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Tuesday, May 6, 2008

New Ford Endeavour

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 7/11 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.5L In-line 4, 141 bhp
3.0L TDCi Inline-4, 154 bhp
Available Transmissions 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Rugged appearance.
3.0L Turbo diesel engine
Ample cargo space.

Pros

Dual control air-conditioning system.
Premium audio system.
Great off-road driving dynamics.

Cons

Performance for highway cruising could be improved.

Overview

The Ford Endeavour was introduced in India in 2003. It is sold as the Ford Everest (a midsize SUV) in Asia and was built on the lines of the local Mazda-based Ford Ranger pickup truck platform. With this offering, Ford brought to the Indian consumer a premium, world class and versatile 7-seater. The new Ford Endeavour is available in two versions: the 2.5L XLT 4x2 and the 3.0L Thunder+ 4x4.

Besides its commanding road presence and imposing built, the Endeavour offers a genuine SUV experience and proclaims its SUV-truck roots with pride. It is a hugely functional SUV with serious off-road capability, especially in the all-wheel drive (AWD) version. For city driving, however, the 2-wheel drive variant would be a better choice.

This new Ford is equipped with a comprehensive list of safety features that meet the highest standards of excellence and are in keeping with the Indian regulations. It has been designed to withstand the impact of an accident with a rigid body shell, reinforced cabin and crumple zones in the front and rear. With these features and a potent engine, it competes with Hyundai Tucson and Honda CRV.

Powertrain & Performance

Endeavour comes in two variants - 4x2 XLT and the 4x4 Thunder+. The base is equipped with a 2.5L In-line 4 turbocharged diesel engine that generates a power of 141 bhp and renders 330 Nm worth of torque, whereas the Thunder+ is powered by a 3.5L TDCi In-line 4 diesel engine that churns out 154 bhp.

The XLT is available in a Two-wheel drive configuration (4x2) whereas the Thunder+ comes with All-wheel drive. 4x2 is perfect for city/highway driving, whereas the 4x4 is geared up for rugged and all-terrain driving. A 5-speed manual transmission comes standard on the model.

Despite its imposing size, the engine serves up power efficiently. It handles reasonably well, takes a corner like a veteran and delivers a satisfactory ride in the city. Transmission is smooth and seamless, with smooth upshifts and downshifts.

This SUV might not exhibit aerodynamic proficiency on the highway, but it handles rugged terrain like a pro and is in its element on dirt roads. The anti-lock braking system (ABS), with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), makes for quick braking response.

The Endeavour's humungous tyres and rigid chassis soak up bumps. Handling is superb, while steering is precise and responsive.

Build & Styling

There is no denying the Ford legacy in the Endeavour's overall architecture. The front end is distinctive with its high bonnet and behemoth size. The rather aggressive fascia out-front is decked up with a large, bold and sporty looking grille as well as multi-reflector headlamps. Aiding and abetting the new Endeavour, in its hardy off-road worthiness, are the mud flaps and wheel moldings along with fashionable roof rails. Silver side-steps run along the length of the vehicle and accentuate its brute quality. The Thunder+ variant offers a classier exterior compared to the XLT. It has larger mirrors that incorporate turn indicators and puddle lamps, a spare wheel cover, body cladding and many more attractive features.

The variants offers wide tyres (265/70 R16) that facilitate the most favourable combination of traction and stability on slippery ground.

It is also fitted with a highly toughened and modern bull bar, two-tone body cladding that gives it an even sportier look, alloy wheels, a fifth door mirror that comes in handy while parking or reversing, and a hard top cover for the extra tyre that can be locked to prevent its theft. Decals on the body of the vehicle enhance its looks.

The interior of the Ford Endeavour is roomy and elegant with world-class levels of comfort. Both the variants are endowed with luxurious leather upholstery and AC vents for all the three rows to make long and bumpy drives cushy. It comes with well-appointed amenities harboring little details, that both surprise and delight. For entertainment on-the-go, the vehicle has been endowed with an iPOD-compatible audio system. The Thunder+ is enhanced by Camel tone full leather interiors, six CD changer and MP3 player with six speakers. The entertainment is also loaded with an interior roof-mounted DVD player and dual air conditioning with controls mounted on the ceiling.

A standard cutting-edge theft protection feature, passive anti-theft system (PATS), prevents the engine from being started with an incorrectly coded key by automatically shutting off fuel to the fuel injection system after two seconds. A high visibility "command" driving position makes for better visibility while driving. Also included in the new Ford Endeavour are amenities such as a 4-wheel ABS with EBD and dual airbags, child-proof rear door locks, fuel tank shields, seat belts for all seven occupants, front passenger airbags, and more.

