[1-Testosterone]

Well, I'm pretty much inexperienced with all the suspension stuff. If one thinks that it's rear suspension is bearable I see it better than Fortuner in many aspects and probably and overall better choice.

[suman]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

They should still offer a 4x4 option with the manual transmission. It's too bad that they have removed this option. Clearly lack of foresight by Ford India.

Couldn't agree with you more. Why should I be restricted to AT if I want to buy the 4x4

[Sahil]

Ford has hit the Fortuner at it's weakest spot- Interior! The touch screen and dash design itself makes the Endy feel lightyears ahead of it's rival.
I'm sure this will wake up Toyota to reopen bookings and deliveries at a faster pace. Their marketing gimmick of make it 'hard to get' would now hurt sales as many buyers would shift to the new Endy.
I for one still would stick with my decision of the fortuner for two prime reasons- Rear suspension & low seating of the Endy. On all other fronts the Ford wins, but comfort > features for my SUV.

[1-Testosterone]

Are font seats of Endy that uncomfortable when compared to Fortuner? Ain't those leaf springs bother last row or maybe middle row and the front rows are at par with others? Please comment. I also hear that quality of leather seats is better than that of Fortuner.

Apart from that Endeavour smokes Fortuner in Safety, Interiors, Equipment and maybe performance (380 NM torque). It AT and costs less than Fortuner.

[Digital Vampire]

@ Sahil: IIRC you own an Endeavour and your inputs on second row comfort on Endeavour vis-a-vis Fortuner would be highly appreciated.

Are the 2nd row seats that pathetic on an Endy? I've driven the 2.5 TDci for around 600 kms but never sat on any of the other seats to gauge an opinion.

[Dippy]

Official Press Release from Ford India

ALL NEW 2009 FORD ENDEAVOUR ADDS CONTEMPORARY DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY TOUCHES TO ITS PROVEN SUV CAPABILITY

All new 5-speed automatic transmission introduced in India with shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive, touch-enabled SATNAV system with reverse parking camera

New Delhi, September 9, 2009 – Ford India today launched the new design look Endeavour 3.0L with 5-speed automatic transmission and an array of contemporary features that give the new Ford Endeavour fresh appeal to go with its image of dominant toughness. Endeavour is the most capable seven-seat SUV on the road, combining best-in-class torque, active versatility, superior off-road capability and surprising levels of comfort and refinement.

The new Ford Endeavour pioneers a suite of new design elements, led by a new-look front design with a classy multi-bar chrome grille and chrome-accented lower grille combining with sleek, wraparound headlamps to create a distinctive signature style. Under its slick new shape are the unrivalled toughness and proven capability that have made Ford Endeavour a leading choice among premium SUV buyers in India.

At the unveiling of the new Ford Endeavour, Michael Boneham, president & managing director, Ford India said, “The Endeavour has established itself as an undisputable leader in the premium SUV segment. With its contemporary new design look, the dominant toughness of Ford Endeavour has never been more appealing and we believe that it will set new benchmarks in its segment.”

The New Ford Endeavour is being launched across the country in a phased manner. The vehicle was unveiled in New Delhi by Bollywood actor and successful entrepreneur Suniel Shetty, a special celebrity guest and a very proud Endeavour customer. The vehicle is launched and bookings are open from today in North and West region and will be launched in the following weeks in Southern and Eastern markets.

Priced aggressively, the new Endeavour is available in Delhi from today at Rs. 17, 99, 000 for the 3.0L 4X4 automatic transmission and Rs. 15, 99, 000 for the 2.5L 4X2 manual transmission variant (Ex-Showroom, New Delhi).

The new grille design features three, finely detailed horizontal bars that seem to float in the grille opening, the middle of which supports a proud ford oval badge. Designers sculpted the three-bar grille – a key element of ford design DNA – to convey the kind of sophistication found in luxury goods packaging. The top edge of the grille features a wide header bar with the Endeavour embossed boldly into its surface. The new Endeavour's side mirrors also include interesting design details and functionality. Their housings – matte black lowers with chrome uppers – incorporate power folding convenience with turn indicator repeater lamps and a puddle lamp feature, which illuminates the ground around the door of the vehicle as the driver approaches the vehicle and unlocks its doors by remote control.



Poised on bold, 16-inch wheels, the New Endeavour has an unmistakably confident stance that communicates this vehicle is ready to go, whether it’s around town, on a great journey or to even greater heights. The new 16-inch alloy wheel – in a unique six-spoke design – is standard equipment, fitted with 245/70r16 tyres.

Inside, the new Endeavour surrounds its occupants with car-like comfort and luxury while providing true seven-seater SUV functionality. The vehicle has outstanding seat comfort and spaciousness. It also features ergonomically crafted seats with a leather seating surfaces. Door panels are also finished in premium material close to the seats for visual appeal and design consistency. When the doors open, they reveal a distinctive chrome scuff plate with illuminated Endeavour branding.

