New Ford Endeavour India review, test drive

What is it like to drive?

The first thing you notice as you get off the line is the effortless and light electric steering. And for a car that weighs two tonnes, the Endeavour is shockingly easy to manoeuvre around even in heavy traffic. The 2.2-litre engine, although the smaller option available, is the quicker to respond, producing 158bhp and 38kgm of pulling power. It also feels more relaxed and light on its feet at speed and in everyday city driving, the difference between the two engines is not really noticeable. That said, the 197bhp, 48kgm 3.2-litre unit does provide a lot more bite. The bigger engine is slower to pick up speed but is deceptively quick even in part throttle situations. And it really takes off as you dig your right foot deeper; the car sprints to 100kph in 11.33 sec. This places it right in between the slower Fortuner and the faster Trailblazer. The 3.2 does sound quite strained when pushed hard though. This is despite the fact that Ford uses noise cancellation (playing opposing sounds through the speakers) tech to keep out engine noise. The bigger disappointment though, is the gearbox. The six-speed automatic finds it really difficult to keep up with the engine and is often slow to react; the triptronic function does improve things though. Drive it with a patient foot, and it should be not that big a problem.

Ride and handling is also some way above the ordinary. Agility really is exceptional for the big, heavy SUV it is. The new electric steering is super direct, light and helps turn this beast on a dime. And the big Ford has the requisite balance and agility to stay with the quick steering. So, flick the wheel and the Endeavour turns in one quick, clean move, no slop, no sloth. And the steering doesn't feel nervous at high speeds either. 

Then the suspension takes pretty much anything our roads can throw at it. There is a bit of vertical movement over bad roads and this is mostly felt when seated in the rear but it's not that much of an issue, as only some small amount of the bump is allowed to filter in. All four-wheel-drive versions get a high-tech active transfer case and a Range Rover-like Terrain Management System. You can choose from Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, Sand and Rock; and the car chooses the best engine, gearbox and traction control settings for you. There's also the 800mm water wading depth and that should certainly help during Indian monsoons. Safety is taken good care of with systems like Curve Control and Roll Stability Control that work off the ESC, Blind Spot warning, Lane Departure warning and seven airbags. 

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