Apr 29, 2004 12:16 PM
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(Updated Apr 29, 2004 12:16 PM)
Ford?s latest offering in the Indian market, the Endeavour can be simply described in a single word - Huge. What else you can say about an SUV that can make Tata Safari look strangely compact. At five meters long and two meters high, there is nothing on the road to match Endeavour?s bulk.
After all, it is based on the all-American Ford Ranger pickup. And it shows. Styling is very Yankee, with oversized headlamps headlining a huge chrome grill. Rest of the design is regular SUV fair with rounded off edges. Some side cladding and bigger wheel arched would have help balance its size. However the overall look screams attitude and should go down well with the younger drivers
The benefit of such dimensions is also shown in the vast interiors. Eight people can sit in comfort, though the air-conditioning doesn?t seems to be adequate despite three separate vents. The interiors look modern and well thought off with lot cubbyholes and pockets.
The steering can be pretty vague at times, requiring extra skill to conquer the beast on the road. Ancient rigid spring suspension at the back means a hard ride on almost all surfaces. That said, on a good road, the interiors are very calm and quiet. Ford has gone out of the way to make assure the comfort of the passengers.
The weakest link seems to be the 2.5 litre diesel engine. A four-pot unit, it manages a meager 110 bhp, but a healthier 28 kgm of torque. This will make hard work out of driving in city conditions. Though the Ford is blessed with a well weighed steering and a good gearbox with high final drive, it desperately requires more ponies under its hood.
On the safety front the big beast offers twin airbags as well as anti lock brakes, that ensure proper braking in all situations. Limited slip differential with four-wheel drive ensures that you can literally make your own roads.
The price as usual is the most crucial criteria. At over Rs 13 lakh, Ford is not exactly cheap, especially compared to Terracan and Safari. However it also buys you the maximum road presence this side of a Mercedes. Also it must be said that list of standard equipment (including alloys) is impressive. However at the same time, some bizarre cost cutting measures like use of drum brakes could have been avoided as Ford is pitching the vehicle to premium segment.
Overall Ford Endeavour is a very competent vehicle at a rather competitive price. Developed especially for Asian markets, but based on American platform, it offers an admirable combination of space, looks and value. If only they can work on its performance.
