Ford reveals Endura facelift, hot ST variant

FORD has revealed the updated version of its Edge large SUV ahead of its debut on Australian shores towards the end of the year wearing Endura badges, with tweaked styling and fresh technology to help it perform against the likes of the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Kluger.

The Blue Oval has also revealed a spicy ST-badged variant sporting a 250kW 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine, however GoAuto believes that an Australian debut for the sporty ST is unlikely.

Visually, Ford has sharpened up the exterior of the Endura, with a new full-LED headlight design that separates it from the front grille and includes an LED daytime running light signature along the top and outer edge of the headlight cluster.

Shown in top-spec Titanium guise, the refreshed Endura sports a new, wider chequered grille, redesigned front apron and restyled LED foglights that give it a more modern look.

Changes at the rear are minimal, with mildly tweaked tail-lights, the removal of the tail-light strip running across the centre of the tailgate, a sportier rear bumper and a flatter area around the numberplate.

Inside the Endura loses its gear lever in favour of a rotating knob selector, the removal of the tachometer replaced by a central speedometer and digital screens either side, and the addition of a number of active safety and technology features.

In addition to the already-standard forward collision warning, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping alert and assist, and hill-start assist, the new Endura adds three new technologies.

Post-collision braking, which automatically brakes after a collision to prevent a second one, evasive steering assist, which helps steer around stopped or slower vehicles to avoid a crash, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centring have been added as standard.

Extra technology features include FordPass Connect, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot with access for up to 10 devices and remote locking using the FordPass app.

Options will include a wireless charging pad, 12-speaker Harman audio system, and the new Ford+Alexa app, which helps users navigate media content, appointments and even shopping for everyday items.

Exact specification for the Australian Endura is yet to be determined, however it has been confirmed that it will be a five-seat, diesel-only proposition, with rumour suggesting there will be four different model grades.

Motivation will likely come from a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which in UK versions comes in two states of tune – 132kW/400Nm and 160kW/450Nm.

Given Ford’s confirmation that the Endura will be diesel only, the ST is unlikely for Australia, however it would make for a unique proposition if it were to make its way Down Under.

The Endura ST packs a twin-turbo 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 punching out 250kW/515Nm, with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It also sports selectable traction control, ST-tuned sport suspension, sport mode with paddle shifters and an optional performance brake package.

Externally, it is set apart by a wide, black mesh grille, deep side skirts, dual exhaust outlets and optional 21-inch wheels.

Exact Australian pricing and specification for the Endura range will be revealed closer to its release date near the end of the year.