Checked the Monster at Elite Ford Bangalore.
Model: Ford Endeavour 3.2 Auto Titanium
Observations/opinions:
1. The car definitely has an imposing stance. In isolation one cannot say whether current Fortuner stands tall or the new Endeavour. Though Endeavour measure wider than Current Fortuner, rounded design actually makes it look almost similarly wide or slightly narrower.
2. Front seats are just amazing. Be it the comfort or view, Fortuner stands no chance. The support is also pretty damn good.
3. The finish is definitely class above Fortuner. The materials used exude premium. Most of the buttons are rubberised and are soft to touch.
4. The doors feel solid, in fact rock solid. Sitting inside makes you feel as if you are sitting inside a Tank. The doors close with a solid Thud.
5. There quite a lot of features, many of which even the Ze Germans have give a miss( At comparable price point/segment).
7.The Engine is not a noisy unit , but not a silent one either. However with all doors closed, the noise gets muted to a great extent. Nothing that one should worry about.
8. Middle row comfort- well I felt it is decent. The bench is not as deep as one in innova and under thigh support is also better in Innova. It is comparable to Fortuner. The seat compund however felt much better than both Innova and Fortuner. Definitely not a deal breaker to me.
9. Third row is not that bad, has a little more leg room than Innova. Of course a six footer will not be comfortable, but definitely a shorter person can be accommodated with reasonable comfort for 5-6 hours journey. Getting in there is not as easy as the middle doesnot tumble forward like Innova.
10. One has to literally climb to this monster. If you are used to Sedans, MUV's or mini SUV's, it will take some time getting used to.
And some more Observations:
1. Each door gets lock-unlcok electric button.
2.The Glove box opens in slow motion, neat execution by Ford.
3. Most of the buttons have a soft feel+ chrome ring and are nice to use.
4. Rear seems pretty ordinary in comparison to the front looks. The side profile is good.
5. Every bit in the endeavour screams "SOLID". The boot door hydrualic are thicker than the rods used in Telugu movies.
6. Front Bonnet do get hydraulics. Lifting it without one would have been quite a task.
7. Instrument cluster LCD display looks cool. I am little sceptical about their life span.
8. The aluminium finish door handles add a nice touch. Feels good to use.
9. The Ford Emblem in front grille is of XXL size. Wonder how much would they cost?
10.The driving position is spot on and typical Ford, with commanding view of road, bonnet and the steering is a joy to hold.
Negatives:
1.Getting in to 3rd row is not quite easy. Elderly people are not at all welcome.
2. Expected a little more space in middle row given the size, though there is sufficient space to relax.
3. Rear looks ordinary particularly in Sunset Red. The danger lights get dissolved in red shade, blackening out the brake lights might lighten up things a bit.
4. Somehow felt the foot board is not designed quite well, hence did not aid much in climbing.
5. A little too much chrome upfront(Personal opinion).
Pictures( captured using my mobile)
The Instrument cluster.
Middle row Legroom. The middle row seat was pushed a little further
Dashboard is neat and clean. Ford have used quality materials(Felt equivalent or better than Jetta)
3rd Row legroom(Notice low under thigh support)
Tail gate struts, solid enough to beat those goons
Boot space with a seat folded
With DRL's on
Every door gets these lock-unlock buttons, Nifty execution.
The engine Bay, Not much space left out there.
The rear looks ordinary in contrast(Personal opinion)
Side profile
