All-new Ford Escape debuts at L.A. Auto Show

November 17,2011

Ford unveils an all-new Escape model at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is a much-needed update to a vehicle that has seen innumerable facelifts and upgrades since its debut in 2001 (almost qualifying it for an Isuzu Crosswind badge).

The new Escape abandons the boxy styling of the previous iterations, and goes for a more fluid shape, in line with today’s tastes. The new lines make the Escape nearly 10 percent more aerodynamically efficient that the outgoing model, aiding fuel economy. Also available are active grille slats (a la BMW), which close at higher speeds again for aerodynamic efficiency.

Escape will be powered by 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline engines. The 1.6 will pump out about 170 bhp and the 2.0 delivers 240 bhp. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder will be in the base model. The four-wheel drive system can direct torque through electromagnetic clutches to the needed axles, and incorporates a torque-vectoring system to improve handling. It will also have Curve Control that automatically slows the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast.

Ford is touting the all-new Escape as the “Smarter Utility Vehicle” with an array of safety and convenience features. Its power liftgate uses hands-free motion technology a la Kinect. A kicking motion under the center of the bumper raises the tailgate when the driver has the transponder key. Parallel-park assist can steer the vehicle into a slot while the driver just steps on the accelerator and brake. The Ford Sync phone and audio technology takes care of the electronics through voice commands.

Though most of these features may seem appealing mostly to women, the Escape still has manly usefulness: 971 liters of cargo space behind the second row, and 1928 liters behind the first row. The seats fold flat with a single handle, and the cargo area has an available two-position load floor.

From its roots as a spinoff of the Mazda Tribute, the Escape changes to Ford’s C platform, which also underpins the Focus, and at least nine other vehicles. The Escape faces Mazda’s own all-new CX-5 as well as the upcoming all-new CR-V, and maybe even a new RAV4, if Toyota doesn’t price it out of reach again.

The new Escape makes its way to Europe and China in first quarter of 2012, and hopefully not too long after, ASEAN including the Philippines.

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