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New BMW X3

Quick Take
* Fuel Economy 15/22 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.5L I-6, 192 bhp
Available Transmissions 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
5-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with Steptronic

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Stylish build inside and out.
xDrive feature.
Loaded with safety features.

Pros

Comfortable, roomy interiors.
Offers decent acceleration.
Delivers a smooth ride.

Cons

Off-road ability needs improvement.

Overview

The BMW X3 is a 4-door Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) produced by the German automaker BMW. Based on the BMW 3-Series automobile platform, the X3 is available in a four-wheel drive (4WD) version and a five-seater configuration.

The X3 was launched at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003 but has been brought to India only in 2007. It is available in a single petrol variant, the 2.5Si.

The X3 comes with a basic vehicle warranty and a powertrain warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, and contends with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan X-Trail.

Powertrain & Performance

The 2.5Si derives power from a 2.5-liter In-line six-cylinder (I-6) petrol engine, which generates 192 bhp and 245 Nm of torque. The engine is teamed up with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. However, it can also be coupled with an optional 5-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.

The suspension system includes a double-joint spring strut front axle and central-arm rear axle. It also comprises front and rear anti-roll bars. Sports suspension without vehicle lowering and Servotronic is optional on the 2.5Si.

Inner-vented disc brakes in the front and outer-vented disc brakes in the rear offer forceful stopping power to the X3. The X3 features xDrive, all-wheel drive system with variable torque distribution.

Build & Styling

The X3 rides high on a wave of style. It measures 4565 mm in length, with a 2795 mm long wheelbase. Its front fascia incorporates black bumpers with integrated fog lamps, ornamental twin-kidney grille with chrome surround and distinct, sleek headlights.

Electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors and a rear window wiper are standard on all X3 variants. Also standard is a body-coloured roof spoiler that incorporates the third brake light. Roof railings are available as optional on the X3, as is a trailer tow hitch with removable ball head that includes trailer stability control. It stands on 17-inch light-alloy wheels.

As for the interiors, it comes standard with cloth upholstery, while leather upholstery is available as optional. It features a standard 60:40 split-and-fold rear bench seat. Manual seat adjustment is standard on the X3, though the option of electric seat adjustment with memory function for the driver's seat is also available. Sport seats and seat heating for driver and passenger are also optional on the 2.5Si.

The 2.5Si is also available with an optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift-knob. However, it comes standard with a manually-adjustable steering column. A multi-function feature as well as heating for the steering wheel is optional on the 2.5Si.

Some standard interior features present in the X3 are power windows, power door locks, air-conditioning including micro-filter, heat-insulating tinted glass on windows, and cup-holders. Instrument panel in the X3 includes round speedometer and rpm dials, fuel gauge, and coolant temperature gauge.

The option of an automatic air-conditioning system is also available on the 2.5Si. Also available is the option of an electric panorama glass-roof with slide and lift function, which allows the sun to stream in to or the breeze to waft through the cabin. Rain sensor, including automatic headlight activator, is also available as optional on the X3.

The X3 also comes with ample storage options. There are storage compartments in the centre armrest in the rear, the centre console in the front, the dashboard, and all doors. The X3's luggage compartment comes with a capacity of 480-1560 litres. It also features a light in the tail-gate and a partition net for added convenience.

For entertainment, the X3 comes with various options that include a 6-disc CD changer including an MP3 decoder; a HiFi loudspeaker system, and a HiFi system Professional.

A blend of style, comfort, and power, the X3 does not forget to ensure the protection of its occupants. It features bumpers with aluminum impact absorbers in the front and steel impact absorbers in the rear; deformation units at the front and integrated side impact protection in the doors. Door reinforcements offer optimum occupant protection in the event of a side collision.

It also comes standard with airbags, seatbelts, central locking with electronic immobilizer and crash sensor, child seat fastening in the back seat, and flat tyre indicator.

In addition it features Dynamic Stability Control, Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X), Brake-Force Display, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), and Hill Descent Control (HDC) to give you complete safety and control over the car on different types of terrains.

ADB-X emulates the function of a differential lock through direct intervention on a specific wheel. The HDC enables the X3 to take steep downhill gradients safely by automatically reducing the car's speed without the driver having to apply brake.

Some optional safety features includes a front and rear Park Distance Control, a child seat fastening in the front passenger seat, and an alarm system with remote control.)

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