ENDURING SUV PLAN

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

Picking up where the Australian-made Territory left off, the Ford Endura (called Edge in overseas markets) will be pitched against the Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe and is expected to start from about $50,000.

It will only be available in five-seat guise, with a diesel engine under the skin.

Full details are yet to be revealed, but Ford said the Endura will be a “premium, highly equipped, urban SUV offering extensive driver assist features and striking, contemporary design and styling”.

The diesel will be a turbo four- cylinder powertrain, able to brag of fuel consumption less than 6.0 litres/100km. If overseas models are any guide, the four-potter should produce about 155kW and 450Nm of torque.

“The Endura reflects the dynamic motoring landscape in Australia, where buyers are now looking for more specific features and attributes in their SUVs as opposed to a one-size-fits-all solution,” said Ford Australia president and CEO, Graeme Whickman.

“The appetite for SUVs in this country is impressive, so we’re excited to bring a premium new offering from our global portfolio to local audiences.”

Next year will see Ford also launch a refreshed EcoSport, a further update for the recently launched Escape and a refresh of the off-road focused Everest.

Ford says the Endura name is shorthand for Endurance.

“Symbolically, the name follows the ‘E’ SUV naming convention, with Endura itself representing strength, durability, reliability and sportiness, which are key attributes of this all-new vehicle.”