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NOT every person has the same taste when it comes to design and this is why we hardly ever share comments about the design of a new vehicle. However, this time we need to add our two cents on this all-new SUV.
This is a brand new Ford Escape SUV and after the previous versions, the design language of this latest version is way too conservative for Asean buyers. In America it might be perfect, but not in our part of the world.
Its side profile mimics the popular first-generation Mazda CX-5 and the rear follows the lines of the Nissan Rogue. It is the nose treatment that is too conservative. Asean SUV buyers like ‘busy’ or ‘aggressive’ looking fronts. This is why we see the success of the Mazda CX-5 design language and also the Nissan X-Trail with Asean buyers.
The Ford Kuga was a good looking SUV, and when it was launched in 2008 it immediately got the attention of SUV buyers. It was the lack of branding and its fully imported selling price that reduced its appeal while the Japanese rivals were all locally assembled with a much better price point.
Escape history
The Escape nameplate, which debuted the world's first hybrid SUV in 2005, brings back two hybrid choices this time, a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant. It introduces technologies ranging from drive modes and driver-assist features to electric vehicle ingenuity and on-board connectivity.
EcoBoost technology
Every model in the new Escape lineup, whether powered by one of two EcoBoost® engines or the all-new hybrid powertrains, targets an EPA-estimated range of at least 400 miles per tank. The standard hybrid with front-wheel drive targets best-in-class EPA-estimated range of more than 550 miles.
The new 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, available on Titanium, is projected to produce 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.
The all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost, standard on S, SE and SEL, is projected to produce 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.
To help conserve fuel, the 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts cylinder deactivation, a Ford first, which senses when one cylinder isn't needed and shuts it down automatically. The system can activate or deactivate a cylinder in 14 milliseconds to maintain a smooth ride.
Hybrid technology
SE Sport and Titanium models come standard with Ford's innovative fourth-generation hybrid propulsion system, which includes an all-new 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle hybrid engine and electronic continuously variable transmission. The front-wheel-drive hybrid model is projected to produce a combined system horsepower of 198, and a top speed of 85 mph in electric-only mode.
Plug-in hybrid technology
The plug-in hybrid variant available on every trim level except S and SE Sport projects a best-in-class EPA-estimated range of at least 30 miles in electric-only mode. Escape Plug-In Hybrid has a Level 1 / Level 2 AC charging port. Using a 110-volt Level 1 charge, the estimated time to fully charge the battery is 10 to 11 hours. Using a 240-volt Level 2 charge, charge time drops to roughly 3.5 hours.
Hybrid models feature four EV modes that allow customers to select the settings most suitable for their individual needs. This means:
· In Auto EV mode, the vehicle decides whether to run on gas or electric power
· In EV Now mode, drivers can operate on all-electric driving
· In EV Later mode, drivers can switch to full gas-powered driving to conserve electric miles for later
· In all-new EV Charge mode, drivers can continue to charge the battery while driving and generate electric-only miles to use later
Drivers and passengers can keep compatible mobile devices charged with a wireless charging pad in the front centre console. Also available are type A and type C USB charging ports as well as three 12-volt charging sockets.
An 8-inch touch screen, which is standard on SE models and above, shares information with the available 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, which displays important vehicle information such as speedometer and fuel level. It uses 3D animated graphics to indicate the drive mode.
Sync 3
Available Sync 3 is compatible with available features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa and Waze navigation. For music lovers, Escape offers an available 575-watt 10-speaker Sound System by Bang & Olufsen.
Arrival here
Well, there has been no sign yet on its launch in Malaysia. And judging by the ever-increasing demand for mid-range SUVs with Malaysians, there could be a business case for its arrival.
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