The Hindu : Metro Plus Bangalore / Wheels : Taste the thunder

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008

Metro Plus Bangalore

Published on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays

Metro Plus Bangalore Chennai Hyderabad

Taste the thunder

A bigger 3.0-litre engine makes the Ford Endeavour more macho than it already is. No wonder it’s called the Thunder+, says Ashish Masih

FEEL GOOD Both front and rear seats offer good support and legroom

Bigger is better — let’s make that ‘biggest is best’. Ford agrees, for it has decided to put a bigger three-litre unit that develops 154bhp of power into the Endeavour, up 11bhp from the earlier 2.5-litre motor, which is still on sale. We never felt that the 2.5-unit was underpowered but obviously Ford feels that with this motor it can leverage the SUV’s macho image and translate that into better sales. This at a time when the new soft-roader diesel, the Chevrolet Captiva, which seats seven, is breathing down its neck. So should you plump for this beefed-up version or is the smaller 2.5-litre engine enough for your needs? Let’s find out.

There is a fair amount of clatter when starting from cold, which is typical of a diesel motor, but this subsides into a murmur within minutes, once the engine has warmed up. The stronger performance is evident as soon as you take off.

This motor feels more responsive than the smaller 2.5-litre unit. Where the smaller motor becomes lively only after crossing the 2000rpm mark, the bigger 3-litre engine shows urgency right from 1500rpm, which makes driving in the city relatively easier. The TDCi motor is quite happy to rev to its limits and feels flexible and responsive throughout its powerband. The additional power means that hustling this near two-tonne SUV is now an easier task.

Dose of power

The generous dose of power in all gears also ensures that you won’t have to downshift all the time to gain momentum, quite a boon on the highway. The additional power also means that this SUV is a lot brisker now, a fact that is immediately noticeable.

The steering is quite accurate and gives the driver a fair amount of confidence. Despite its high proportions and massive bulk, the Endeavour doesn’t rock and sway and in fact feels quite steady. On the downside, the turning circle is huge and parking in the city is a chore you’ll prefer to leave to the chauffeur; in fact, you will feel its gigantic proportions in the city.

Where the Endeavour really scores is in its ability to gobble up the worst of roads with ease. The 210mm ground clearance, 16-inch wheels and good pulling power ensure that it is right at home on loose gravel and off-road, coasting over dirt roads with considerable ease. But the rear suspension still employs antiquated leaf springs, which means that you won’t have the smoothest ride. Bumps and crevices on the road will jolt the passengers, especially the ones at the rear. The situation is most dire in the third row, which is seriously uncomfortable on bumpy roads.

Ford hasn’t changed anything inside the cabin. Like the exteriors, the cabin has a no-nonsense stance. It is well designed, with a trim that wouldn’t look too out of place in a family saloon. The straightforward dashboard uses a multi-tone colour scheme of black, beige and silver and the gauges are easy to read. The beige interiors go a long way in lending this SUV the essential feel-good factor.

The high-set front seats impart a sense of invincibility. There are three rows, though the last row is best for children. However, you can catch your knee on the handbrake which sprouts out from the dash. It’s also a chore to operate, especially when starting off from a slope.

The Endeavour is built to withstand sustained rough use and we expect the mechanicals to be robust. At the same time, we would like Ford to give the Endeavour parking sensors, since without them reversing this car and keeping it scratch-free is a job for two (you will need someone to tell you how far you can go).

The 3-litre engine Endeavour retails at Rs 19.29 lakh (on-road, Chennai), and is available only in the 4x4 variant.

At this price, it is around Rs 2.9 lakh more than the 2.5-litre 4x2 variant. It is also slightly cheaper than the Captiva diesel, which makes this car seem like good value.

If you are looking for a seven-seater which can do serious off-road duty, the new Endeavour Thunder + makes a good buy — look no further. But if you don’t intend to go off-road, then the smaller 2.5-litre engine makes better sense — nobody on the road will ask how much power your Endeavour has once it is looming in their mirrors. They’ll scurry out of your way regardless!

Technical data

Price

Rs 19.29 lakh (on-road, Chennai)

Length: 4998mm

Width: 1789mm

Height: 1836mm

Wheelbase: 2860mm

Turning circle: 12.2m

Kerb weight: 1995kg

Engine

4 cyls, in-line, 3 litres, turbo-diesel

Installation: Front, longitudinal, four-wheel drive