According to sources, the New-Gen Ford Endeavour has been spotted testing in China. The new model is expected to be launched next year. In the international market, Ford has already introduced the facelift version and could be working on developing a new model.
The spy shots the front fascia has been completely refreshed and features an imposing grille with patterned mesh that sweeps back. The headlight unit is mounted lower on the bumper with a large air dam and air intakes that flank the front bumper. The body panels appear to have been carried forward from the current-generation car and the back was fitted with makeshift tail lamps. Externally, the test mule did not look like a final product.
On the inside, the interior trim could have been borrowed from another product and seems to be like in the development phase but retains the 7-seat configuration. The borrowed bits have a flat bottomed steering wheel, central touchscreen infotainment, a rotary knob on the transmission tunnel and contoured seats on black leather upholstery. The dashboard and the door pads were partially covered.
In the engine department, Ford is likely to keep the new BS6 compliant 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbocharged diesel engine that produces 170 ps of power and 420 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to the world’s first 10-speed automatic SelectShift transmission. The transmission can skip gears for optimum comfort, fuel efficiency and tractability. This engine was launched recently on the current-gen Ford Endeavour during its transition into BS6 norms.
In terms of safety, the brand is likely to add an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and is expected to come to India with the ADAS package. Apart from this, the Ford Endeavour is likely to get the same standard setup from the predecessor which includes 7-airbags, rear and front parking sensors, rear parking camera, hill descent control and hill launch assist plus the automotive safety standard features.
The new-generation car is likely to come to India in the CKD (Completely Knocked-Down) form and will be assembled in India and compete with the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X and Skoda Kodiaq.
