No one can sanely argue against taking care of old Mother Nature. Ford isn't alone in this regard, as Lexus offers a hybrid car-based
SUV, the RX 400h, GM plans to offer a hybrid version of its Chevy Tahoe / GMC Yukon line by late 2007, and not to be left in the fumes, DaimlerChrysler is moving ahead with plans for a hybrid Durango. About the only fly in the proverbial hybrid ointment that I can see is, how reliable will this technology prove to be? What will be the life expectancy of the hybrid's Nickel-Metal Hydride battery? How expensive will it be to replace? How will the old batteries be disposed of?
To address the first two concerns, Ford is providing an 8-year / 160,000 km extended warranty on the battery, DC converter and the CVT, over and above the standard 3 year / 60,000 km bumper-to-bumper Escape warranty.
Specifications:
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| Ford has done a commendable job of converting the Escape into a hybrid. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
To address the first two concerns, Ford is providing an 8-year / 160,000 km extended warranty on the battery, DC converter and the CVT, over and above the standard 3 year / 60,000 km bumper-to-bumper Escape warranty.
Specifications:
- Price (MSRP): $33,195 - $43,577
- Body Type: 5-door SUV
- Layout: front engine, FWD, opt. AWD
- Engine: 133 hp 2.3L (138 cu in), 16-valve, DOHC, Atkinson-cycle I-4
- Electric Motor: 70 kW (94 hp) permanent magnet
- Battery: 330-volt NiMH
- Total Combined Output: 155 hp (116 kW)
- Transmission: CVT Hybrid Transaxle
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS (regenerative system)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 6.6 / 7.0 L/100 km
- Emissions: ATPZE
- Acceleration: (0-96 km/h) 10.5 seconds
- Direct Competitors: Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, Land Rover Freelander, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn VUE, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4
- Web Site: www.ford.ca
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