As Ford India bring in the 4 X 2 version of the Endeavour, their flagship SUV, Ravi Chandnani gets behind its wheel to find out how this new variant fares vis-à-vis its elder sibling
Photography Sanjay Raikar
Last November we tested Ford Endeavour 4 X 4 and, just a year later, Ford have launched a new variant of their monstrous SUV with a 4 X 2 configuration. This new variant comes with the same 3.0-litre, in-line four, diesel motor that develops 156 PS and a mammoth 380 Nm of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission just like its sibling.
Whereas the 4 X 4 version is meant for enthusiasts who like to tackle terrain off the beaten track from time to time, the 4 X 2 version is more suited to people who prefer driving a big SUV on smooth city tarmac oftener than on rough roads. You can, of course, take it to the countryside, including areas where roads are almost non-existent, and the 4 X 2 would glide over it with ease just like the 4 X 4. The five-speed auto box is a little lazy and a bit irritating while overtaking other vehicles or tackling uneven surfaces. However, the main attraction of this big baby is the huge amount of torque that kicks in pretty early. The advantage of having such rotational force is that the SUV can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 12.09 seconds, 1.13 seconds quicker than the 4 X 4. This torque also helps you a lot while off-roading. Just to test how well it behaves while off the tarmac, I drove the 4 X 2 down a narrow patch of dirt road and a bit of gradient, which was wet and slippery. It ploughed through the mud and slush with utmost ease and, to my surprise, it came back on to tarmac without me worrying about getting stuck. The absence of a four-wheel drive was evident. However, if one is not accustomed to the idea of off-roading, one would not be bothered by it. 
On tarmac the 4 X 2 reacts very differently. It impressed me off the road. Once back on tarmac, I was a little disappointed as the ride now became perceptibly bouncy. The front suspension is average. However, the old-world leaf spring set-up doing duty in this SUV is based on a pick-up and the rear can shake the passengers occupying second and third rows in case one hits a pothole or a speed-breaker. I wish Ford had opted for a more contemporary set-up while transforming a pick-up into an SUV.
The performance is quite good considering the fact that it weighs 2,014 kg like the 4 X 4 version. The top speed that we were able to achieve was 176 km/h (true) and the roll-on figures were also better than those from the 4 X 4 version. The quarter mile and standing kilometre run also yielded better figures than those from the 4 X 4.
The handling of this beast is fairly satisfactory. However, it fails to excite you while driving through the ghats and winding narrow roads. Body roll is evident while driving round corners, but is negligible while driving within the city.
The massive proportions of this SUV might frighten you at first, but once you are inside this beast, all trepidation is left outside. Many people would avoid driving it around town because of its imposing appearance. In reality, however, it is not that trying. You may have to be extra attentive while driving on narrow roads or alleyways, but the sheer massiveness of this SUV doesn’t bother you much on main roads and streets. Moreover, the automatic gearbox is a blessing in disguise when its comes to driving in the stop-and-go city traffic.
Aesthetically speaking, the new variant features only a single change on the inside, while the exterior remains identical to the 4 X 4 version with the same bold styling and huge silhouette that is recognizable from afar. One aspect that caught my fancy was the road presence of the Endeavour. The sheer size of this SUV is enough to scare away all those tiny cars and auto-rickshaws, who would have just ignored you otherwise. The interior also remains very similar to the 4 X 4 version’s, the only noticeable change being the absence of the navigation-cum-audio system in the central console. Instead, the 4 X 2 version features an in-dash six CD changer.
The new 4 X 2 Endeavour is priced at Rs 19,01,000, Rs 3 lakh cheaper than the 4 X 4. At this price you get the same beast, which is a mite faster than its 4 X 4 sibling and a little more fuel-efficient (10 kpl overall), thus providing you with the option of possessing a big SUV which has decent capability of tackling rough terrain and the convenience of an auto-box which really helps while driving in heavy city traffic.
CAPTIONS:
The 4X2 version retains the same powerplant present in the 4X4.
Interiors are similar as well, only the Sat-Nav is replaced with an in-dash six CD changer
Thrid row cabin might look spacious in pictures. However, in reality the space at the back is only suitable for kids/ teenagers and not adults
