Ford Australia has pulled back the covers on the new ZC series Escape SUV, boasting fresh exterior styling, a more luxurious and convenient interior package and upgraded powertrains for improved driving quality.

"The Ford Escape has been well recognised as a great vehicle. The new look and features will ensure it broadens its appeal across a much wider audience," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

"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 multi-award winning Ford Territory."

"Inside, the new look Escape has a stylish new interior that provides a fantastic environment when either navigating city traffic, or exploring off the beaten track."

"More than ever, the four-door Escape meets the demands of active lifestyles with its strong monocoque construction, powerful engines, clever on-demand 4WD system, refined car-like handling and spacious interior making it easy to manoeuvre in city traffic and ideal for exploring places inaccessible to many vehicles," Mr Gorman said.

Mr Gorman announced a revised line-up for the ZC Escape, with the XLS V6 and XLT V6 replaced by a new XLT Sport V6.

"The new line-up will consist of the Escape XLS 2.3L, Escape XLT 2.3L, Escape XLT Sport V6 and the range topping Escape Limited V6."

Exterior and interior design of the updated Escape was managed from Australia; body, powertrain and chassis engineering work was carried out in Taiwan and Japan and extensive testing undertaken in Australia to ensure the vehicle meets the demands of local customers.

"The latest improvements clearly communicate Ford’s SUV DNA by building on the Escape’s appeal as a refined vehicle that is fun to drive while giving owners the added freedom and capability of being a genuine four-wheel drive vehicle," said Chief Engineer Dr Chi Li.

Dr Li described Escape as the ideal choice for people who enjoyed life and wanted the freedom to seek new experiences.

“The new Escape is a fun, refined and tough vehicle,” he said. “It is designed for people with busy lives – people who work hard and, when they can seize the opportunity, enjoy their leisure time to its fullest.

"Improved engines and drivelines deliver stronger torque where it counts and enhance Escape’s genuine off-road ability," Dr Li said.

Cleaner, more efficient powertrains

The two powertrains on offer in Escape have been re-engineered to provide an improved driving experience that makes better use of their strong torque characteristics.

The upgrades boost performance across a wide range of engine speeds while also reducing fuel consumption on the V6. Combined with advances in emission controls, both powertrains now comply with Euro III emissions regulations.

Escape offers the choice of two powerful engines – a 2.3-litre in-line four-cylinder or 3.0-litre V6 – both mated to four-speed automatic transmissions.

Dr Li said while maximum power and torque figures were virtually unchanged, both engines are now noticeably stronger and smoother at low and mid-range engine speeds.

"The improvements to the 2.3-litre engine have been largely achieved by the addition of variable valve timing while the 3.0-litre engine boasts a new lock-up torque converter and revised transmission with improved shift calibrations."

The four-cylinder engine’s variable valve timing system advances or delays the closure of the intake valves for better performance across the rev range while improving fuel efficiency and meeting environmental goals.

At low and medium engine speeds, early closure of the valves ensures more complete combustion for better performance and lower emissions. At high engine speeds, the intake valves stay open longer for greater air induction and optimum performance.

"Drivers will notice better stability and less engine noise in all driving conditions, smoother shifting with reduced emissions at medium engine speeds and optimum output and fuel efficiency at higher speeds."

A more responsive electronic throttle replaces the mechanical system in the previous model.

Maximum power from the 2.3-litre, 16-valve engine is up slightly (1 kW) to 109 kW at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque is 199 Nm (down 2 Nm), but reached 500 rpm sooner at 4,000 rpm, to ensure the driver can more readily exploit the engine’s performance.

"The V6 powertrain gains a new torque converter, revised four-speed automatic transmission and retuned engine calibrations so that all systems work more harmoniously together."

"Owners will appreciate a more enjoyable driving experience in the V6 Escape where the engine work has eliminated unnecessary hunting between gears and requires fewer trips to the fuel pump with a fuel-economy gain of 10 per cent."

Fuel economy figures on the V6 have improved from 12.2 litres/100 km to 10.9.

Dr Li explained the transmission mated to the V6 has been more closely tailored to the engine’s torque characteristics.

“It now makes better use of the high amount of torque produced by the engine right across the usable rev range. This means owners will experience a much smoother drive, especially on hills, curves and during long-distance cruising. The entire powertrain works more efficiently, which also lowers fuel consumption considerably.”

