Whatever the exterior conditions, says Lyons, the new Escape will always be more comfortable on the inside.
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| For 2005, Escape has a substantially re-fitted interior. Hybrid concept interior shown. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
"For 2005, Escape has a substantially re-fitted interior with a standard flow-through console and floor-mounted shifter, modern gauges, upgraded seat cushions and fabrics and more storage spaces." The interior will not only look better, says Lyons, but it will sound better as well, thanks to "major engineering efforts to quiet the interior. Added sound-absorbing panels and tighter sealing measures reduce cabin noise, while the balance shaft on the new Duratec 23 and new engine mounts on the Duratec 30 make the powertrains smoother than ever. Larger-diameter front shocks and a new front stabilizer system better absorb road impacts, while maintaining Escape's hallmark driving dynamics."
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| If you're in the market for a greener Escape in the summer of 2004, Ford plans to use the Duratec 23 architecture as the foundation for the Escape Hybrid. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
On the safety front, Ford's Safety Canopy rollover protection system is also available on the Escape in 2005, while head restraints and three-point safety belts are standard at all seating positions.
Finally, if you're going to be in the market for a greener Escape in the summer of 2004, Ford plans to use the Duratec 23 architecture as the foundation for the
Escape Hybrid. Lyons says, "The hybrid-electric version of the Escape will use a modified version of the Duratec 23 and a hybrid transaxle to deliver very low emissions and high fuel economy with the performance of a V6 and the go-anywhere capability Escape customers expect from a Ford SUV."
