The 2015 Ford Endeavour gets more rugged with an enhanced urban appeal and is also significantly lighter over the outgoing model. The Indian launch is expected sometime in the second half of 2015.
Almost a year after showcasing the Ford Everest Concept in Australia, the American automaker has officially unveiled the 2015 Everest (Endeavour) SUV that will be sold in a variety of markets globally. Developed by Ford’s Asia Pacific design and product development teams, the production spec Endeavour is identical to the concept showcased last year but gets redesigned alloy wheels for the production spec model. The SUV draws its original styling from the current Ford Ranger pick-up, also the platform on which the model is based on. The automaker has not revealed the dimensions of the SUV yet.
Interiors – Inside the cabin, the 2015 Ford Endeavour is available in a 7-seater layout and comes with a simple and clutter free design. There is a new 8-inch touchscreen system with colour coded corners that allows easier menu navigation and gets equipped with the new generation Ford SYNC 2 system which offers multimedia, climate control and Bluetooth controls via voice commands. In addition, the new Endeavour comes with a large moon roof, over 30 storage spaces, as well as multiple power outlets for first and second row passengers. Ford is also offering a new ‘Active Noise Cancellation’ feature that minimizes external noises inside the cabin. The SUV now comes with a total boot capacity of 2010-litres with the second and third row seats folded.
Engines – In terms of powertrain, Ford is offering three engine options on the 2015 Everest for the international markets including a 3.2-litre 5-cylinder diesel, a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel and a 2.0-litre twin-scroll EcoBoost petrol engine. All the three engines will be paired to a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, and will be offered in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations depending on the market. The Indian market however will only get the diesel versions paired with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, much like the outgoing version.
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Off-Roading – Special emphasis has been laid on the off-roading capabilities of the 2015 Endeavour. Based on a body-on-frame design, the SUV comes with the all-new Terrain Management System that is offered in four settings including normal, snow, gravel and grass/sand/rock. Joining the new system is an active transfer case with Torque On Demand that can be locked in low range by the driver. The Endeavour comes with a ground clearance of 225 mm, while water wading capabilities are asserted at 800 mm. Keeping its ability to tackle any terrain intact, the SUV comes with an approach angle of 29-degrees, ramp-over of 21-degrees, and departure angle of 25 degrees. The 2015 model rides on coil springs at the front and rear with a Watt’s linkage on the rear axle.
In terms of features, the new Ford Endeavour is pretty well loaded featuring seven airbags, blind spot warning, land departure warning with lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control and cross-traffic alert. There is also Curve Control that minimizes body roll, while roll stability control, Forward Alert with Collisions Mitigation and Active Park Assist will be offered as standard. The automaker also confirmed that the new Endeavour will be sold across 9 different markets including Australia, New Zealand, China, India as well as South Africa and parts of North Africa. Ford will be producing the new Endeavour in Thailand with India to get it via the CKD route, while production will also commence in China from next year exclusively for the Chinese market.