Escape’s DOHC, 24-valve V6 continues to develop a maximum output of 152 kW at 6,000 rpm and 276 Nm at 4,750 rpm.

Changes under the bonnet include efforts to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), including an aluminium (instead of plastic) engine cover and a one-piece radiator fan.

Sleeker exterior

The new Escape features a completely reworked front end that is sleeker and more stylish, while retaining traditional tough-looking SUV cues.

Escape boasts a restyled bonnet with new feature lines that blend into a bright three-bar grille with a larger Ford badge and new four-chamber chrome-ringed headlamps with jewel-like details.

Changes at the rear include new combination lamps with a honeycomb-style lens cover and LED brake lights. There is also a bright garnish on the tailgate that retains flip-up glass for easy access to the cargo area, while a new rear bumper houses the reversing lamps.

Three new wheel designs complete the exterior look, with a new seven spoke 16-inch alloy design for the XLT Sport V6, a new six spoke 16-inch alloy wheel for the XLT 2.3L and Limited V6 and a new 16-inch steel wheel for the XLS 2.3L.

Ford Asia Pacific and Africa Chief Designer Paul Gibson explained the styling makeover retained Escape’s low-slung stance that was central to its sleek looks, while providing easy ingress and egress.

Stylish interior

"Interior changes are even bolder, giving the vehicle a more integrated and up-market appearance while making driving easier.

"The automatic transmission gear lever has been relocated on the cabin floor, replacing the previous column shifter. The more conventional placement provides customers with greater convenience, better ergonomics and a more modern feel.

"Another important change for customers is the relocation of the handbrake lever to a higher, more natural position," said Gibson.

The centre console has been redesigned to make it more functional while new-look instruments, door trims and seat fabrics complete the look.

Passenger comfort and convenience have also been improved with climate controlled air-conditioning (standard on both XLTs and Limited), illuminated vanity mirrors for driver and front passenger, and more contemporary switches and controls.

Escape customers will also enjoy a much quieter interior with improved insulation to reduce engine, wind and road noise. The changes include new dash insulators, body damping sheets and seals.

As a result of all the changes, the cabin is significantly quieter – approximately 3 to 4 decibels at highway speeds.

Safety and security

Improved stopping power has been achieved on the new Escape by adopting four-wheel disc brakes, replacing the previous model’s front disc/rear drum set-up.

Front brake rotor size increases from 278mm to 303, while the new rear disc brakes have 302mm rotors.

Escape V6 models also benefit from Emergency Brake Assist, previously only offered with the 2.3-litre engine, which provides optimum stopping power in an emergency.

Already high levels of safety equipment have been enhanced with the addition of a lap/sash seatbelt and head restraints for the centre-rear passenger seat for Australia.

For the security of owners, an engine immobiliser system based on the ignition key, which contains an electronically encrypted transponder, is now standard equipment. Without the proper key, the vehicle cannot be started.

"The small SUV segment is one of the most fiercely contested in the Australian new car market."

"With a combination of a fresh new look inside and out, upgraded safety features and new levels of refinement, the new Escape has all the attributes necessary to be a vital part of a winning Ford line-up,” Mr Gorman said.

What’s New

Exterior

Three-bar front grille
Prominent Ford oval badge
'Smoked' look housing with four-chamber, chrome-ringed lamps
Revised skid plate on V6 front bumper
Bright front edge garnish and new feature lines on bonnet
Recessed circular front fog lamps (XLT 2.3L, XLT Sport V6 and Limited)
New rear bumper incorporating reversing lamps and skid plate
New rear combination lamps with honeycomb lens cover and LED brake lights
New liftgate with bright garnish
New door mirrors with LED turn signals (Limited only)
Clear turn signal lamps
Three new wheel designs
Chrome insert on exterior door handles
New exterior colours

Interior

Automatic transmission lever relocated to central position
Handbrake lever repositioned for improved ergonomics
Floor-mounted centre console
New materials and colours
Soft-feel armrest, larger door bin, courtesy lamp, chrome speaker ring,
New look two-tone instrument panel with revised instrument cluster
New audio control switches
Climate control air-conditioning (XLT 2.3L, XLT Sport V6 and Limited)
Illuminated vanity mirrors
Reclining rear-seat with folding centre armrest
Three-point seatbelt and headrest in rear centre seat

