Ford’s re-entry into the Indian market has been one of the most talking points in the automotive circuit over the last couple of months. It is almost confirmed that the American carmaker will be returning to set shop in India, the only question remains when? And going by the latest development, it might be sooner than expected.
A prototype of the new-gen Ford Endeavour, internationally known as Everest, was recently spotted on Indian roads. The burly SUV was spied loaded on a flatbed while being transported in Chennai possibly heading towards Ford’s manufacturing facility that has witnessed some activity in recent times, speculating the company’s return to the country.
The unit spied was seen ‘sporting’ the Everest branding at its tailgate. In all likelihood, the Blue Oval brand will bring the Endeavour to India as a fully-imported model via the CBU route, at least initially. Hence, the prototype spotted has possibly landed on our shores for homologation purposes.
Ford Ranger spied in India
Besides Endeavour, Ford might also be planning to bring the Ranger to India. The iconic pickup truck was spied alongside its SUV sibling loaded on a flatbed while being possibly shipped to the brand’s production facility. This comes as a pleasant surprise to many Ford admirers since the Ranger was rumoured to land in India before the company quit operations in the country.
The completely uncamouflaged prototype wore a white paint scheme with a massive loading bay and a tailgate flanked by vertical LED taillamps. Other visual highlights include 18/19-inch silver spoke alloy wheels with thick sidewalls, black claddings on wheel arches and door sills, and a spare wheel mounted underneath the loading tray.
Ford Ranger, Endeavour expected specs
It is no secret that Endeavour and Ranger share the same underpinnings, both based on a body-on-frame chassis. Globally, the Endeavour is available with three powertrain options– a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, a 2.-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, and a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine. The same engine options are offered in Ranger as well.
The India-spec models are expected to come with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo unit and the 3.0-litre V6 turbo power mill. The former kicks out 206 bhp and 500 Nm of peak torque whereas the 3.0-litre oil burner pumps out 247 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. Both engine options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Both utility vehicles are very capable off-road machines thanks to the 4×4 drivetrain with a low-range transfer case along with locking differentials. There are multiple drive modes on offer including– Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul and Slippery for on-road and for off-road there are Mud/Ruts and Sand modes.
Like Endeavour, Ranger is also expected to come to India as a fully-imported unit. Hence, it is expected to be priced at a premium and availability is also expected to be limited. If and when launched, Ranger will lock horns with Toyota Hilux.
