Next-generation 2015 Ford Endeavour SUV spotted cold weather testing

Ford continues to test the next generation 2015 Endeavour SUV ahead of its market introduction later this year. The right hand drive version of the 2015 Endeavour was spotted cold weather testing, indicating that the SUV is being readied up for launch in markets such as India, Thailand and Australia.

 

The 2015 Endeavour SUV is based on the Ford Ranger pick up truck platform, a rugged body-on-ladder design that is bent towards the utility vehicle market in Asian and Australian markets. The on-test Ford Endeavour’s design mirrors the imagery of Ford Everest concept that was released late last year.

With that, the production version of the Endeavour is likely to be very similar to the Everest concept in terms of visual design. Talking of design, the 2015 Endeavour/Everest SUV will adopt Ford’s new global design philosophy with edgier lines and a hexagonal front grille replacing the more squarish design of the current generation version.

 

 

 

The 2015 Endeavour will replace the current-generation model in India and will continue to be diesel powered. 2.2 liter and 3 liter TDCI turbo diesel engines are likely for the 2015 Endeavour while international markets are likely to get turbo petrol EcoBoost engines. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be offered, along with a 4X4 option thrown in as an option.

Prospective buyers of the 2015 Endeavour would be hoping that Ford has improved the ride quality of the SUV’s next generation model; The current-gen Endeavour’s suspension is bumpy to say the least. Also, a higher seating position is another aspect that needs to be taken care of in the next-gen version of this 7 seat SUV.

 

In India, the Endeavour’s prime rivals include the Toyota Fortuner, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the recently launched Hyundai Santa Fe. Ford is expected to import CKD kits of the 2015 Endeavour from Thailand and assemble this SUV at its Maramalainagar factory, as is the case presently.

Expect the 2015 Endeavour to be launched in India by the fag end of this year or early next year. Prices of the new model should be similar to that of the market leader Toyota Fortuner. Expect pricing between 22-24 lakh rupees as Ford cannot afford to out price the new model as Hyundai has done with the Santa Fe. Click here to read more about the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe.

CarToq’s video reportage of the Hyundai Sante Fe from the 2014 Indian Auto Expo lined up,

Spyshots courtesy WorldCarFans