Kit list gets a boost, and range picks up a sporty model.
Ford has updated its sharply-styled Escape family SUV, and added a raft of kit and even a new variant to the lineup. The big news is that autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is now standard across the range, including the new ST-Line variant that will land in September.
As a result of the AEB inclusion, the Ambiente and Trend variants have had their prices moved upwards by $500. However, the AEB inclusion means that the Technology Pack (which bundles active cruise control, collision warning, lane-keep assist and tyre-pressure monitoring now only costs $800, marking a $500 reduction than the pre-revision model.
The base Ambiente ($28,990 – 2WD MT, $30,490 – FWD AT, $33,490 – AWD AT) also gains 17-inch alloys in place of the rather dour steelies that previously graced the model. Engines remain the same though, with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost mill with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. While both powertrains share a 240Nm torque figure, power differs: 110kW on the manual Escape Ambiente, and 134kW on the automatic version.
Trend models ($33,490 – 1.5 FWD AT, $36,490 – 2.0 AWD AT, $38,990 – 2.0 Diesel AWD AT) get not only the 1.5-Ecoboost mill, but also a 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol with 178kW and 345Nm, as well as a 2.0-litre TDCi turbodiesel mill with 132kW and 400Nm.
Above the trend is the new ST-Line model, which comes with a raft of unique touches to denote its more driver-focused character. There are 18-inch alloys, finished in black, as well as fog light surrounds, rear diffuser, and a front grille all finished in black to make it look more menacing. Power here comes exclusively from the 2.0-litre EcoBoost mill, so there’s 178kW and 345Nm under your right foot.
Additionally, the Escape ST-Line adds bits to really improve driver involvement. The suspension sits 10mm lower and features stiffer spring rates, to reduce body roll. There are also thicker anti-roll bars to further that pursuit too. Inside, the driver-focused theme continues with leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, a unique ST steering wheel, ST-branded scuff plates and formats, as well as steel pedals. All very nice.
ST-Line models get things like keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, and can be optioned to include the previously-mentioned Technology pack.
The range tops off with the Escape Titanium (2.0 AWD AT – $45,480, 2.0 TDCI AWD AT – $48,340) which gets the full gamut of safety gear, while its Technology pack adds collision warning, lane-keep assist, and tyre pressure monitoring for $800. All Escapes will come with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, with the revised models making their showroom entrances in September.
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