All-new Endeavour coming next year (Upcoming Cars)

WHEN: Second half of 2012

HOW MUCH: Rs 20 lakh +

ENGINES: 3.0-litre diesel, 160 PS, 400 Nm, four-wheel drive

COMPETITION: Toyota Fortuner

Ford’s all-new Ranger pick-up truck is being readied for production from next year. The SUV version based on this pick-up truck, sold as the Endeavour in India, will follow shortly thereafter.

The new truck has a host of improvements, to provide it with a more comfortable cabin and make it easier to drive into the bargain as well. it has grown in every dimension as well, with the wheelbase having increased by a whopping 360mm to 3220mm. This should make the new Endeavour far more spacious on the inside, with three proper rows of seating.

The new Endeavour's interiors are sportier and far roomier as well. However, the focus has been on making this interior hard-wearing as well.

Coil sprung rear suspension is also expected to be standard on the Endeavour, to replace the archaic leaf springs. However, the base versions of the Ranger pick-up are likely to continue with leaf springs.

No word on the powerplants as yet, but we expect a derivative of the current 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine, with some tweaks to make it both cleaner and more fuel efficient. The 2.5-litre may be discontinued. Four wheel drive and an automatic gearbox will be offered.

The new Endeavour/Everest is a global model, which will be produced at least five locations around the world and sold in more than 180 countries worldwide. Indian production will be sourced from Thailand, from where it is exported to most of South Asia and Australia, another huge market for Ford.

No word on pricing yet, but we expect the new Endeavour to start north of Rs 20 lakh. However, these tough-as-nails SUVs are expected to come loaded with a host of kit as standard.