Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Also notable is just how much the Escape has grown in popularity over the last decade, its 2004 numbers just 183,430 in the US and 20,360 in Canada. A similar trend
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Now in its third generation after replacing the more traditional SUV-like second iteration in 2012 as a 2013 model, the Escape no longer shares underpinnings with Mazda models, but rather was the brainchild of Ford’s European operations. Dubbed Kuga overseas, it is based on the brand’s Global C platform that’s also the basis for the current Focus, second-generation C-Max, and latest Transit Connect, not to mention the all-new Lincoln MKC.
There
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Ford also spices up the Escape’s appeal by following a pattern used for its most popular F-150 pickup truck, variety. For starters there are three very fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine choices, two of which offer state of the art direct injection and turbocharging. The base transmission is a six-speed automatic with SelectShift manual mode, while both front- and all-wheel drive variants allow price and traction advantages. Pricing in mind, the least expensive S model starts at
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
That entry-level Escape S is surprisingly well equipped considering its accommodating window sticker, with standard remote access, powered windows, powered side mirrors with integrated spotter mirrors, a tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, message centre and a trip computer, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio with aux input, a rearview camera, cruise control, cool Ice Blue interior lighting, a centre floor console with armrest, an overhead console with a handy sunglasses holder, sunvisors with dual vanity mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, rear privacy glass, a rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
While my SE tester is a mid-grade model, Ford gives it some nice premium touches. For instance, the upper grille has a chrome slat spanning its width while the lower grille and side vents feature three optional chrome slats apiece, the ones at each corner integrating standard clear fog lamp/turn signal clusters instead
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Those seats looked good within the SE model’s improved interior that includes chromed door release levers, heated front seats, and a useful 110-volt power outlet in the rear, although Ford opted to upgrade this press model with its $1,300 201A package that adds a 10-way powered driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Additionally, more soft-touch synthetics than any competitor gives the Escape a premium-like ambience. The pliable surfacing covers most of the dash top and much of the instrument panel facing, right down to knee level on the left side, whereas the front doors get large soft upper sills as well as nicely padded inserts that form into comfortable armrests. Subtle use of chrome and satin silver trim spiffs up the cabin, while my
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Ahead of the driver, nice bright primary dials are filled with white backlit numerals on black faces, while brilliant blue needles add a little fashion to their function. In between, a crystal clear full colour multi-information display provides digital speed readouts, distance to fill up, trip info, instant and average fuel economy, plus more, while the infotainment touchscreen on the centre stack packs in even more functionality, with phone, navigation, entertainment and climate controls set up in Ford’s intuitive quadrant layout. The audio system is excellent, incidentally, with nice bright highs and really deep bass tones, plus all the adjustability most could ever want for. Just below, the easy to operate dual zone automatic climate control added to the overall comfort of this model, only upstaged
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Front seat comfort is very good, with ample adjustability for the driver and plenty of hip, shoulder and headroom. Likewise, rear seat spaciousness is good even when the front seat is pushed to its rearmost position. I’m five-foot-eight, the size of a medium sized teenager, and there were a few inches in front of the knees and plenty of space above my head while I had more than enough room from my hips and shoulders to the door. Additionally, a comfortable armrest with twin cupholders pulls down between the two outboard seats if the centre position isn’t in use.
Ford hasn’t missed a beat when it comes to driving dynamics either. The Escape SE feels right at home on the road, whether darting in and out of heavy traffic, leisurely cruising the freeway or managing a set of twisting turns on the way up the
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
There’s really nothing the Escape doesn’t do well, which gets me back to what was covered in the beginning of this review, how amazingly popular it is. Success doesn’t happen by accident, and the Escape is a compact CUV that’s worthy of every single one of last year’s 52,198 sales.
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