Ford Endeavour: Philippines Adventure Experience

After we drove the Ford EcoSport in the first half of ‘Day 2’ at the Ford Experience drive in Philippines, the carmaker arranged for the latter half of the day to be spent off-roading in the Endeavour.

This is the same car that’s offered in the Indian market with all the mud-plugging capabilities. Ford went on to talk about the design of the Endeavour, and how the bold grille and lines along the front of the vehicle make it look wide. Thanks to the massive ground clearance, it feels like it can go anywhere and tackle any terrain. Other elements that have been used to highlight the vehicle’s hidden capabilities is the use of silver skid plates, both front and rear, which unmistakeably point to the off-road competence.

As capable as it looks, the Endeavour is equipped with the brand’s ‘Terrain Management System’, a 4WD system that allows one to tackle any surface with modes like snow or mud, sand and rock. While power comes from the 3.2-litre diesel mill with a low range transmission, the huge ground clearance and an 800mm wading ability makes this package potent for any situation. Also helping the cause is the ESP, which reduces engine torque and brakes individual wheels to stabilize the vehicle, and the electronic locking rear differential which locks the rear axle and diverts power to the wheels that still have traction.

At the back of our heads, we knew that all the said gadgetry would come in handy as we approached the final stage where we needed to tread up the Mount Pinatubo in the Lahar beds. Let’s explain this terrain further. In 1991, when the Mount Pinatubo volcano erupted in the Philippines, it sent tonnes of volcanic ash flying into the adjoining areas. The 4x4 trail selected for the Ford Experience drive comprised of a mix of sand and volcanic ash around the Mount Pinatubo. When it rains here, the mixture of water, sand and volcanic ash creates a thick moving substance called Lahar.

As simple as it may sound, driving on dry ash and lahar is different from regular off-roading in sand or slush. Due to the properties of dry ash there’s quite a bit of sideways movement while driving through, which requires one to anticipate it in advance, especially while judging obstacles or rocks in the path. Lahar (mixture of sand, ash and water), on the other hand, requires one to power through at speeds between 35kmph and 40kmph. While the looks of Lahar can be deceiving (dark grey mud), a lapse in attention could cause speeds to drop below 30kmph, and result in the vehicle sinking to mid door levels.

Thanks to the Endeavour’s large capacity diesel motor with loads of torque, the 4x4 modes and functions, and guidance from specialised 4x4 instructors, we were able to tackle and experience one of the most unique off-roading trails this planet has to offer. An experience I’d pay to encounter the next time around.