When it comes to SUVs in India, there is no one as popular as the Toyota Fortuner. It has been strolling over others for years and this very vehicle was the reason Ford Endeavour went into oblivion. But now the Americans have decided to come back and if rugged looks and raw power is what it takes to scare its hunter, then the new Endy has that in abundance.
The last Endeavour we remember was more of an urban SUV which could be taken for off-road trips a few times but we do not remember it to be as intimidating as the Fortuner is on road. The brand new Endeavour does not share anything with its predecessor and that is why it cannot be called an update. It will come with an option of two powerful diesel engines. One will be a 2.2 litre, which will churn out 158 bhp and 385 Nm of torque, the 3.2 litre variant will be good enough for 197 horses and 470 Nm of torque and get the 4x4 system.
The company is also looking forward to localising parts to make it more cost effective. If the company manages to execute its plan, then the new Endy may be sold around Rs. 22-25 lakhs, which will be a bargain on a 4x4 Fortuner. It is Ford’s next big thing after EcoSport which is expected create tsunamis in the market and hit its rivals hard.
While the Japanese will be its primary target, it cannot overlook the other Japanese- Honda CR-V. Hyundai Santa Fe, Renault Koleos and Isuzu MU7 will also be its rivals apart from indirect competition from Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