Powertrains
2.3-litre four-cylinder engine
Variable valve timing
Close-coupling catalyst to meet Euro III emission requirements
Electronic throttle
New alternator (more efficient, quieter)

3.0-litre V6 engine
New lock-up torque converter
Revised transmission with altered shift points
Die-cast aluminium head cover (previously plastic)
One-piece radiator fan (instead of two pieces)
Relocated water pump (from intake to exhaust)

Safety
Front disc brakes – 303mm rotors (previously 15-inch, 278mm rotors)
Rear disc brakes – 302mm rotors (previously drums)
Emergency Brake Assist for V6 models

The new Ford Escape XLT

Exterior design

“Escape's new exterior is designed to appeal to city dwellers looking for a vehicle that offers more fun, flexibility and toughness than a sedan. It will also appeal to traditional SUV customers who want a more refined combination of luxury and ruggedness,” – Ford Asia Pacific and Africa Chief Designer Paul Gibson.

"The Escape’s tough and dynamic character has been completely redesigned to give it a more stylish, urban look."

"The new-look Escape gains a sleeker, more sophisticated appearance while retaining the purposeful stance of a traditional off-roader with short overhangs and wide tracks. The four-door SUV adds more refinement to its rugged appeal with a reworked front end featuring new sheet metal."

Gibson explained how considerable customer research had shown SUV owners wanted a vehicle that expressed their sense of adventure, while also reflecting their professional or personal success.

“Escape’s rugged styling promotes confidence, while it also features refined, sophisticated touches."

“Its tough exterior underlines its ability to fulfill owners’ dreams of getting to places others can’t go. At the same time, they know its confident on-road presence houses a strong, safe structure that will help protect them, their friends and family.”

Making a bold statement about its Ford SUV DNA, Escape now features a larger grille comprising three bright horizontal bars and a bigger, more prominent Ford oval.

Escape’s powerful new 'face' blends seamlessly with the reshaped bonnet, which features a bright garnish at the front edge, further emphasising the Ford oval. The bonnet, which is a totally new pressing, is a bolder style with its sharper, cleaner cut lines that flow seamlessly towards the front.

New four-chamber, chrome-ringed headlamps with integrated turn signal lamps add a touch of high-end style, which is accentuated by the smoked housing.

While giving the front end a contemporary look, the distinctive and stylish headlamps also importantly improve the beam pattern and provide a brighter light with jewel-like reflectors.

The V6 models boast a re-profiled front bumper that blends a more sophisticated look with traditional SUV cues by incorporating a revised skid plate.

Front fog lamps, recessed in the bumper of Limited and XLT models, complement the new headlamps and enhance Escape’s SUV image while also providing more intense light.

Luxury design touches at the front also extend to the rear with the taillamps featuring a smoked housing. Lens covers for the new rear combination lamps feature a honeycomb pattern and LEDs for a more luxurious effect.

The design of the new rear bumper reflects the front-end design with the availability of an integral skid plate on V6 models.

The luxury theme continues with the tailgate, which now features a chrome garnish engraved with 'Escape'. The liftgate retains the flip-up glass that provides easy access to the cargo area.

Escape’s profile has also been refined with sculpted new door mirrors that improve wind flow and reduce wind noise. Turn signal lamps are incorporated into the mirror housing on the range-topping Limited model.

Easy-grip door handles are body coloured with a bright insert for a more luxurious appearance.

Gibson explained the modern appearance of Escape is enhanced with new wheel designs, with a new seven spoke 16-inch alloy design for the XLT Sport V6, and a new three spoke 16-inch alloy wheel for the XLT 2.3L and Limited.

The XLS 2.3L retains the six-spoke 16-inch steel wheel of its predecessor.

Escape has been built with a rigid monocoque structure, which results in a light weight, combined with superb stiffness and rigidity, for occupant safety and responsive handling.

Extensive computer-aided engineering work was undertaken during the design process to improve Escape’s performance and durability in the event of an impact.

The design, including body zones that help absorb impacts, assisting in controlling and dissipating impact energy.

Front guard reinforcement helps to direct the energy load of a crash between the lower frame rail and an upper path that goes through the roof.

Reinforcements in the roof, floor and sides – including side-door impact beams – further enhance safety and rigidity. Single-piece body sides improve manufacturing quality and safety with fewer build variations and more accurate door openings.

