An uncamouflaged prototype of Ford Endeavour has been spotted testing, indicating that the BS6 version is getting ready. The flagship Ford received a mid-life refresh earlier this year so we don’t expect any cosmetic changes on the BS6-ready model. Images are credit to automotive enthusiast A Rajendran.
The Ford Endeavour BS6 is expected to retain its powertrain lineup which consists of a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel and a range-topping 3.2-liter four-cylinder diesel. The base engine produces 160 hp and 385 Nm of torque and is available either with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The motor is available in Titanium and Titanium + trim levels but only in 4×2 configuration.
The larger oil burner is available exclusively in top-of-the-line Titanium + trim with standard 6-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 system. It dishes out a healthy 200 hp and 470 Nm of torque. We expect both motors to receive BS6 updates, resulting in slight changes in the output figures.
The Ford Endeavour, in its current avatar, is priced between INR 29.20 lakh to 34.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). We expect the price tag to be inflated to a considerable extent when the BS6 version hits the market since the emission regulations warrant additional components and significant engineering effort.
Some car makers have decided to discontinue diesel engines, as they will be getting more expensive as compared to petrol engines, post the BS6 implementation. Endeavour BS6 prices too will be increased, in an estimated region of Rs 3-5 lakhs – but the demand for the SUV is good enough (registers about 700 units in sales every month).
The 7-seat premium SUV competes with the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra Alturas G4, Skoda Kodiaq and Isuzu MU-X. Even in its base Titanium trim, the ladder-frame SUV comes loaded with features like 6 airbags, a comprehensive SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system, hill start assist, ABS with EBD, stability assist, powered driver seat, leather upholstery and so on.
The Titanium + adds driver knee airbag, power adjustable front passenger seat as well as third row, terrain management system, hill descent control, auto park assist, sunroof, ambient lighting, front parking sensors, etc.
Like the previous iteration, the Ford Endeavour BS6 will be assembled at the automaker’s Chennai plant out of CKD kits. Moving forward, Ford’s future products India will be engineered in collaboration with Mahindra. The American automaker who has been struggling in the Indian market is currently working on an SUV based on the next-generation Mahindra XUV500. The brand’s Figo and Aspire twins have consistently failed to bring it sales volumes.
