New Fords for India in 2015

The Ford Endeavour was quite the hot topic when it went on sale in India. Its butch looks and large dimensions were very popular despite the fact that early models weren't very powerful. But as the years passed the Endeavour stagnated and started to feel archaic against its more modern competition. Ford finally has a replacement and at first glance, it has all the features that made the original so popular.

The new Endeavour (Everest in some markets) is inspired by the new Ranger pickup, from which it borrows its platform. It looks butch and even more intimidating than before and in that sense it stays true to its concept form which was first showcased in Australia. Inside the cabin, while things still look simple and functional, there are added features in the form of Sync 2 enabled touchscreen music system which can be activated via voice input. The touchscreen system also houses Bluetooth, multimedia and climate controls. A new Active Noise Cancellation system is also being offered in the Endeavour. Ford says that this feature reduces the external noise inside the cabin. Additionally the new Ford Endeavour also gets a sunroof and as many as 30 storage spaces.

Ford has paid special attention to the Endeavour’s off road capabilities. The SUV comes with Terrain Management System which gets four settings Gravel, Snow, Sand and Normal. Ground clearance is 225mm and the new Endeavour has a lockable, torque on demand, 4×4 system with an active transfer case. On the safety front, there is adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and a cross-traffic alert system. The Endeavour comes with seven airbags.

There are three engine options being offered with the new Endeavour. These include the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine and two diesels 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre. Depending on the markets in which the Endeavour will be sold, customers can specify their SUV with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission and with allwheel or rear wheel drive configurations. We may get the 2.2-litre motor in both manual and automatic guises. Ford is expected to launch the new Endeavour here sometime in 2015. It will come in via the CKD route from Thailand.

Also coming in 2015 will be the new Ford Figo twins, both hatchback and sedan. Both cars were recently shown off for the Brazilian market as the Ka and Ka+. They will replace the ageing Figo hatch and Fiesta Classic sedan. The sedan features a similar design to the Figo sedan concept shown at the 2014 Auto Expo and will be one of the better looking sub 4m sedans when it goes on sale. The interiors feature a cellphone pad design seen on the EcoSport and Fiesta. No word on engines just yet but we expect the 1.5-litre diesel from the EcoSport, perhaps in a lower state of tune. Ford could also bring the 80PS three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine that powers the Ka in Brazil.

Ford’s business in India is largely propelled by the EcoSport and Figo. The addition of these models could be a very beneficial shot in the arm.