The new Ford Escape XLS interior

Interior design

“Interior changes make driving easier and more pleasant, especially for long distances and off-road adventures. At the same time, we’ve added modern, luxury features that give the new Escape an added quality feel. The result is a spacious cabin with maximum comfort, convenience and flexibility for five adults and their cargo.” – Ford Asia Pacific and Africa Chief Designer Paul Gibson.

The interior of the new Ford Escape has been revamped to provide a more pleasant environment for driver and passenger alike.

Responding to customer input, the modern interior of Escape has been redesigned to provide a more up-market ambience along with greater comfort and convenience.

It features high-end materials, particularly for the seats, and better placement of controls to make driving easier. It is also much quieter with less noise, vibration and harshness entering the cabin.

Gibson said his team’s focus was to improve the interior as much as possible to satisfy key customer wants.

“You design the outside for others to see, but customers spend most of their time with the interior."

"We have recognized that fact with the refined craftsmanship of the interior and by making it quieter, improving the ergonomics and using luxury fittings and materials.”

Attention was paid to the driver’s cockpit area with improved placement of major controls, including transmission and handbrake levers, not that the previous model was a problem.

"The automatic transmission lever has been moved from the steering column and is now mounted on the floor between the centre stack and centre console, making gear changes simpler."

"The driver also benefits with the handbrake lever being repositioned to make it easier to operate. It has been moved to a more natural, convenient position on the right-hand side of the transmission tunnel and sits higher for easier access."

Gibson explained these two changes resulted directly from feedback received from customers and other SUV owners.

“Many first-time SUV customers have come from years of owning sedans, so they feel more comfortable with car-like placement of these important controls.”

Passenger comfort has been improved with a more efficient air-conditioning system featuring a larger capacity for faster cool-down.

As an added luxury feature, the air-conditioning system on the Limited, XLT 2.3L and XLT Sport V6 models comes with automatic climate control to maintain a constant cabin temperature chosen by the occupants.

Vents are placed on the instrument panel and near the side windows for efficient circulation and passenger comfort.

Major dials, controls and switches have been updated to provide maximum information and ease of use without distracting the driver, with sound system and climate controls located in the easy-to-reach centre stack.

"New rotary controls provide clear operation and a fresh look. They are logically arranged so the sound-system buttons, which are used more frequently, are placed above the climate-system controls."

A new instrument cluster features metallic-rimmed circular dials on a black finish with blue backlighting for easier night-time viewing.

The instrument panel, laminated to reduce vibration, now has a more luxury feel with a two-tone design. The instrument dials are large and legible with dial-type speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge, and an electronic trip odometer, for recognition of key information at a glance.

Gibson explained Escape is designed to accommodate five adults and their luggage in comfort.

"The cargo area, with the seats up, offers 935 litres of storage space. Added flexibility and convenience is provided with numerous storage areas, including the new centre console with two-tiered armrest storage."

"It is ideal for holding pens and cards in the shallow upper section and larger items in the deeper, lower storage area."

The instrument panel incorporates a lockable glovebox and a covered box at the base of the centre stack that is large enough to hold CD cases, while the XLT 2.3L, XLT Sport V6 and Limited models come with an overhead sunglass holder.

Occupants can also store various items in the covered drink holders between the seats, while the door bins are designed for large street directories.

Open storage bins that can hold a first-aid kit or emergency road-side triangle are located in the rear-quarter panel on both sides of the cargo area. A 12-volt power point is located in the cargo area.

Gibson said new seat fabrics have been chosen for their comfort as well as adding a modern, luxury touch to the new Escape, with the range-topping Limited model boasting leather trim.

"The front bucket seats provide excellent comfort for people of all shapes and sizes, while the rear seats, which can now be reclined for improved comfort, can also fold flat for increased cargo space.

"Other interior features include sun visors with straps for holding documents or glasses and illuminated vanity mirrors. The doors feature a two-tone trim with a soft-feel armrest, revised window switches and larger audio speakers with chrome surrounds."

The Limited also comes complete with a sunroof as standard fitment.

Escape’s rigid monocoque structure has helped reduce overall interior noise. A laminated instrument panel reduces vibration while sound-deadening mats are used under the bonnet, on the bulkhead, under the carpet and on various trim panels. Expandable foam seals are used in the vehicle’s pillars to reduce transmitted noises.

