Moses Akaigwe 08072100049
The new Ford Escape made its first public outing at the recently concluded13th Lagos Motor & 7th Autoparts Expo Africa. While the fair lasted, many Ford lovers that visited Coscharis Motors’ stand were glad to learn that the Escape is a technologically-advanced, smart sport utility vehicle (SUV) with five-star safety and improved fuel efficiency..
“We are thrilled with the new Ford Escape joining our line up,” said Abiona Babarinde, GM Marketing and Communications at Coscharis Motors. “More importantly, our customers will be thrilled too. With stunning new design inside and out, smart technologies, fuel-efficient yet powerful engines, and five-star safety, it’s a vehicle that will be so many things for our customers.” .
Trend-setting style. The New Escape features Ford’s latest design language for a bold, smart look that is shared with other Ford SUVs. Its large upper trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille are flanked by sleek new headlamps incorporating optional daytime running lights complemented by functional, stylish fog lamps.
Restyled taillights complete the smart exterior look while a new range of standard 17-inch wheels (steel on the S) or optional 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs are available.
Smart, intuitive interior. Steeped in SUV expertise from around the Ford world, the new Escape designers’ objective was to combine stylish form with everyday function for the interior of the SUV.
Escape users will find an array of new convenience features making the vehicle very user-friendly, including ISOFIX anchorage-points and improved storage in the centre console.
The new Escape offers up to 1603 litres of cargo space with the rear stadium seating folded – ideal for weekend escapes. In addition, the Escape steering wheel and air-conditioning controls operate through fewer and more easily distinguishable buttons and switches, making the controls easier to recognise and navigate.
Introduction of SYNC 3. The New Ford Escape will allow drivers to control audio, navigation, and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple, more conversational voice commands, with Ford’s new SYNC 3 connectivity system – available as an option in the new Escape range in selected markets, either with or without embedded navigation depending on model and the relevant in-car entertainment package selected.
Ford has drawn on more than 22,000 comments and insights gained from research clinics and surveys to ensure the new version is the most customer-centric system to date.
By pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee” for example, owners of the new Escape featuring SYNC 3 with Navigation will guide the driver to the selected destination. Voice search results are also enhanced by a better understanding of how consumers refer to businesses and points of interest.
Escape drivers can operate SYNC 3’s 8.0-inch touchscreen – the largest in this class – in the same way that they use their smartphones. SYNC 3 incorporates Apple CarPlay, the smarter, safer way to use iPhones in the car allowing drivers to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, get directions optimised for traffic conditions, and more while they stay focused on the road.
Android users can activate Android Auto, which makes apps and services that are already widely used accessible in safer and seamless ways in the Escape, including Google Search, Google Maps and Google Play. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be activated once the licensing is finalised for the collective Sub-Saharan Africa region.
Enhanced visibility, safety. The latest Ford technologies and sophisticated body engineering help drivers see more clearly and enhance safety on the road for new Escape occupants and other road users.
Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System is available for the Escape (depending on model specification) and monitors ambient light conditions and automatically optimises visibility by adjusting the beam angle of the new optional Bi-Xenon headlights depending on the vehicle’s speed, steering angle and distance to an object in front. It features anti-glare capability, as well as country road, City Street and also manoeuvring beam shaping abilities.
Segment-defining driver and passenger safety remains a highlight of the new Escape, with standard safety features across the range incorporating a total of seven airbags – including a driver’s knee airbag – as well as ABS brakes with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Trailer Stability function, Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and Rollover Mitigation (ROM).
Efficient EcoBoost performance. The new Escape relies on Ford’s powerful yet extremely efficient 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine. Two output levels are offered, comprising the 110kW unit in the front-wheel drive six-speed manual derivative.
A 132kW version is paired with the sophisticated intelligent all-wheel drive system and a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission – with paddle-shift controls provided for enhanced driver interaction and control.
Three-model line-up
Three specification levels are available in the new Escape range, inmcluding the Escape S, which incorporates an appreciably high level of standard equipment, along with an extensive range of optional features; the mid-range Escape SE primarily distinguished by 17-inch alloy; and the Escape Titanium that gains distinctive black and chrome treatment for the front grilles, a leather-trimmed gear knob, and LED rear tail lamps