an optional extra that can be enabled at a dealership for a fairly steep price. * Hard core off-road enthusiasts would have wanted a manual gearbox with that meaty 3.2 litre five cylinder engine. Ford only offers it as an automatic, while Toyota offers both manual and automatic options in its 4x4 Fortuner variant. * The door mirrors don’t auto-fold when you lock the car. There’s no keyless go like the EcoSport has. * The spare wheel is not an alloy. Endeavour has a tyre pressure monitoring system, but only a basic warning system (not comprehensive pressure/temperature monitoring like Mahindra offers on Scorpio and XUV500). Are any of the above facts deal-breakers? Not really. We are probably just nit-picking, as the pros far outweigh the cons in this gargantuan SUV. [B]Standout features of the Ford Endeavour[/B] * The brilliant Terrain Management System and Automatic Parallel Park Assist * The rich feature list, it’s almost a Range Rover at 1/4[SUP]th[/SUP] the price, if you look at it in that perspective * The tremendous road presence Now, I’ve always loved driving SUVs for that rugged feel and the view you get of surrounding traffic. I also love SUVs because they are far more forgiving if you miss an unmarked speed-breaker or randomly carved out pothole. And I also like them for their road presence, for the way they part the traffic ahead, sending smaller hatches scurrying for cover. The Endy has all that and more. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n6127[/ATTACH] The Ford Endeavour is based on the Ranger pickup truck and sold as the Everest in other countries such as Australia and Thailand. The Endeavour first drove into India in 2003, at a time when the premium SUV market was just about picking up. It didn’t have too many competitors back then besides the Mitsubishi Pajero and Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Terracan was bowing out. The Endeavour at that point had a 2.5 litre 143 bhp engine, which many called underpowered and a stiff-as-a-board leaf-spring suspension. Despite two facelifts, that engine continued all the way till 2010, when the new 3.0 litre engine pushing out 154 horses came in. Sadly, that engine only had a five-speed automatic transmission with it – in both four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive variants. And, by then the Toyota Fortuner had come in, cornering the market. Plus, that Endeavour lacked features. However, the stage is set for a fresh battle between the Toyota Fortuner and the new Ford Endeavour – the odds right now weigh heavily in favour of the Endeavour, because of its brilliant pricing (See [URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/topics/car-and-bike-research/cars-in-india/3224-ford-endeavour-launch-updates#post3224"]LINK[/URL]) and feature list. The Endeavour has been built on an all-new platform and designed in Australia. Toyota, however, has a revamped Fortuner coming next year, which would probably make for round three of this battle!