Escape maintains high levels of safety, beginning with great visibility from the tall cabin design and large windows that allow a commanding view of the road.

Escape comes standard with driver and front passenger airbags, while the range-topping Limited model also features front seat-mounted side airbags.

When a collision is detected by sensors, the side airbags inflate between the seat and door trim to provide additional protection for the occupants’ head and upper body.

Energy-absorbing materials throughout the cabin help protect occupants during a crash, while the adjustable steering column is also designed to help absorb impact forces.

Escape also features energy-absorbing knee bolsters, located below the instrument panel, to help reduce the risk of leg injuries for front seat occupants.

In the event of a crash, pretensioners in the front seatbelts automatically take up slack in the belts while load limiters reduce the risk of chest injuries. Child seat anchors are located in the rear roof, to ensure luggage space is not compromised.

The centre-rear seat, like the other four seats, is now fitted with a lap-sash seatbelt and a retractable headrest, with the seatbelt retracting into the roof.

The new Ford Escape Sport interior

Performance

“Ford Escape customers are focused on their destination – they love the outdoors and they want to have fun. They are confident the Escape will get them where they want to go and enable them to do what they want when they get there. It has the performance, 4WD ability and safety they demand.” – Dr Chi Li, Chief Engineer

Escape’s powerful and torquey engines have helped it earn a reputation as one of the most capable vehicles in its class – both on and off-road. Ford has retained two engines that offer user-friendly torque – a 2.3-litre four-cylinder unit and a 3.0-litre V6.

Both engines have been upgraded to meet Euro III emissions regulations and are mated to electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions.

2.3-litre with VVT

Variable valve timing (VVT) for the all-alloy 16-valve four-cylinder engine is new for the 2006 Escape, producing better low and mid-speed torque plus quieter and smoother acceleration.

While maximum output figures are almost unchanged with power of 109 kW (up 1 kW) at 6000 rpm and torque of 199 Nm (down 2 Nm) at 4000 rpm (500 rpm lower), the 2.3-litre engine meets the stringent Euro III emissions without any noticeable loss of performance.

"In fact, with maximum torque now achieved earlier in the rev range, the updated Escape actually feels livelier on the road," said Dr Li.

The VVT mechanism advances or retards closure of the intake valves to suit the demands of the driver by delivering better performance in the usable rev range without sacrificing fuel economy.

At idle, the valves close earlier so that less combusted gas is returned to the intake port. This stabilises idle speed and improves fuel economy.

Under medium load, VVT reduces engine friction loss, lowering the combustion temperature and reducing the amount of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas. Hydrocarbon emissions are reduced by burning non-combusted gases.

Under heavy load, the intake valve is also closed early to ensure more complete combustion with lower emissions and improved torque at low-middle speed ranges. At higher speeds, closure of the intake valves is delayed to gain higher efficiency. More air is inducted, leading to improved performance and fuel economy.

Shift points in the four-speed automatic transmission have been scheduled to take advantage of the benefits derived from the VVT system, providing smoother driving in stop-start city traffic and on the highway.

Dr Li said Ford’s environmental goals for Escape have been achieved with an improved emission system that includes a close-coupling catalyst placed next to the manifold for faster purification of exhaust gases.

A linear oxygen sensor monitors the air-fuel ratio, enabling a more precise mix to be fed to the combustion chambers, while an oxygen sensor after the close-coupling catalyst monitors any deterioration in the purification rate and ensures more stable emissions over a long period.

"Escape’s four-cylinder engine benefits from a rigid cast-alloy cylinder block and head with a compact balancer shaft to keep noise, vibration and harshness to a minimum.

"A new generation alternator with higher output is more efficient and quieter while the introduction of an electronic throttle provides more torque at low engine speeds and improved performance feel."

Pistons are made of a lightweight alloy and feature molybdenum-coated skirts for noise and friction reductions. The aluminium cylinder block is relatively light weight and offers excellent stiffness that helps reduce the level of noise, vibration and harshness reaching the cabin.

V6 power

Significant changes have occurred in the way Escape’s powerful V6 engine delivers its performance. The improvements are specifically designed to address customer feedback calling for smoother and fewer gear changes as well as substantially better fuel economy.

Escape’s 3.0-litre, 60-degree V6 engine is a welcome option in a market segment populated by four-cylinder rivals. The latest improvements add further support to the fun-to-drive character of Escape in both urban and off-road situations and its robust towing capabilities.

