Not much is new for Ford's popular Escape sport-cute for 2006 beyond the availability of the 2.3-litre inline-four on the XLT model and a pair of new exterior colors, but the North American Truck of the Year Award-winning Hybrid model does get some comfort and convenience upgrades.
Just getting a hybrid model to market was accomplishment enough for Ford last year, but now the Dearborn firm wants to expand the Hybrid model's appeal by giving it more of the features that appeal to many buyers.
So, there's a Premium Package with monochromatic appearance in five exterior colors, leather-trimmed seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a reverse sensing system that tips the driver to things in the rear blind spot, a hybrid energy display and navigation system, a 110-volt power outlet, and "other popular options."
The Premium Package joins the Leather Comfort Group, the Appearance Package, and the Safety Package on Escape Hybrid's list of options.
In an effort to make the Escape Hybrid look less granola-like, Ford will offer it in Black Clearcoat Metallic in 2006.
The new colors on the regular Escape for 2006 are Titanium Green Clearcoat Metallic and Blazing Copper Clearcoat Metallic.
Clearly, Ford believes those two new hues will help the 2006 model appeal even more to Escape's regular crown of active singles and couples, first-time SUV buyers, and those who desire SUV qualities in a more compact, fuel-efficient package.
Fuel-efficient with the inline-four, but not so much with the optional V-6.
Ford says that, since it became available last year, the 2.3-liter Duratec 23 inline-four has "surprised customers with its combination of power and fuel economy." The engine develops 153 hp and 152 pound-feet of torque, while a balance shaft provides for smoother operation. The four-cylinder engine is backed by either an automatic or short-throw five-speed manual transmission.
Standard on Limited is the older Duratec 30 V-6, which puts out 200 hp, making it one of the most powerful engines in the segment. Ford of Canada is not importing the XLT Sport package that the Americans will get.
The available automatic Intelligent 4WD System provides traction and stability with a smooth, fuel-efficient operation, even in slippery conditions. The computer-controlled system operates so seamlessly that its engagement is barely noticeable to most drivers.
Escape also is available in a front-wheel-drive configuration, which of course costs less.
The high-profile and award-winning Escape Hybrid continues with the same technical setup for 2006.
That means it "combines the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a 'full' hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of the Ford Escape." Escape Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle to offer four-wheel-drive and towing capability of up to 453 kg when properly equipped.
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| 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid (photo: Ford Motor Company) |
So, there's a Premium Package with monochromatic appearance in five exterior colors, leather-trimmed seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a reverse sensing system that tips the driver to things in the rear blind spot, a hybrid energy display and navigation system, a 110-volt power outlet, and "other popular options."
The Premium Package joins the Leather Comfort Group, the Appearance Package, and the Safety Package on Escape Hybrid's list of options.
In an effort to make the Escape Hybrid look less granola-like, Ford will offer it in Black Clearcoat Metallic in 2006.
 |
| 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid (photo: Ford Motor Company) |
Clearly, Ford believes those two new hues will help the 2006 model appeal even more to Escape's regular crown of active singles and couples, first-time SUV buyers, and those who desire SUV qualities in a more compact, fuel-efficient package.
Fuel-efficient with the inline-four, but not so much with the optional V-6.
Ford says that, since it became available last year, the 2.3-liter Duratec 23 inline-four has "surprised customers with its combination of power and fuel economy." The engine develops 153 hp and 152 pound-feet of torque, while a balance shaft provides for smoother operation. The four-cylinder engine is backed by either an automatic or short-throw five-speed manual transmission.
Standard on Limited is the older Duratec 30 V-6, which puts out 200 hp, making it one of the most powerful engines in the segment. Ford of Canada is not importing the XLT Sport package that the Americans will get.
The available automatic Intelligent 4WD System provides traction and stability with a smooth, fuel-efficient operation, even in slippery conditions. The computer-controlled system operates so seamlessly that its engagement is barely noticeable to most drivers.
Escape also is available in a front-wheel-drive configuration, which of course costs less.
The high-profile and award-winning Escape Hybrid continues with the same technical setup for 2006.
That means it "combines the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a 'full' hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of the Ford Escape." Escape Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle to offer four-wheel-drive and towing capability of up to 453 kg when properly equipped.