This gives it a roomier, more comfortable interior, with additional cargo and occupant space compared with the previous Escape. The second row of seats can be moved forwards or backwards to juggle between legroom and boot space.
Despite this increase in size new Escape has a significant weight reduction of up to 90kg, as well as ten per cent increase in torsional rigidity.
Infotainment includes DAB+ radio; SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
The safety of driver assist technology in the Escape includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection; evasive steering assist; forward collision warning; dynamic brake support; traffic sign recognition; blind spot detection; lane departure warning with lane keep assist; driver impairment monitor (a polite way of describing inattentive driver) and emergency assistance.
Most Escapes use a 2.0-litre EcoBoost (183kW/387Nm) engine with an eight-speed automatic.
Escape PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) uses a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle in its petrol unit. It has 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery to produce at total of 167kW. Ford’s first PHEV in Australia will deliver a fully-electric driving range in excess of 50 kilometres.
MODEL RANGE
Ford Escape
The model simply called Ford Escape is the price leader. It has 18-inch alloy wheels; a five-bar chrome-finish front grille; LED headlights and taillights; the tailgate features an integrated rear spoiler and sporty twin exhaust tips.
Escape ST-Line
The Escape ST-Line has a sport-focussed package. It has specific 18-inch alloys, its own upper grille design in the sports front and rear bumpers, sports side skirts and lowered sports suspension, the ST-Line also expresses its sports focus with a larger rear spoiler.
There’s a 12.3-inch instrument cluster behind an ST-Line flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching.
Escape ST-Line PHEV
The all-new Escape ST-Line PHEV has partial leather interior trim; a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a 10-speaker premium audio system.
Escape Vignale
Vignale has what Ford calls ‘distinguished elegance that focusses on premium elements’.
Visually, it has a chromed front fascia, a specific rear diffuser and 19-inch alloy wheels. Optional 20-inch alloys are available only on Vignale. Self-levelling LED quad-projector headlights featuring dynamic bending to let the driver ‘see around corners’.
In addition and above the Escape and Escape ST-Line, Vignale adds: advanced keyless entry; a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel; leather accented seating; 10-way power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats; heated front seats; heated rear outboard seats; panoramic sunroof; head-up display; powered tailgate; 180-degree rear-view camera; advanced automated park assist.
In addition to a five-year, unlimited distance factory warranty, the new Ford Escape is eligible for the Ford service benefits program, which brings owners a service loan car, auto club membership including roadside assistance, and sat-nav map updates.
We will bring further information on the upcoming Ford Escape range as it’s released by Ford Australia. Then publish our opinions once we get behind the wheels of a vehicle or two.
