Ford has given an all-new design for the Escape as it comes with two petrol engine options, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions
Ford officially revealed the fourth generation Escape (Kuga for Europe) as it is one of the most important models for the company in North America. The design theme of the new Escape is completely different from its predecessor as they have changed everything and the new model is 91 kg lighter, which will improve performance and efficiency.
The front gets Aston-Martin inspired grille but the design has been tweaked while the headlamps get a new design with LED lights. The Escape also comes with a new bumper with small LED fog lamps integrated into it. The company has given black plastic cladding running across the body and the SUV also gets faux skid plates at both ends.
The side gets the biggest change as the roofline is slopping, which gives a coupe-like look for the SUV and the new model is longer, wider and shorter than the earlier model. The rear looks sporty as the tail lamps are LEDs with a new look and the SUV gets an integrated spoiler with twin exhaust at both ends.
The interior continues the modern look, which took inspirations from the new Fiesta. The three-spoke steering wheel is similar to the earlier model while the centre console gets a tablet like 8-inch touch screen infotainment system with latest Sync 3 software and it gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity options.
The Escape comes with lots of features like 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging for the smartphone, USB A and C ports for charging, 6-inch head-up display, Ford+Alex with Wave navigation system, 575 watt 10-speaker B&O music system, Co-Pilot 360, adaptive cruise control, lane change assist and more.
Ford is offering the Escape with two petrol engines, hybrid and plug-in hybrid option also. The base model gets 1.5 L turbocharged unit with 180 hp and the 2.0 L engine with 250 hp. Both these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with front wheel drive a standard and the SUV also gets the option of a four-wheel drive system.
The 1.5 L engine comes with cylinder de-activation technology as it will improve efficiency. The hybrid model is powered by 2.5 L four-cylinder petrol engine with Atkinson cycle and it produces 198 hp. The claimed mileage of the hybrid model is over 800 km. The plug-in hybrid model puts out 209 hp and it can run of electric mode for 48 km.