“The new design of the new Endeavour is a more premium look that builds on the capability and robust feel that are Ford Endeavour hallmarks. We’ve added contemporary touches that give it a lot more style, but it’s the way the new design complements Endeavour’s inherent strengths that was so important for the design team to execute” said Scott Ferrier, design manager, Asia Pacific and Africa, Ford Motor Company.

Endeavour offers two highly responsive, 16-valve TDCi versions, both of which feature outstanding torque output plus impressive levels of smoothness and refinement:

• The 2.5-liter(offered with 4x2) Duratorq TDCi common-rail engine, rated at 105 kW (143PS), which delivers peak torque of 330 Nm at just 1800rpm
•T he 3.0-liter(offered with 4x4) Duratorq TDCi common-rail peaks at 380 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm, and is rated at 115 kW (156PS) of power output

The 3.0L Endeavour 4x4 automatic transmission models feature an electronic shift-on-the-fly system for the convenient selection of 2WD or 4WD mode. The 4x4 system features a proven-tough Borg-Warner transfer case.

The all-new 4X4 5-speed automatic transmission is an all-terrain vehicle that can handle city, highway or hill driving with ease and agility. The automatic transmission has an overdrive option (5th gear) feature to allow driving in lower gear for greater responsiveness.
With TDCi common rail turbo-diesel power, Endeavour boasts best-in-class torque output – that’s the feeling of instant power on tap to accelerate away from a traffic light or make an overtaking maneuver. That’s the confidence, premium refinement and outstanding fuel economy of Ford’s advanced DuraTorq TDCi common-rail turbodiesel engine family.

With plenty of low-end ‘grunt’, the TDCi engine range makes Endeavour ideal for overtaking on a highway or tackling the tough off-road terrain. The DuraTorq TDCi pair make Endeavour a delight to drive in any condition.

“The DuraTorq common-rail engine family is ideally suited to the robustness and premium nature of the Ford Endeavour,” said John Lonsdale, vice president, Product Development of Ford India. “These engines provide the superior performance, capability and refinement customers in this premium SUV segment expect. We’ve engineered DuraTorq TDCi to be at the very heart of the Endeavour ownership experience,” added Lonsdale.

Endeavour’s tough chassis and confident stance – with standard 16-inch wheels give it the credentials to handle rough roads, difficult terrains or deal with tough conditions, providing ease and comfort to the passengers in the vehicle.

“Endeavour owners spend a lot of time with their vehicles and find them an invigorating part of their lifestyle. They love the versatility, toughness and capability of their vehicles but they also appreciate that its design communicates success and confidence. Our objective for the new 2009 Endeavour was to build on this emotional connection to make that vehicle-owner bond even stronger,” added Nigel Wark, executive director, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford India.

The new Ford Endeavour is the only vehicle in its segment to offer side air bags, part of an array of active and passive safety features. These 18-liter bags are designed to protect the head and thorax in the event of a side impact. The Endeavour is also equipped with dual-stage front air bags for driver and passenger. The air bags work in conjunction with three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, another Ford safety distinction.

Active safety features – designed to help the driver avoid an accident – include the Endeavour braking system, which features Anti-lock Braking (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). The new Ford Endeavour also has Ford’s unique Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), for improved vehicle security. A uniquely coded computer chip is included on the ignition key to ensure the vehicle will not start without the correct key.

A state-of-the-art in-car entertainment and navigation system redefines luxury with a segment first touch screen (7” Inch) satellite navigation system, built-in DVD player which supports all popular file formats, a rear camera and Bluetooth compatible communication system on the Automatic Variant. This unit also has a USB Input.

The new Endeavour also boasts an RDS-capable audio system with 6 CD changer and MP3 capabilities and Aux-in port on the 4x2 variant. This allows occupants to feed connect popular MP3 players, such as the Apple iPod, into the audio system.

The new Endeavour will be available in five exterior colors, including a new Sea Grey colour and Moondust Silver apart from the colour range of Morello, Panther Black and Diamond White, using the innovative 3-Wet high-solids paint process technology.

[4x4addict]

Guys, The middle row comfort is not that bad. Leaf springs are definitely inferior to coil springs but the the Endy ride is manageable The problem is that due to the high floor your knees kind of face up and this kind of gets uncomfortable in long drive.

As to Dante's comment about the Endy middle row being more comfortable than the Fortuners, I suggest you guys try out both cause I definitely found the Fortuner middle row more comfortable.

Regardless they have priced it quite competitievely vis-a-vis the Fortuner. This shows that the Fortuner margins are quite high and there is room for Toyota to adjust the price down the road.

[madan80]

at 17.99 with a 3L and 4x4 option - this is endy's take on the fortuner. Wow! its making everyone run scared! nice!

the 2.5L 2x4 is at 15.99L - thats coming dangerously close to the Safari camp. A VX buyer might just switch to an entry level Endy right? Considering VX is close to 13L? GV is also going to have a run for its money. Looks like the SUV Segment is heating up now.

