The Star: August 29, 2019

THE FORD
ENDURA
BY ROSS KIDDIE
If my memory serves me well, prior to evaluating
an Endura, the last Canadian-made Ford I drove
was the 1957 Customline my family owned and the
car that I used to get my driver licence.
Research suggests that it was built in the Oakville,
Ontario, manufacturing plant, the same facility that
today’s Endura comes from.
The old Customline sedan was very special, it was
V8-powered and amidst a plethora of English cars
in the Kiwi market it was bigger, more powerful
and for that reason had much appeal with me.
Today’s Endura is a sport utility vehicle which is
also a little different, while it arrives here in four
specification levels there is only one engine variant
and that is diesel-fed.
That is not a totally unique concept, Mazda’s CX-8
is also diesel only, and the Endura competes headto-head
with that car.
The Endura starts in the market at $53,490 (add
$3000 for all-wheel-drive), an ST-Line variant lists
at $64,990, while the Titanium, as evaluated, is
priced at $69,990. The latter wants for nothing, it
has all the trick electronics that Ford is building
into its models these days and it has luxury written
all over it.
In-cabin comfort is high while the specification
level is such that it could well be described as valuepacked
and if you are in Living Lifedemographic
with grandchildren in tow, they will simply love the
entertainment system, there are rear screens which
they can use for several different formats.
There is also a feel about the Endura that is quite
different, I describe it as the North American way
of manufacture, and it is just a little special.
The Endura isn’t large, at 4.8m it sits neatly
between Escape and Everest in Ford’s SUV line-up,
and although it is just a five-seater it has space to
burn on the inside.
Under the bonnet sits a four-cylinder turbocharged
engine of 1999cc. Immediately, I was drawn to its
subdued operation and quiet operating manner,
it’s really hard to pick that a diesel is lurking under
the bonnet, that is until you ask for performance.
It is an absolute stunner through the mid-range in
terms of output and acceleration.
Ford claims a healthy 400Nm torque figure, and
that is available all of the way from 2000rpm to
3000rpm, it will hunt up and down the rev band
willingly, almost like a petrol engine, such is its
free-revving nature and response. There’s also
140kW at the top end, and combined there is never
a point where power wilts.
In Titanium form drive is directed to all four
wheels through an eight-speed automatic
transmission. It, too, is responsible for the lively
flow of energy, there’s a gear for all moments, and
the gears shift without notice, they are eased in but
are quick nonetheless.
In terms of performance, the Endura will make
a standstill to 100km/h time of 8.8sec for the
1.8-tonne SUV, which is quite impressive. Ford also
lists a 6.7-litre per 100km (42mpg) combined cycle
average fuel usage rating which, by my reckoning,
is achievable and acceptable.
The Endura is classic SUV material, if you don’t
need the extra grip from four-wheel-drive there
is the front-drive only model, and it would be the
pick for me. However, I can report that the all-drive
model has stunning on-road handling behaviour.
It steers directly into a corner and there is much
feedback through the steering tiller.
When presented with a quick corner the Endura
leans ever so slightly, there is just enough firming
in the suspension to counteract gravitational forces,
while balance remains unaffected.
My wife and I were in Canada just a year or two
back sightseeing and visiting her cousins who
reside there, one of whom owns a Ford Edge,
which is the Endura badged for the Canadian
market. We travelled in it for only a short distance,
and it was fitted with a V6 petrol engine, but it was
enough for it to capture my attention.
The Endura is one of Ford’s global cars that will
constantly reward with performance, comfort and
economy.
Price– Ford Endura Titanium, $69,990
Dimensions – Length, 4834mm; width,
1981mm; height, 1742mm
Configuration – Four-cylinder,fourwheel-drive,1999cc,
140kW, 400Nm,
eight-speed automatic.
Performance – 0-100km/h, 8.8sec
Fuel usage – 6.7l/100km
11
LIVING
LIFE
MOTORING
y Ford
2019 FORD
ENDURA
AFFORDABLE
LUXURY AWAITS
The Ford Endura is a sophisticated and
luxurious midsized SUV. Underneath its
European design, the Endura is packed
with intelligent technology and innovation,
as well as a powerful yet efficient engine.
This well-appointed SUV was created with
your driving pleasure in mind. With the
2019 range including Trend, ST-Line and
Titanium, affordable luxury awaits.
2
PRICED FROM
$53,490+ORC 1
BOOK A TEST DRIVE TODAY.
1. Available at participating Ford New Zealand dealerships. Price excludes on road costs, options and accessories and is not available in conjunction with any other special offers.
ST-Line AWD model pictured above. From price is Trend FWD. 2. Warranty conditions and exclusions apply. Visit www.ford.co.nz/owners/warranty for further information.
Anywhere Ford
Avon City Ford
Cnr Main South Rd and Epsom Rd, Sockburn | CHRISTCHURCH | 03 348 4129 or 0800 655 551 |
Rangiora Service Centre | 78 Ivory St | 03 313 7059 | avoncityford.com
123 Sample Road | SAMPLEVILLE | P 01 234 5678 | anywhereford.co.nz