India Cars

Introducing Ford Motor’s Explorer. The new optional 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 shares the same 3-valve cylinder heads and variable cam timing used on the 5.4-liter Ford F-150 and Mustang GT V-8. Delivering 292 hp (53 horses more than the previous 4.6-liter 2-valve V-8) and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, it’s mate to the first-in-class 6-speed automatic transmission, with a wide first-to-sixth ratio spread that improves both low-end performance and high-number fuel economy.  The V-8 also churns out exciting performance and very satisfying sound. The standard 4.0-liter SOHC V-6, upgraded for 2006, has new calibrations and controls that reduce emissions, while new spark plugs and a new camshaft improve idle quality by 40 percent. The shift lever has been moved from the steering column to the center console in the 2006 Explorer because of that new adaptive steering column that collapses in stages in a crash.

Explorer’s all-new frame is 63 percent stiffer in bending and 55 percent more rigid in twisting, enabling great improvements in ride, handling steering response and interior quietness. The cross members pass through the framerails, creating inherently stronger joints. Combined with more precise manufacturing techniques, this solid structure also helps to significantly reduce long-term squeak and rattle. The new trailing-arm independent rear suspension is lighter and stronger than the previous short/long-arm design. The new control-arm front suspension—also lighter and stronger—like the rear uses monotube shocks tuned to take advantage of the stiffer frame for excellent ride with less harshness. The standard 4-wheel-disc brakes—with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist—are redesigned for improved heat dissipation.

 The new interior has improved accommodations throughout, including a 3rd row that is actually habitable by full-grown adults. More comfortable front seats ride on extended tracks that allow nearly one half inch more travel for ample front legroom. There are three configuration choices available for the second row: 60-40 split bench, reclining 60-40 split bench, or bucket seats with a console. Both second- and third-row benches fold flat on 7-passenger configuration, while the available 50/50 back-row bench has a new power-fold option—a class exclusive in the midsize SUV segment—and is raised 1.75 inches for better visibility. New articulating head restraints, providing enhanced safety, can be folded down for better rear visibility when the seats are unoccupied.

A new “media” button on the steering wheel lets you toggle among satellite radio, DVD player, CD player and the radio.  It has a 290-watt, six-disc Audiophile stereo. It offers a monochromatic exterior, more interior amenities and a chromed 4-bar grill. The inside door handles are nicely integrated into the forward ends of the armrests, literally at your fingertips, and the window switches are a more intuitive push-pull design. Ridges on the roof help keep it from vibrating, and the larger outside mirrors manage airflow very effectively. They actually reduce wind noise to a level that’s lower than having no side mirrors at all. The HVAC system is 30 percent quieter with improved performance.

The ‘06 Explorer boasts 10 standard safety technologies, the most in its class, seven of them new to the segment. Among these are a five-level front passenger sensing system, standard front side airbags, adaptive airbag venting, and an adaptive steering column.  Also, a four-inch-thick foam block between the inner and outer front door panels helps manage crash forces, and the new armrests and door trim help cushion the body during a side impact.

This vehicle has its origins from the Mazda Fighter and the Ford Ranger. Endeavour is available in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drives and is powered by the 2.5L inter-cooled turbo diesel. The 2499cc engine has three valves per cylinder and is turbocharged and intercooler for increasing efficiency. Maximum power is 110PS.The single overhead cam turbo-diesel engine is intercooler for increasing its power delivery, has a refined intake system for quieter operation and has twin internal counter-rotation balance shafts to minimize NVH by cutting down on second order vibrations. This engine also features diagonal exhaust gas flow into the turbocharger to optimize charging efficiency and reduce turbo lag while at the same time improving response at low speeds. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The body is essentially similar in construction and in shape to the old Pajero and the Qualis. The front features clear headlamps and driving lights along with a mini bull bar that has been well integrated with the bumper. Wheel arches, floorboard and chrome door handles along with the huge 7Jx15-inch alloy wheels take the monotony away from the huge sides. The bonnet is a vast expanse and might handy for a picnic spread. The boxiness has been well masked from the rear as well with the chrome cover for the door handle and the number plate light. The wheel on the rear door has a chrome cover which bears the Everest inheritance with Endeavour badging. The high mounted brake light on the rear spoiler, lights running up on the pillars either side of the rear door, the reverse light integrated into the bumper below the floorboard all add to the looks and overall image of the SUV apart from obvious safety enhancements. The reversing mirror that we had on the test car is an option though.  There was a slightly wider gap between the front bumper and the fender body panel.

The chassis has been persevered with to make the Endeavour a rugged vehicle, capable of taking on the worst of roads in developing countries and offer true off-roading capabilities. The Endeavour uses a double wishbone front suspension, using torsion bar springs and a stabilizer bar. The innovation here is that an upper arm mount made of rubber has been used to provide a smooth ride over gravel and moderately rough roads. At the rear Ford has gone along with the dated, rugged leaf spring suspension with low friction pads. Leaf springs with the Berlin Eye design have been used at the rear with the system having been designed to achieve progressive spring characteristics rather than a simple two-stage (laden/unladen) design.

It seats only 4 adult comfortably and seven in a crunch. Or else one can remove the third row seat completely liberating luggage space and still providing seating for five.

It gets to 100kmph in less than 20 seconds and crosses the kilometer mark in just over 40 seconds. when the engine crosses over the 2000rpm mark at a speed of just under 60kmph in fourth gear does the SUV get quick, getting to 70kmph in under three seconds and then to 80kmph in just over three seconds. Ninety and 100kmph each come up in around three and a half seconds by when the car is already getting close to the 3500rpm mark and starts to run out of steam. In city Endavour run with the front air conditioning turned on, the SUV returned 6.9kmpl while on our highway run with the engine ticking over at slightly over 2000rpm in fifth gear, the Endeavour went 12.2 kilometers for every liter of diesel. With a tank capacity of 71 liters the Endeavour would travel 866km on the highway.

The wood paneling and inserts have been replaced by silver finish ones and the steering wheel and the gear knobs have both lost their precious woods.  The air con control panel and the music system both look like lifts from the Ikon .The Endeavour comes with decent levels of equipment. ABS is standard as are airbags for the front passenger and the driver. Besides there is a host of small things like central locking, power mirrors, fog lamps collapsible steering column, child-proof rear door locks, and fuel tank shields and like.