How impressive the all-new Ford Endeavour actually is

In brief, here's what the new Endeavour is - a ground up redesign that carries nothing forward from the old car.

Except, the name stamped in chrome on the tailgate. At the other end of the car, it's all grille and sharp DRLs now, making for a face that got at least a dozen other motorists to stop, reverse and drool.

The new car is about 150mm shorter from bumper to bumper, but if you see the two side-byside, you'd swear the new Endy is bigger. At the same time, clever design like the tapered window line, subtle surfacing effects and contrasting skid plates cover bulk. Visibility is truly excellent and at the electronically-adjustable seat's highest to mid positions, you can spot the edges of the hood. Postbox-sized wing mirrors similarly have the rear covered. This makes judging distances in this 4.9m-long SUV much easier than it has a right to be. Helped by Ford's new SYNC2 entertainment system, which apart from excellent audio quality from the 10-speaker setup and connectivity options, also offers a rear parking camera and front and rear proximity sensors. Seating all around is on plush leather upholstered, well supported seats. Leather, of course, only on the Titanium variants but the feeling of comfort is expanded by the sheer adjustability of the seating. Steeping into the cabin with the engine running is almost like entering a vacuum chamber.

Ford's Active Noise cancelling tech has a huge hand to play here - mics inside the cabin monitor ambient noise and pipe in sound frequencies to cancel it - a segment first. The 2.2-litre mill works with the 6-speed auto reasonably well, with the box preferring short shifts in the city. Ride is similarly smooth, well damped and generally a huge step forward for a ladder on frame construction. Credit must go to the Watts-linkage on the rear suspension (also in the new Mustang and the Local Motor's Rally Fighter). It works by attaching the rear axle to the body at two opposing points, keeping the differential and axle centred through the range of suspension travel. Simply, no more side-to-side movement as you go over potholes, speed breakers or joints in the expressway.

Verdict

This new Endeavour has been in development for close to five years with inputs from Ford's global teams. We think it's paid off, with the SUV now coming across like a truly sophisticated package. It has seven airbags, Ford's MyKey restricts top speed, and there are more electronic safety measures. It also drives exceedingly well for a ladder-on-frame type SUV, displaying road manners that will make you feel at home. Efficiency should also be good considering its low drag co-efficient and smart gearbox.

(In Association with Mail Today)