THE Ford Endura range is likely to include a performance-honed hero when the Ford Territory replacement joins the car maker’s Australian showrooms midway through next year.

The brand has announced it will launch the Ford Endura ST-Line in neighbouring New Zealand, adding weight to the idea – although it has declined to comment – that it will try and add a bit of buzz to the midsize Holden Equinox competitor.

Under the bonnet of the recently confirmed Endura ST-Line – the vehicle is called the Edge in other markets because Toyota Australia owns the Edge name in Australia and New Zealand – is a sequential twin-turbo diesel Duratorq engine producing 154kW and 450Nm that’s also likely to replace the ageing 2.2-litre single-turbo engine that powers the entry-level Ranger.

According to Ford, a smaller turbo helps with low-speed boost, while the larger turbo kicks in with a few revs on board, “like when overtaking a slow-moving vehicle”.

As well, the ST-Line gains a number of visual and performance enhancements. These range from 20-inch alloys featuring low-for-an-SUV-profile 255/45 rubber, unique body trim and a “sports” suspension tune.

The Kiwi version of the ST-Line will also gain a full suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, a reversing camera and seven airbags, with a driver’s knee airbag. As well, there’s a powered tailgate, LED rear lights, tinted windows and black roof rails.

Ford’s ST-Line offers buyers a milder, more sharply priced version of its ST-badged cars that amp up the performance stakes for the brand. They rely on visual changes and mild suspension tweaks to offer buyers a hint of the performance lifestyle without the fuel costs normally associated with the higher-strung ST-badged products. Ford Australia is yet to confirm if the ST-Line is likely to be made available here – adding more weight to the thought that ST-Line cars will wear a different badge in Oz.