The new Escape is definitely more modern than the best-selling model it replaces, something that Ford’s design boss, Martin Smith, is keen to stress out: “The Escape’s athletic good looks are no accident”, he says, adding that “we wanted to create the impression of an athlete like a runner or swimmer in the new body – right down to the defined muscles that convey movement and energy.”
The new Escape measures 178.1 inches (4.52 m) in length, 72.4 inches (1.84 m) in width, 66.3 inches (1.68 m) in height, while it rides on a 105.9 inch (2.69 m) wheelbase. In the U.S. market, it will be available in both front- and four-wheel layouts with three gasoline engines, all of which are combined with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The base engine is a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four cylinder unit delivering 168HP and 167 lb-ft of torque. This version will only be available with front-wheel drive.
Next up is the turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline four with 173HP and 177 lb-ft of torque that will be offered both in front- and all-wheel drive versions.
The flagship model of the series is powered by the turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecoboost that produces an output of 237HP and 250 lb-ft of torque and like the 1.6, it will also be available in FWD and AWD.
The new Escape's suspension utilizes McPherson struts up front and an independent, semi-trailing arm configuration at the rear. The new, “Intelligent” four-wheel drive system uses an electromagnetic clutch. The system’s sensors collect data from 25 sources including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle to assess both the driver’s reactions and road conditions up to 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – or so Ford claims. The Escape is also Ford’s first SUV to feature the firm's Curve Control and Torque Vectoring Control.
The interior of the 2013 Escape adopts Ford’s new design language and is similar to that of the new Focus with the vertical center vents surrounding the infotainment system’s screen.
Ruth Pauli, Chief Engineer for Color and Materials, says: “The interior design of the all-new Escape is modern and sophisticated. It captures the expressive design and enhanced functionality of the vehicle.”
Ford claims to offer technologies that are not available in any other rival including the Sync infotainment system that sports the upgraded MyFord Touch driver connect technology.
Other features available are a hands-free power liftgate that uses a motion sensor placed under the rear bumper, an active parking assist and a blind-spot information system (BLIS) to warn the driver about objects in the vehicle’s blind spots.
In Europe, Ford's new crossover model will make its debut as the Kuga at next year's Geneva Salon in March.
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