The Hindu Business Line : The new spruced up Endeavour

There has been considerable speculation that the Ford Endeavour is set to be relaunched after going through a facelift and a change of heart. The Endeavour, which is a popular full-size sports utility even in the Thai market, is based on the Ford Ranger pick-up truck platform.

In Thailand, this SUV is called the Ford Everest and there it has been put through a full model transformation that includes design changes to the exterior and new TDCi (Ford's own version of common rail direct injection) engines.

But in India, before a possibly bigger and more substantial model change to the Endeavour can be made, Ford India has launched a new variant of the diesel SUV with a few exterior changes that are designed to improve the vehicle's appeal and practicality quotients.

The new Club Series of the Endeavour with additional features, available in four-wheel drive (4X4) and 4X2 variants, offers premium SUV buyers greater value for money, enhanced, rugged looks, greater safety and improved convenience on the vehicle.

The new features on the Club Series Endeavour include:

A well-made new front bull bar that enhances the SUV's tough look and provides greater safety.

Body side plastic cladding and two-tone paint finish that gives the Endeavour a tougher look with more protection.

A mirror on the fifth door (hatch) for convenience while parking and reversing.

A lockable hard spare wheel tyre cover to complement its tough look. This feature used to be an optional accessory, but it is now part of standard fitment in the new club series.

And stylish side graphics that offers customers the opportunity to customise their vehicles to suit their personalities.

This new limited edition combines the Endeavour's characteristic tough exterior styling and road presence with extra comfort and flexibility to make it a more comfortable, safe and robust SUV.

The new Endeavour variant, however, continues to be available with the same 2.5-litre indirect injection turbo diesel engine with intercooler. The new variant, with five new features, has only seen a modest price increase of about Rs 2,800. As a result, the Limited Edition Endeavour Club Series will be available at Rs 14.17 lakh for the 4X2 variant and Rs 15.07 lakh for the 4X4 variant (both ex-showroom, New Delhi).

The Ford Endeavour was launched in December 2003. About a year later, Ford launched the Endeavour with Hurricane Gear; a fully loaded version packed with additional stylish features and luxurious appointments.