Escape noses in front
Ford debuts a new Escape at the Melbourne Motor Show todayFord will unveil the latest look and line-up of its mid-sized Escape SUV at the Melbourne Motor Show today.
Styling changes give the Escape a new look, and the line-up has been simplified with the XLS V6 and XLT V6 replaced by a single new model, the XLT Sport V6.
"The Melbourne International Motor Show marks the first time this new vehicle is being shown before going on sale throughout Asia Pacific later this year," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.
"The new line-up will consist of the Escape XLS four cylinder, Escape XLT four cylinder, Escape XLT Sport V6 and the range-topping Escape Limited V6," Gorman revealled.
According to Ford powertrain choices are essentially unchanged -- a 2.3-litre four cylinder or 152kW 3.0-litre V6. However, the maker says both engines have been upgraded to meet new Euro III emission regulations. The 2.3-litre litre four-cylinder engine also now features Variable Valve Timing (VVT), improving emissions and, according to Ford, providing improved performance and quieter, smoother operation.
Rear disc brakes will be now standard across the new Escape range.
Most of the exterior cosmetic changes have been made at the front of the car. The new Escape boasts a new grille and bonnet with plenty of brightwork. Also updated is the bumper which incorporates foglamps and an updated skid plate on the higher-spec XLT Sport and Limited models.
The range-topping Limited also gets new external mirrors with integrated turn signals.
At the rear, there's what Ford tems "a new lift gate garnish." As up front, a new rear bumper incorporates a skid plate on the XLT Sport and Limited models.
Three new 16-inch wheel designs complete the exterior makeover: the XLT V6 Sports gets seven-spoke alloys, a three-spoke 16-inch alloy is fitted to the four-cylinder XLT and a six-spoke steel graces the entry level four-cylinder XLS.
"The new Escape exterior has been dramatically refined, giving the vehicle a very stylish urban SUV look. It has a distinctive Ford DNA, and now more closely resembles its best selling bigger brother, the Territory," said Gorman.
"The new Escape will also boast an all-new interior design, which we'll be revealing as we get closer to launch," the Ford chief stated.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
