DETROIT, MI: For a couple of reasons, the sport-cute market in Canada will change significantly with the arrival of the Ford Escape this summer.
In the first place, Ford has so much marketing muscle and money and so many dealers that any new vehicle it offers has to sell in goodly volumes no matter how bad it is.
In the second place, it looks like Ford did a pretty good job with the Escape, so consumer demand should fit nicely with that marketing pressure.
Ford sees the Escape as providing "refined ride and handling, an outstanding package, good fuel economy and low emissions in a small, tough SUV that's versatile enough for the most active lifestyles and easily maneuverable in urban traffic."
This combination of skills in a body that's smaller than an Explorer is meant to appeal to younger buyers as well as the "young at heart".
According to Ford of Canada president Bobbie Gaunt, "Escape customers want total mobility and total agility when they play. But they also must balance those desires with their need for a refined commuter vehicle to drive in style and comfort throughout the work week. Escape is designed to provide both: a lifestyle machine that is practical and functional at the same time."
Escape's unibody construction gets MacPherson front struts with dual path upper strut mounts for separate mounting of springs and shocks and an independent rear suspension with double lateral link and trailing arms, plus long travel jounce bumpers to allow for lower spring rates.
Other ride and handling features include rack-and-pinion steering, widely spaced mounting locations for increase rigidity and improve responsiveness and steering feel, front disk and rear drum brakes, and optional four-channel ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
The basic engine is a Zetec 2.0-liter I-4 that's standard in the Escape XLS and XLT, producing 130 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 135 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine features a cast iron block with lightweight aluminum head and composite intake manifold. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The optional Ford 3.0-liter Duratec V-6 delivers 200 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, which makes it the most powerful engine offered in the small sport utility class. The Duratec V-6 is combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic overdrive.
Front-wheel drive is standard, but many Canadian customers will undoubtedly opt for the optional 4-wheel-drive system which provides full-time, 4-wheel drive functionality. In addition, the systems offers a 4x4 lockup feature -- comparable to "4x4 high" in conventional rear-wheel drive 4x4s -- that enhances performance when driving off-road or on especially slippery surfaces.
The driver uses a rotary switch on the instrument panel to select "4x4 automatic" or "4x4 lock" operation. The automatic setting is appropriate for most driving conditions. Selecting "4x4 lock" activates an electric solenoid that locks the rotary blade coupling located between the end of the driveshaft and the rear axle differential. It results in a full-time 50-50 torque split between the front and rear axles. The 4x4 lock mode is suitable for off-road use and when driving on slippery surfaces.
The Ford Escape has disc brakes in front and drum brakes in the rear. A 4-channel antilock braking system is standard on XLT and available on XLS. The system features electronic brake force distribution for improved brake system function.
Safety was a primary goal on Escape, says Gaunt. "Our customers may live a fast-paced lifestyle, but they take safety and security very seriously. We didn't make any compromises in offering a wide array of standard and available safety and security features. In fact, with its stiff bodyshell and comprehensive occupant protection features, Escape is expected to be one of the safest vehicles in its class."
To that end, Escape gets second-generation front airbags and optional side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, child safety seat anchors, integrated head restraints on the front seats, and a passive electronic anti-theft system. An optional perimeter alarm is available, as is a remote keyless entry system. When armed, the perimeter alarm is triggered if the hood, liftgate, glass hatch or any door is opened, or when the ignition is turned on without the correct key.
The exterior of the Ford Escape is designed to provide a "familiar tough Ford truck appearance," Gaunt says.
Escape stands 1624 mm tall, has a 1544-mm track, and a 2616-mm long wheelbase.The Escape XLS is equipped with standard 15-inch steel wheels while the XLT offers standard 15- or optional 16-inch alloy wheels.
The pricier XLT model comes with standard fog lamps and power outside mirrors.An adjustable roof rack is standard on all models, offering customers the ability to secure up to 100 pounds of additional cargo and gear. Custom bike/ski brackets -- which fasten to the roof rack -- also are available through Ford dealers.
The rear cargo area is accessed through a liftgate or through the separate-opening rear glass. A rear wiper is standard.
Gaunt says Escape's interior is designed for maximum comfort, convenience and roominess. With the most spacious interior in its class at 3.763 cubic meters, Gaunt says, it has enough room to carry five adults and their cargo.
The vehicle features front bucket seats and an available 60/40 split fold-down rear bench. An extra-large full-length center console with floor shifter is standard.
The driver position features a height-adjustable seat, four-spoke steering wheel with optional speed controls and an instrument cluster with tachometer. Stalk controls include standard intermittent front and rear wiper operation.
A floor console is standard and includes five cup holders (two at the rear of the console for rear seat passengers), a coin holder and an open storage bin for sunglasses, lip balm and the like. A larger floor console, standard with XLT models equipped with a V-6 engine, has two forward cup holders, two rear pop-out cup holders, an enclosed storage bin large enough for a handbag and a center armrest. Added storage is available under the front passenger seat.Two types of overhead console are available for XLT models. One features twin map lights and a single storage bin for sunglasses in combination with optional power moonroof. The console that comes without the moonroof has two storage bins.
All audio and climate controls are located in the easy-to-reach and easy-to-read center stack. The center stack is oriented to the driver for superior ergonomics and is logically and ergonomically laid out with the more often used audio controls located above the climate controls. An in-dash single CD player is standard. Also available are a single CD/cassette (standard on the XLT) and an in-dash, six-disc CD changer.
The split rear bench (standard on XLT) seats three adults and includes head restraints in the outboard positions. The seatbacks fold down and recline independently for unparalleled rear seat passenger comfort. The rear seats also fold flat for enhanced cargo-carrying capability.
