REPLENISHING its SUV stocks, Ford will add the Endura to its range late next year.

Picking up where the Australian-made Territory left off, it will be pitched against the Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, the Ford Endura (called Edge in overseas markets), it's expected to start from about $73,990.

Ford New Zealand will be launching the Ford Endura, known as the Ford Edge in other markets, in the premium sports-oriented ST-Line variant only. The Ford Endura ST-Line features an enhanced design with distinctive alloys, body-styling kit, unique badging, upgraded sports suspension and a twin-turbo performance diesel 2.0-litre engine with Euro VI compliant emissions standard.  

“The Endura ST-Line will be a real stand out offering in what is a fiercely competitive market,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director Ford New Zealand. “While SUVs continue to grow in popularity, the capability, design and technology that comes with the ST-Line gives the Endura an edge over its competitors and is a fantastic way for Ford to introduce the new nameplate to New Zealand.” 

Built in Canada, the Ford Endura ST-Line is a prime example of the One Ford global product portfolio and joins Ford New Zealand’s expanding SUV range alongside the Ford Everest large 4WD SUV, the Escape medium-sized SUV and the EcoSport small SUV. The Endura ST-Line will also be the second ST-Line vehicle to arrive in New Zealand, joining the Mondeo ST-Line introduced in 2017. 

In addition to an exhilarating drive experience thanks to its performance-oriented powertrain, the Endura ST-Line will feature a number of premium features including Active Noise Control, Active Park Assist and advanced safety features. 

The Endura ST-Line includes as standard Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection; a camera- and radar-based system that can detect vehicles and people in the road ahead. The system can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected and the driver does not respond to warnings. 

The Endura ST-Line will also feature Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology as standard, delivering a seamless transition between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive performance to provide a more secure footing on the road especially in slippery conditions. 

Measuring how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface every 16 milliseconds – 20 times quicker than it takes to blink – the system can send up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels. By only delivering torque where and when it is needed, Intelligent AWD has minimal impact on fuel-efficiency and CO2 emissions compared with permanent four-wheel drive systems. 

Noise Control

The Ford Endura ST-Line has a number of noise control devices and designs working together to provide a real sense of tranquility when driving. Ford’s Active Noise Control silences unwanted cabin noise. Microphones detect and measure specific sound waves. Whilst a control unit can separate sounds people want to hear, like conversation and the audio, from those they do not. The system then creates inaudible ‘white noise’ to cancel out any unwelcome noises. Acoustic windscreen glass and laminated glass for both front door windows further reduce wind noise while underbody panels and wheel-arch liners further minimise road noise.

State of the Art Diesel Powertrain

The Endura ST Line features an advanced 2.0 TDCi engine upgraded with a 154kW bi-turbo to maximise performance, torque and economy, whilst lowering emissions.  The Bi-Turbo engine features two turbochargers and offers enhanced performance and efficiency.

The primary turbo works at lower speeds, giving an extra boost when needed - such as when turning from a junction into moving traffic. Meanwhile, the secondary turbo works at higher speeds, like when overtaking a slow-moving vehicle.

Safety

The two rear outer seats are fitted with rear inflatable seat belts. In the event of an impact, the belts inflate and spread the crash forces over a five times larger area of the body than conventional seat belts. By reducing pressure on the chest and better controlling head and neck movement, this innovative technology can help reduce the likelihood of injury.