Ford's Escape Never Looked So Good
As it stands, the Ford Escape is the best selling compact sport utility vehicle in Canada. Its success isn't limited to the great white
north, however, as in nearly every market that it is sold the Escape (also sold as the Maverick in Europe and Asia) has helped make Ford a segment leader. The question you might now be asking yourself is, "What does Ford's Escape have to do with this vibrant orange SUV concept making its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show?" This concept could very well be foreshadowing the next Escape.
As with Chrysler and General Motors, the "Big Three" are discovering that Asia, much like Europe, is a growing market and a key place to broaden horizons. Ford isn't exactly new to the Far East like the reborn Chevrolet or Chrysler, but it's looking at creating new products for all areas of the world. The Equator Concept is the perfect vehicle to get a good footing - a compact
SUV which pairs good performance and economy with all-weather capability, good versatility and the desirability of the raised seating position.
According to Paul Gibson, stylist of the Equator (not to be confused with the Ford Equator concept that debuted at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit), and chief of design for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, the Equator is "more track than it is truck," celebrating the sport side of its SUV designation. The concept is heavily rooted in the current Escape, building up off the existing chassis and platform. In fact, inch for inch, dimensions have been matched, measuring 4,424 mm (174.2 inches) long, 1,780 mm (70.1 inches) wide, 1,798 mm (70.8 inches) tall, and riding on a wheelbase of 2,620 mm (102.4 inches). In these photos the Equator looks shorter and closer to the ground, an amazing optical illusion.
As it stands, the Ford Escape is the best selling compact sport utility vehicle in Canada. Its success isn't limited to the great white
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| The new Equator concept could very well be foreshadowing the next Escape. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
As with Chrysler and General Motors, the "Big Three" are discovering that Asia, much like Europe, is a growing market and a key place to broaden horizons. Ford isn't exactly new to the Far East like the reborn Chevrolet or Chrysler, but it's looking at creating new products for all areas of the world. The Equator Concept is the perfect vehicle to get a good footing - a compact
 |
| The new Equator shouldn't be confused with the Equator concept that debuted at the 2000 Detroit auto show, just recently auctioned off for Katrina charity. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
According to Paul Gibson, stylist of the Equator (not to be confused with the Ford Equator concept that debuted at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit), and chief of design for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, the Equator is "more track than it is truck," celebrating the sport side of its SUV designation. The concept is heavily rooted in the current Escape, building up off the existing chassis and platform. In fact, inch for inch, dimensions have been matched, measuring 4,424 mm (174.2 inches) long, 1,780 mm (70.1 inches) wide, 1,798 mm (70.8 inches) tall, and riding on a wheelbase of 2,620 mm (102.4 inches). In these photos the Equator looks shorter and closer to the ground, an amazing optical illusion.