In the first place, Ford has so much marketing muscle and money and so many dealers that any new vehicle it offers has to sell in goodly volumes no matter how bad it is.
In the second place, it looks like Ford did a pretty good job with the Escape, so consumer demand should fit nicely with that marketing pressure.
Ford sees the Escape as providing "refined ride and handling, an outstanding package, good fuel economy and low emissions in a small, tough SUV that's versatile enough for the most active lifestyles and easily maneuverable in urban traffic."
This combination of skills in a body that's smaller than an Explorer is meant to appeal to younger buyers as well as the "young at heart".
According to Ford of Canada president Bobbie Gaunt, "Escape customers want total mobility and total agility when they play. But they also must balance those desires with their need for a refined commuter vehicle to drive in style and comfort throughout the work week. Escape is designed to provide both: a lifestyle machine that is practical and functional at the same time."
Escape's unibody construction gets MacPherson front struts with dual path upper strut mounts for separate mounting of springs and shocks and an independent rear suspension with double lateral link and trailing arms, plus long travel jounce bumpers to allow for lower spring rates.
Other ride and handling features include rack-and-pinion steering, widely spaced mounting locations for increase rigidity and improve responsiveness and steering feel, front disk and rear drum brakes, and optional four-channel ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
The basic engine is a Zetec 2.0-liter I-4 that's standard in the Escape XLS and XLT, producing 130 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 135 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine features a cast iron block with lightweight aluminum head and composite intake manifold. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The optional Ford 3.0-liter Duratec V-6 delivers 200 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, which makes it the most powerful engine offered in the small sport utility class. The Duratec V-6 is combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic overdrive.
Front-wheel drive is standard, but many Canadian customers will undoubtedly opt for the optional 4-wheel-drive system which provides full-time, 4-wheel drive functionality. In addition, the systems offers a 4x4 lockup feature -- comparable to "4x4 high" in conventional rear-wheel drive 4x4s -- that enhances performance when driving off-road or on especially slippery surfaces.
The driver uses a rotary switch on the instrument panel to select "4x4 automatic" or "4x4 lock" operation. The automatic setting is appropriate for most driving conditions. Selecting "4x4 lock" activates an electric solenoid that locks the rotary blade coupling located between the end of the driveshaft and the rear axle differential. It results in a full-time 50-50 torque split between the front and rear axles. The 4x4 lock mode is suitable for off-road use and when driving on slippery surfaces.
The Ford Escape has disc brakes in front and drum brakes in the rear. A 4-channel antilock braking system is standard on XLT and available on XLS. The system features electronic brake force distribution for improved brake system function.
Safety was a primary goal on Escape, says Gaunt. "Our customers may live a fast-paced lifestyle, but they take safety and security very seriously. We didn't make any compromises in offering a wide array of standard and available safety and security features. In fact, with its stiff bodyshell and comprehensive occupant protection features, Escape is expected to be one of the safest vehicles in its class."
To that end, Escape gets second-generation front airbags and optional side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, child safety seat anchors, integrated head restraints on the front seats, and a passive electronic anti-theft system. An optional perimeter alarm is available, as is a remote keyless entry system. When armed, the perimeter alarm is triggered if the hood, liftgate, glass hatch or any door is opened, or when the ignition is turned on without the correct key.
The exterior of the Ford Escape is designed to provide a "familiar tough Ford truck appearance," Gaunt says.
Escape stands 1624 mm tall, has a 1544-mm track, and a 2616-mm long wheelbase.The Escape XLS is equipped with standard 15-inch steel wheels while the XLT offers standard 15- or optional 16-inch alloy wheels.
The pricier XLT model comes with standard fog lamps and power outside mirrors.An adjustable roof rack is standard on all models, offering customers the ability to secure up to 100 pounds of additional cargo and gear. Custom bike/ski brackets -- which fasten to the roof rack -- also are available through Ford dealers.
The rear cargo area is accessed through a liftgate or through the separate-opening rear glass. A rear wiper is standard.
Gaunt says Escape's interior is designed for maximum comfort, convenience and roominess. With the most spacious interior in its class at 3.763 cubic meters, Gaunt says, it has enough room to carry five adults and their cargo.
The vehicle features front bucket seats and an available 60/40 split fold-down rear bench. An extra-large full-length center console with floor shifter is standard.
The driver position features a height-adjustable seat, four-spoke steering wheel with optional speed controls and an instrument cluster with tachometer. Stalk controls include standard intermittent front and rear wiper operation.
A floor console is standard and includes five cup holders (two at the rear of the console for rear seat passengers), a coin holder and an open storage bin for sunglasses, lip balm and the like. A larger floor console, standard with XLT models equipped with a V-6 engine, has two forward cup holders, two rear pop-out cup holders, an enclosed storage bin large enough for a handbag and a center armrest. Added storage is available under the front passenger seat.Two types of overhead console are available for XLT models. One features twin map lights and a single storage bin for sunglasses in combination with optional power moonroof. The console that comes without the moonroof has two storage bins.
All audio and climate controls are located in the easy-to-reach and easy-to-read center stack. The center stack is oriented to the driver for superior ergonomics and is logically and ergonomically laid out with the more often used audio controls located above the climate controls. An in-dash single CD player is standard. Also available are a single CD/cassette (standard on the XLT) and an in-dash, six-disc CD changer.
The split rear bench (standard on XLT) seats three adults and includes head restraints in the outboard positions. The seatbacks fold down and recline independently for unparalleled rear seat passenger comfort. The rear seats also fold flat for enhanced cargo-carrying capability.
Article Gallery