A clean Escape
GATINEAU, QUE. -- Since its introduction in 2001, Ford has sold more than a million of its Escape sport-utility vehicles worldwide -- about 11% of those in Canada. And for the past four years, Escape has been this country's best-selling compact SUV.
I've just driven the new 2008 models and predict the improvements will help Escape maintain that lofty position.
On the first day of a two-day program here in the National Capital Region (NCR) there was enough sunshine for photo shoots. On the second day, there was enough rain and wet snow to give the four-wheel-drive, traction control and ABS systems a good workout over a course designed to test the vehicle's handling, braking and stability.
This latest generation gets a whole new look, giving it a stronger resemblance to Explorer and Expedition, and a new interior. Under the skin, the chassis has been refined, rather than redesigned.
Powertrains stay the same -- a 2.3-litre four-cylinder matched with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, a 3.0-litre V6 mated to the four-speed automatic and a hybrid gasoline-electric power plant linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Escape is also one of the first Fords to get lightweight speed-sensitive electric steering. In rapid, high speed manoeuvres on the slick slalom course, steering feel was light and precise.
On the outside, Escape loses its dated lower body cladding while gaining a higher beltline, a new grille and headlamps, a new hood and blacked out B-pillars. Integrated running boards and 17-in. wheels are available.
On the inside, Escape has been totally reworked, with a cleaner centre stack, "blue ice" lighting for all gauges and controls and a "top of dash" display for climate controls, ambient temperature and audio system settings. The three-level centre console is big enough to hide a full-size laptop computer and sports two nifty removable bins that can be hung from the side and the rear of the console as waste receptacles. While heated leather seats are available, the base interior is a sturdy two-tone weave made of 100% post-industrial recycled materials -- a first in North America.
Occupants will notice a cabin that's 12% quieter on the highway thanks to thicker glass and carpeting, a new acoustic headliner and exterior mirrors designed to direct the flow of air away from the side windows.
No four-cylinder models were available for us to drive on the program, but the Duratec 3.0-litre V6 with its 200 hp and 193 lb.-ft. of torque supplies plenty of performance and the ability to tow a 3,500-lb. trailer.
Escape Hybrid has a 2.3-litre, 16-valve Atkinson cycle inline four and a synchronous electric motor that can deliver power at all speeds. Net horsepower is 155 and Ford says 0-100 km/h times are comparable to the V6. Trailering with hybrid models is not recommended.
However, according to Natural Resources Canada, the FWD Escape Hybrid is the fourth most efficient hybrid vehicle sold here in terms of annual fuel usage and CO2 emissions.
In a two-hour fuel economy challenge, Ford dispatched teams of journalists to play in the NCR's busy afternoon traffic in 4WD Escape hybrids. My partner and I achieved fuel economy of 7.5 L/100 km, and while we tried to accelerate slowly away from stops (something totally foreign to us) and gently applied the brakes for as long as possible to better utilize the regenerative braking system, we didn't win the competition. In our group, the best economy was achieved by a journalistic duo who burned 7.3 L/100 km over the same route, albeit without the added weight of Ford product design engineer David Gabriel in the back seat.
Despite Gabriel's insider info on how to squeeze more distance out of a litre of gas, I'm convinced the extra pounds prevented us from winning. Makes for a good excuse, anyway.
As Gabriel likes to point out, the transition between electric and internal combustion power is more seamless than before, with Escape Hybrid now able to run up to 48 km on pure electric mode. There is, however, a penalty for doing that too often, as we discovered when we seriously depleted our reserve power levels and the gasoline engine had to run even while we were stopped in order to recharge the battery.
While we didn't approach the hybrid's EnerGuide fuel economy of rating 6.8 L/100 km in city driving, we nonetheless came in well under the highway rating for even the four-cylinder FWD model.
So if preserving the environment is high on your list of priorities, Escape Hybrid may be perfect for you -- especially one with the standard recycled (and recyclable) seat fabric.
Safety doesn't cost extra on Escape. In our closed course high-speed manoeuvres, the AdvanceTrak, roll stability control and ABS systems worked to keep us on line and upright. In case of upset, Escape has standard side curtain airbags with rollover sensor. In case of collision, it also has standard side-impact front airbags and seat-mounted front side airbags.
Escape pricing starts at $23,999 for the FWD XLS with four-cylinder gas engine and five-speed stick. The more upscale XLT V6 with four-speed automatic starts at $26,499 for FWD models and $28,899 for 4WD versions. The loaded Limited, with V6 and 4WD, lists at $34,999. The front-drive Escape hybrid starts at $31,499, climbing to $33,899 when equipped with 4WD.
Escape Hybrid qualifies for the federal government's new $2,000 rebate for energy efficient vehicles.
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