Facelifted Ford Endeavour luxury SUV just around the corner

Ford is all set to facelift its flagship SUV for the Indian market – the Endeavour. February 22nd is when Ford will launch the facelifted Endeavour in India, reports Thrustzone.

Introduced more than 3 years ago, the Ford Endeavour is having to contend with increased competition in the luxury SUV segment, which is dominated by the Toyota Fortuner. A firm number two to the Fortuner in terms of sales, the Endeavour now has to contend with the latest upstart – the Mahindra Alturas G4. The facelift therefore, comes at the right time.

Internationally, Ford facelifted the Endeavour last year, and the SUV got a new 2.0 liter diesel engine with multiple turbochargers that replaced the 3.2 liter-5 cylinder diesel. It remains to be seen whether the 3.2 liter diesel continues to be offered on the Endeavour sold in India considering tightening emission standards, and the impending arrival of the Bharat Stage 6 emission norms, which will be much stricter than the current norms.

The 3.2 liter diesel engine makes 470 Nm of peak torque, between 1,750 rpm and 2,500 rpm, and is paired to a 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox. A four wheel drive system with multiple modes for various terrains is standard. On the other hand, the new, twin turbo 2 liter diesel engine makes more torque – 500 Nm, but in a much more narrow rev band between 1,750 rpm and 2,000 rpm. To compensate, Ford offers a 10 speed automatic gearbox with the smaller motor. The smaller motor also gets a power bump up, putting out 210 Bhp compared to the 3.2 motor’s 197 Bhp output.

The Endeavour sold in India has been available with another engine option – a 2.2 liter-4 cylinder diesel that puts out 158 Bhp-385 Nm. The 2.2 liter diesel gets a 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox as standard but is available only with a rear wheel drive layout. What remains to be seen is whether this motor continues to be offered in the facelifted model. Mechanical updates apart, the facelifted model will get a mild makeover in terms of styling, at the front and rear.

More features are also likely to be added on the inside, making the Endeavour a lot more luxurious. The SUV already offers a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, power adjustable driver’s seat and a touchscreen infotainment system. Updates to the infotainment system are likely. The new SUV’s pricing is likely to be comparable to the older version. Ford will continue to assemble the new Endeavour in India through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit route.

The facelifted Endeavour will continue to occupy the 7 seat, ladder frame equipped luxury SUV segment. Competitors to the SUV include the Toyota Fortuner and Mahindra Alturas G4. Currently, the Toyota Fortuner is India’s best selling luxury SUV and its status is unlikely to change even after the launch of the facelifted Endeavour. The Alturas could be hit harder by the updated Ford SUV.