It seems as though hybrid vehicles are losing momentum. Technology enthusiasts and environment defenders already got theirs, while others are reluctant to jump on the bandwagon given how pricier these green vehicles are. What's more, the fuel efficiency benefits are far from meeting expectations.
Personally, I'm sold. Of course, I firmly believe that hybrids are just a temporary solution before diesel or a more efficient technology is fully implemented. But in the meantime, why not take advantage of what automakers are offering and have a little fun? Mine not only benefits from a well-established technology but it also boasts a more versatile personality. That's the exact recipe of the new Ford Escape Hybrid!
New and improved
Much like its gasoline-powered counterpart, the Escape Hybrid has been extensively revised for 2008. First and foremost is a visual makeover which might not be radical but still makes the Escape easily recognizable. The oversized front grille, for instance, is not unlike that of other Ford products. Elsewhere, there's a bit more chrome and, most importantly, a more assertive truck-like appearance. A number of lines, especially on the hood and roof, are now sharper, giving the vehicle a more commanding presence. As a result, the new Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid (which can only be identified by their specific badges) appear much larger than what their minor size increase might suggest.
The most significant changes are rather found inside. By raising the roofline, Ford was able to allocate more headroom to the passengers. Five will sit comfortably and enjoy adequate room -- even with a family's worth of luggage. That's a plus in the minds of versatility-conscious buyers. The once-boring dashboard has become a real strength of the Escape Hybrid. Despite the overly present, sometimes hard plastics, the layout is clean and the overall atmosphere is quite friendly. By the way, the dashboard borrows a couple of themes from other Ford vehicles like the Edge crossover.
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| Finally, a hybrid that does not compromise styling or versatility. |
Personally, I'm sold. Of course, I firmly believe that hybrids are just a temporary solution before diesel or a more efficient technology is fully implemented. But in the meantime, why not take advantage of what automakers are offering and have a little fun? Mine not only benefits from a well-established technology but it also boasts a more versatile personality. That's the exact recipe of the new Ford Escape Hybrid!
New and improved
Much like its gasoline-powered counterpart, the Escape Hybrid has been extensively revised for 2008. First and foremost is a visual makeover which might not be radical but still makes the Escape easily recognizable. The oversized front grille, for instance, is not unlike that of other Ford products. Elsewhere, there's a bit more chrome and, most importantly, a more assertive truck-like appearance. A number of lines, especially on the hood and roof, are now sharper, giving the vehicle a more commanding presence. As a result, the new Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid (which can only be identified by their specific badges) appear much larger than what their minor size increase might suggest.
The most significant changes are rather found inside. By raising the roofline, Ford was able to allocate more headroom to the passengers. Five will sit comfortably and enjoy adequate room -- even with a family's worth of luggage. That's a plus in the minds of versatility-conscious buyers. The once-boring dashboard has become a real strength of the Escape Hybrid. Despite the overly present, sometimes hard plastics, the layout is clean and the overall atmosphere is quite friendly. By the way, the dashboard borrows a couple of themes from other Ford vehicles like the Edge crossover.
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| The interior is much more attractive than the previous model's. |