IAB reader snaps the 2015 Ford Endeavour testing in Chennai - Spied

Ford India's Chennai factory will roll out the SUV this year.

Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Gokulraj of MyCopie, snapped the 2015 Ford Endeavour testing in the city of Chennai recently. With a launch expected towards the end of this year, the new Endeavour will roll out of Ford India's Chennai facility from Thai-made CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits.

The new Endeavour (2015 Ford Everest) was launched in Thailand at the Bangkok Motor Show last month. The SUV is priced from 1.269 million Baht (INR 24.27 lakhs). Ford offers the third generation of its Ranger-based SUV with three engine options, manual and automatic transmissions and 2WD and 4WD.

A 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and a 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel comprise the engine lineup of the new Endeavour. Ford India is likely to launch both diesel engines, paired to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

The new Endeavour, at 4,893 x 1,862 x 1,837 (L x W x H in mm), is shorter than the outgoing model which measures 5,060 x 1,788 x 1,826. Ford has also reduced the wheelbase by 10 mm to 2,850 mm. However, Ford has increased the ground clearance from 210 to 225 mm, and added a new Terrain Management System for better control off-road.

Also read: Ford Figo Aspire snapped during TVC shoot

The interior, which is crafted from high-end materials, breaks tradition from the current generation model. Powered third row seats, a 9-speaker audio system with a sub-woofer, an 8-inch touchscreen display and a sunroof are some of the features seen on the Fortuner rival. You can read our first impressions of the new Endeavour here.

Rivals: Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V, Ssangyong Rexton, Isuzu MU-7, Toyota Fortuner
Expected Price: INR 20-25 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date in India: Late-2015