Ford India’s Great Endeavour Challenge; Epic fun that!

ICB Motorman Shourya Ray.C spent a day, getting down and dirty with the big Ford in the Great Endeavour Challenge and here’s his take on all affairs, off the road.

Great Endeavour Drive

It’s said, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Ford’s ‘The Great Endeavour Challenge’ was a step in the right direction for the company. With all new Fiesta sales rearing its ugly head, (rear rather) and Figo fighting a lone battle, this was Ford’s way of setting right naysayers. The Endeavour reminds me of a failed, yet talented movie star. It was never a looker, really. Yet, numerous face lifts, nip tucks, botox jobs, nomenclature and colour changes later, it still soldiers on, carrying the burden of being one of the most capable yet underrated SUVs in the business.

How's that for TOUGH

Have no doubt, the Endeavour is large. A proper American SUV, this. But I’m not here to tell you how it drives. Heck, it’s been in the market for donkey’s years and I don’t blame you if you didn’t know that, considering the aforementioned nip-tucks. I’m here to tell you about the ‘Great Endeavour Challenge’. What makes a proper SUV? Testosterone inspired design, 4WD and a driver to handle what mommy nature throws at him. The Ford Endeavour and former rally driver/friendly bloke/great motorhead, Jagat Nanjappa, provided the thrills.

That's Jagat, with the "let the boogie begin" look

On an off-road track designed to showcase the car’s prowess against most things off-road, Jagat flung the Endeavour around corners much like Munni, of the Badnaam fame, and her hips. The spectacle was just as much fun to watch as it was being in the thick of it all. Being driven around Jagat in the track was what we came for and boy did he impress. The winner of 9 Indian National Rally Riders Championship titles and a couple of Indian National Rally drivers’ championship titles says something doesn’t it? Jagat took the car around the obstacles, uphill and a 45 degree incline and yeah, that’s what I’m talking about.

Hello world, Endeavour ishtyle!

Oh, and the event also had stuff for kicks like zorbing, wall climbing, free sandwiches and what have you. Fords are universally good driver’s cars and the Endeavour is no less. The experience was great to reinforce Ford’s capabilities in the off-road sector. Having said that, the Endeavour has grown a little old, its competition younger and perhaps more capable of tugging at purse strings with a dollop more street cred thrown in for good measure. Events like this do help reignite the passion for the car but the soldier begs to be shown new uniform and a more inspiring interior.

Read immense fun

Talking of soldiers and their uniforms, the new Endeavour is coming very soon and if all goes well, it might here before 2012 says, howdy 2013. Apart from a brand new look, the Endeavour will also get brand new interiors and a range of reworked diesel engines to help the flagship Ford SUV kick a certain Fortuner’s behind and then some. Watch out for the all new (and vastly improved?) Ford Endeavour, which should be on our shores soon. Bring it on, Ford, and may we have it quick please!