Ford Launches New Escape in Small SUV Segment

The Ford Escape is one of the brand’s best selling SUVs due to its combination of  technological features, versatility and its reputation for great fuel economy. It is definitely one of the main models comprising Ford’s lineup of SUVs.

Ford recently launched the 2017 Ford Escape which is pitched as an even more technologically advanced, and affordable SUV for making the motoring experience safer, simpler and a lot more enjoyable in this highly competitive market where there is growing demand for SUVs.

The new Escape comes with Ford’s sophisticated SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, highly comfortable and ergonomic interiors, pathbreaking driver assistance technologies, and is powered by powerful and efficient engines like Ford’s twin-scroll turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-litre four cylinder EcoBoost® engine, which has an output of 242 PS and 366 Nm of torque.

The other engine that is used is a 2.5-litre iVCT Duratec automatic petrol engine which produces 171 PS and 230 Nm of torque. Each engine is paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission having paddle shifters.

The 2017 Escape makes parking easy with its Perpendicular Parking technology that drivers can use to park hands‑free in spaces alongside other cars. Other safety technologies include an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system, Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System for better visibility in low light, the Hands-Free Liftgate and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD).

Seamlessly connected with SYNC 3
For the third-generation version of the SYNC 3, Ford made improvements based on over 22,000 comments and insights obtained through research clinics and surveys so that the new system is more customer-focused. The user experience is simplified by putting controls for the phone and audio at the fingertips of customers. This version of SYNC 3 also has increased processing power and needs fewer steps for a command.

For the first time, SYNC 3 is offering Arabic language capability for both text and voice activation to make the driving experience more comfortable for customers in the region. They benefit from a high-definition experience of the eight-inch touch screen for which pinch-to-zoom and swipe gestures can be used.

From the navigation perspective, SYNC 3 has improved a lot as it includes 3D support with landmarks, a Mecca compass, better junction view with detailed lane visuals and guidance. Navigation also automatically zooms out when the next step needs to be taken after more than three kilometers, thus making it easier to see the full route.

Smartphone integration has been stepped up with several fantastic new features, including Apple CarPlay*, which allows iPhone users to make phone calls, access music, and send and receive text messages via voice control while the drivers’ eyes stay focused on the road. The system is also compatible with Siri Eyes Free which allows for easy access to Siri with iPhones connected via Bluetooth.

Android users will be able to activate Android Auto*, which makes the platform’s apps and services such as Google Search, Google Maps and Google Play Music accessible in a safe and seamless manner through SYNC3.

Sophisticated technology

New Escape offers an enhanced version of Ford’s Active City Stop collision avoidance system, which now operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h, increased from 30 km/h. Active City Stop uses sensors at the front of the vehicle to look for stationary objects in the road ahead and pre-charges the brakes if the vehicle is approaching an object too quickly. If the driver still does not respond the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of collisions, or avoid them altogether.

The latest generation Ford MyKey technology allows new Escape owners to programme a key for younger drivers that can inhibit incoming phone calls; restrict top speed; prevent deactivation of driver assistance and safety features; reduce audio system maximum volume, and disable the audio system altogether if occupants are not using safety belts. The enhanced MyKey system offers a greater number of choices in both the speed limiter and speed minder settings.

Stylish Escape

The new Escape has a sporty and bold external appearance similar to that of the Ford EcoSport compact SUV and the new mid-size Edge. The most remarkable features of the exterior are the large upper trapezoidal grille and smaller lower grille. These are flanked by sleek new headlamps which  incorporate LED daytime running lights and are complemented by stylish fog lamps.

The taillights too have been restyled to complete the sporty look. 17- 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs are available in a wide range of finishes including Luster Nickel to add to the sporty look. A power-operated retractable tow bar which automatically stores itself out of sight under the rear bumper when it is not in use rounds off the sporty looks.

The new Escape’s interiors are highly refined with a view towards making them more comfortable, ergonomic and stylish for the occupants.

The steering wheel and air-conditioning controls highly intuitive as they come with fewer buttons and switches which are easily distinguishable thus making them easier to recognize and navigate.
The new Ford Escape comes with new convenience features to make the vehicle more user-friendly like an electronic parking brake that is simple to operate and allows more room for better storage in a center console that now also has plenty of room for storing bottles and cups, and a new USB connection point for integrating and charging mobile devices. Drivers can learn with a quick glance at the door lock indicator whether the doors are locked.

Another convenience feature is the Hands-Free Liftgate which can be easily opened or closed with a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper when your hands are full with the shopping, kids or just stuff in general. Opening the boot no longer requires you to dump everything you have in your hands.
The new Escape’s sporty look is further enhanced by a sculpted bonnet with a wider, uninterrupted central dome. This also makes the bonnet more flexible and deformable, thus give greater protection to pedestrians in the event of an accident. The Ford team re-engineered the bonnet and the rear liftgate to help minimize damage to more components which are more expensive to replace in the event of a collision.

The new Escape offers advanced Ford technologies like the Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive which automatically adjusts the amount of torque sent to each wheel, in order to optimize the traction an dhandling, especially on slippery terrain. Another notable technology is the Torque Vectoring Control, which during cornering enhances the driving experience by applying a small amount of braking to the inside wheels to assist traction and stability.

Ford is debuting the new Ford Escape after launching the bigger Edge CUV in 2016 and an updated version of the compact EcoSport SUV in 2015. Customers will thus now have at least five all-new or redesigned Ford models to choose from in the highly popular SUV and crossover segments in the next three years.