Ford Escape ST-Line announced

Ford Australia has announced a new ST-Line variant for its 2018.5MY Ford Escape line-up, which will come with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard across the range when it hits showrooms in September.

AEB was previously an option on flagship Escape models. Ford’s mid-size SUV now joins the 2018 Mustang, Everest, Ranger, Transit Custom, all-new Focus family and upcoming Endura (all of which will be on sale here this year) in being fitted with AEB as standard across the range.

However, the safety upgrade adds $500 to the price of all models, with prices now starting at $28,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Ford Escape Ambiente 1.5L EcoBoost FWD manual – more than the cheapest version of Mazda’s top-selling CX-5 ($28,690 plus ORCs).

Positioned between the mid-range Trend and top-shelf Titanium, the Escape ST-Line is powered by the 178kW/345Nm 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol four-cylinder seen in the Escape Titanium.

Priced at $39,990 plus ORCs, it comes standard with a six-speed paddleshift automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivering official ADR Combined fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km.

Ford Australia’s SUV line-up will expand further in December this year with the large five-seat diesel Endura ‘premium’ crossover. The small EcoSport and large Everest continue to bookend the Blue Oval's SUV range.

The mid-size Ford Mondeo passenger car will be next in line for the ST-Line treatment, which should not be confused with Ford Performance’s ST nameplate – as seen on the Focus and, exclusively next year, the new Fiesta.

The sports-focussed Escape ST-Line adds sports suspension, retuned steering and unique styling package inside and out.

Ford claims 10mm-lower suspension with thicker anti-roll bars and revised steering reduces body roll and sharpens response, making the ST-Line the sportiest Escape ever.

Riding on 18-inch Absolute Black alloy wheels matched to the grille, foglight surrounds, roof rails and rear valence, the ST-Line also features sports front seats with leather trim.

The red stitching of the latter is also seen on the ST-Line logos, gear shifter, armrests and steering wheel, joining stainless steel pedals and scuff plates and ST-Line floor mats.

Other standard Escape ST-Line equipment includes front/rear parking sensors, 8.0-inch colour touch-screen and Enhanced Active Park Assist, enabling auto parallel and perpendicular parking.

The Escape ST-Line also features Smart Keyless Entry, Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as part of its Driver Assist suite.

For $800 extra, an optional ST-Line Technology Pack adds Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitor and Lane Keeping Aid with Lane Departure Warning.

Also new for the ‘2018.5’ Escape are 17-inch alloy wheels for the base Ambiente, which previously rode on steel wheels, meaning all Escapes now come with alloys.

All Escapes also come with SYNC3 infotainment as standard, including in-built voice activation, native sat-nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

Like all new Fords sold in Australia from this month, it will come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

“Australians continue to pivot towards the practicality and versatility of trucks and SUVs, yet there’s a genuine passion for sports and performance models here, too,” said Ford Australia President and CEO, Graeme Whickman.

“The Escape ST-Line is the first ST-Line model here, bringing together Ford’s sports styling and dynamics with the livability and convenience of the Escape.”

How much is the 2018.5MY Ford Escape?
Escape Ambiente 1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6MT -- $28,990
Escape Ambiente 1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6AT -- $30,490
Escape Ambiente 1.5L EcoBoost AWD 6AT -- $33,490
Escape Trend 1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6AT -- $33,490
Escape Trend 1.5L EcoBoost AWD 6AT -- $36,490
Escape Trend 2.0L TDCi AWD 6AT -- $38,990
Escape ST-Line 2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6AT (new) -- $39,990
Escape Titanium 2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6AT -- $45,480
Escape Titanium 2.0L TDCi AWD 6AT -- $48,340
* All prices exclude on-road costs