While the DOHC V6 develops unchanged maximum outputs of 152 kW at 6000 rpm and 276 Nm at 4750 rpm, Ford has implemented changes that ensure the torque available across the rev range is used more effectively.

The four-speed automatic transmission has been revised so that it synchronizes superbly with the strong torque characteristics of the engine. The better matching of shift points to torque will result in fewer gear changes, particularly during enthusiastic driving and at cruising speeds.

A new torque converter is 6 per cent more efficient in transmitting the performance of the V6 engine to the driveshaft. It incorporates a lock-up mechanism that reduces the amount of engine power lost to heat.

Dr Li said greater efficiency and more precise matching of engine and transmission calibrations were important for delivering the smooth delivery of power at all times.

“Above all, we have been able to better harness the engine’s true potential while also improving fuel economy by 10 per cent,” he said.

Fuel economy figures on the V6 have improved from 12.2 litres/100 km to 10.9.

Further upgrades to the V6 are designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels with a die-cast aluminium cover (instead of plastic), a one-piece (vs two-piece) radiator fan, slightly revised water pipes and a relocated water pump.

The new Ford Escape Sport

Driving in all conditions

Escape boasts genuine off-road ability with an innovative 'on demand' 4WD system for optimum traction on varying surfaces and in a wide range of conditions. Along with powerful engines, four-wheel independent suspension and a tough exterior, Escape is a true all-rounder that can venture well off the beaten track.

In normal driving, Escape’s powerful engines drive the front wheels only for optimum fuel economy. On wet or greasy roads or when heading off the bitumen, the 'on demand' 4WD system allows the vehicle to determine the torque split between the front and rear wheels.

It automatically senses when the front wheels begin to slip and hydraulically transfers up to 50 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, ensuring maximum grip. This seamless transfer of torque occurs instantly to deliver additional traction when conditions demand.

Dr Li said the advantage of the system is that it requires no intervention from the driver.

“There are no gear-shift levers to operate in order to engage this advanced system and Escape is always ready to make best use of available traction,” he said.

“The system isn’t accompanied by the noises and jerks of some other systems, but provides peace-of-mind motoring for the customer by providing excellent traction, even on slippery surfaces.”

For sustained off-road performance, the driver can press a switch on the dash to activate an electro-magnetic coupling that locks the system in four-wheel drive, spreading engine power and torque 50:50 front-to-rear. This feature can be smoothly engaged while the vehicle is moving.

Escape’s engine performance, body rigidity and 4WD ability enables it to tow up to 1600 kg with a genuine Ford tow bar – enough to pull jet skis or small boats.

"The four-wheel independent suspension, large brakes and wide stance of the Escape contribute to the vehicle’s confident and sporty handling. MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear are tuned for first-class handling, optimum ride comfort and off-road ability.

"They respond precisely and consistently in all conditions. Damping force has been optimized to increase handling stability and ride comfort while stabilizer control links provide a reassuring on-centre steering feel during straight-line driving.

"Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard and delivers exceptional road feel and responsiveness," said Dr Li.

Running clearance is impressive, ranging from 205 mm to 215 mm, depending on model and tyre specifications, while approach, departure and ramp-over angles are aided by short front and rear overhangs.

The updated models feature four-wheel disc brakes, replacing the previous model’s disc/drum set-up. Improved stopping power comes from bigger front rotors (303 mm v. 278 mm) while the new rear discs come fitted with 302mm rotors.

All Escape models are fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.

Dr Li said Emergency Brake Assist, already standard on four-cylinder models, had been added to the V6 Escape. This mechanism supplements the driver’s pedal effort to generate maximum braking in an emergency, ensuring the minimum stopping distance. It also improves resistance to brake-fade and delivers a more linear pedal feel that is responsive and controlled.

Dr Li said changes to the Escape have been designed as the ideal fun-to-drive vehicle for Australian customers with active lifestyles, both in the city and off the beaten track.

“Escape delivers through engines with strong torque, intelligent on-demand 4WD, excellent towing performance, smooth car-like suspension, great stopping power, impressive ground clearance – and, for those who spend hours in their vehicle getting to those out-of-the-way places, it now has a touch of class with its more comfortable, convenient and versatile interior.”

New Ford Escape Pricing

The new Ford Escape Limited