[prince_pervez]

The pricing is sure yummy. Between Ford Endy and Toyota Fortu, needless to say people would go for Toyota. But with the pricing of 15L and 18L, between the 2 it is a serious food for thought for customers.
I did not like the graphics on the new Endy and I also feel they should have retained the old alloys. They were the best OEM around. Do we have an option to change them for the old ones ?

[SkyWalker]

Originally Posted by madan80

at 17.99 with a 3L and 4x4 option - this is endy's take on the fortuner.

and its a 5 speed auto too!
I think we should thank Toyota for this price - Fortuner's instant success!

Originally Posted by madan80

the 2.5L 2x4 is at 15.99L - thats coming dangerously close to the Safari camp. A VX buyer might just switch to an entry level Endy right? Considering VX is close to 13L?

possible - but 3L difference would bulge to 4 L including taxes and all - and finally i guess Safari would be cheaper to maintain - which probably might still affect the equation. However you are right that the lines are indeed blurring!

Originally Posted by madan80

GV is also going to have a run for its money. Looks like the SUV Segment is heating up now.

with the Fortuner and new Endy launches, GV's fate is as good as sealed. Endy gives a good troquey diesel SUV at less price.

[shatrughna]

Went to Bhavna Ford yesterday to check it out. The car was on the display. The dealer had no info on the launch and mentioned that it will be launched later this month and delivery in end Oct- which was kinda surpising and disgusting.

The leaf spring at rear continues. No body could explain how the new dvd cum sat nav system works. There are icons for SD card, USB etc but where its supposed to be plugged no one knew. Though they allowed me to fidlle with it. The rear view mirror is electrically adjustable and foldable which is good.
Only hitch I have got is that view from the driver seat is very discomforting because of huge hood in front and no driver seat height adjustment. No inside grip assist for the driver either ( which is fitted inside above the windows).

Will wait for test drive -( not available currently ) before the final decision.

[vasudeva]

I definitely prefer the looks of the current Endevaour and the Old CRV begore it went round.

[ACM]

Originally Posted by madan80

at 17.99 with a 3L and 4x4 option - this is endy's take on the fortuner. Wow! its making everyone run scared! nice!

the 2.5L 2x4 is at 15.99L - thats coming dangerously close to the Safari camp. A VX buyer might just switch to an entry level Endy right? Considering VX is close to 13L? GV is also going to have a run for its money. Looks like the SUV Segment is heating up now.

Yep but at 13L on the road you get the 4X4 Safari and the 4X2 2.5Ltr Endeavour would land on the road close to 16.5, close but maybe not close enough. The New Safari planned better stick to giving even more within the max of 13L

Also it would make interesting observation to compare the middle row comfort of Safari, Endy & fortuner??? Any one??

Originally Posted by prince_pervez

The pricing is sure yummy. Between Ford Endy and Toyota Fortu, needless to say people would go for Toyota. But with the pricing of 15L and 18L, between the 2 it is a serious food for thought for customers.
I did not like the graphics on the new Endy and I also feel they should have retained the old alloys. They were the best OEM around. Do we have an option to change them for the old ones ?

They should have given an upgrade to 17" alloys to match the fortuner it was easily achievable and they have been found wanting for lack of effort.

[suman]

Originally Posted by madan80

the 2.5L 2x4 is at 15.99L - thats coming dangerously close to the Safari camp. A VX buyer might just switch to an entry level Endy right? Considering VX is close to 13L?

The Endy 4x2 was always at this price point, I don't think there has been any reduction in pricing. I don't see it affecting the Safari VX sales.....as Skywalker & ACN have mentioned, this will translate to a huge difference in on-road prices.

Originally Posted by ACM

Also it would make interesting observation to compare the middle row comfort of Safari, Endy & fortuner??? Any one??

We have a Fortuner in our Dhaka Office & based on my ride experiences when I visited a year & a half ago, I would rate the middle seat ride comfort in the folowing order -
1. Safari
2. Fortuner
3. Endeavour

[navpreet318]

Well me and my dad went to have a look at the new endy.My dad at first sight saw the rear suspension and just said NO.He had a lot of experience with leaf springs and he know how they behave in mountain roads.still i insisted that he sits in it.Now we are punjabis.Large built.and tall.my dad's 6 ft in height.so he sits in the back seat.and his head touches the roof.he laughs that what'll happen to punjabis who wear turbans?

That was enough for us to not look at that car again.We did the same thing about an year back and ford has still not looked at this problem.


these are somethings that one looks at while looking at a car which is going to be used extensively in mountains.
Dvd touch screens,satnav don't count when you're uncomfortable as hell in any car.

For us the suv is a transport in comfort.and it should be able to go over bad roads and landslides in the mountains.so for that reason we've decided for the fortuner.its comfy in every way and has a good ground clearance too.and the 4X4 system is manual and won't burn up as in many electric 4X4 systems which have failed when we have been using it.