This is despite the ST-Line Escape’s slightly porky 1586kg quoted tare weight. Controlled by a centre console-located, sometimes-indecisive rotating shift knob that is also used in the Focus, it contributes to the delivery of powerful, smooth on-road performance. The engine mates well with the intuitive eight-speed auto gearbox. It certainly leaves room, somewhere down the track after the PHEV hybrid Escape is eventually launched, for the 134kW/240Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder already doing sterling service in the Ford Focus and available in the new Escape overseas. The punchy EcoBoost turbo four might not reach the lofty heights of a Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre, but it’s well on the way there. Powered by the previous 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder but with outputs raised from 178kW/345Nm to 183kW/387Nm at reasonably relaxed rpm (5700rpm and 3100rpm respectively), the Ford Escape towers over its class competitors with 0-100km/h acceleration hovering around the even six-second mark. The base Escape is front-drive only but, like its stablemates, comes as standard with an eight-speed auto gearbox. Like the premium Escape Vignale, the ST-Line can be had with either front-drive, or Ford’s on-demand AWD system. It employs the familiar mix of MacPherson struts up front and an independent multi-link system at the rear. The Spanish-built Escape builds off Ford’s new C2 platform, which is also used by the current-generation Focus and succeeds the C1 platform of the previous Escape.
DESERT GOLD FORD ESCAPE 2021 WINDOWS
In-cabin tech is pretty complete: Wireless phone charging, push-button starting, digital radio, Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and auto up/down power windows operable via the key fob are all standard.įord has separated the three-grade Escape line-up into base, sports and luxury configurations: The ST-Line reviewed here is the lower-slung, tighter-riding, driver-oriented variant that gets its own 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/60R18 tyres, a bigger spoiler above the rear window, different side skirts and its own front and rear bumper assemblies. The overall effect, other than the characteristically-Ford door trims which are somewhat basic by comparison with the rest of the interior, is pretty swish. Unlike the smaller Ford Puma, which lists some safety gear as pack-optional, the base Escape’s complete list of safety equipment replicates that of the more expensive ST-Line and Vignale versions.įor another $2000, what you pick up by ordering the mid-range ST-Line Escape – our review car – is a boy-racer enhanced body, lower-set sports suspension, selective use of black detailing inside and out, darker roof lining, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver, a flat-bottom steering wheel, metal-look floor pedals and a mix of red and white stitching throughout.
DESERT GOLD FORD ESCAPE 2021 PLUS
As with the newly-launched Fiesta-based Ford Puma light SUV, the new Ford Escape is oriented towards the premium end of its segment.Īlthough bidding for the entry-level Escape begins at $35,990 plus on-road costs – as much as $6000 more than some of its main rivals – in terms of substance there’s not much left wanting.
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