Ford Escape Reviews

The impressive locally designed and built Territory is attracting rave reviews, well ahead of its official on-sale date of June 1.Its arrival comes hot on the heels of similar praise for German-built Ford Fiesta, which is amongst the best small cars under $20,000.In between these class-leading models, the blue oval has also weighed into the compact SUV market with a four-cylinder Escape.A close relative of the Mazda Tribute, Escape has mild styling, specification and pricing changes for the V6 models to breathe life into sales of the small soft roader.But its the new four-cylinder that will attract most customer attention especially because of its introductory price of $29,990 – $2000 off the official price.This and the four-cylinder engine pit Escape directly against smaller compact SUVs like CR-V, Forester and X-Trail. It's also thousands of dollars less than its twin from Mazda.Ford could have introduced a four-cylinder engine when Escape was launched three years ago, but they chose to reject the engine that was available at the time.It was an under-powered two litre variant and that decision has been justified by the lack of buyer interest shown in Tribute models carrying that unit.The new 2.3 four cylinder has good performance with commendable fuel economy.That is great news for Ford because four-cylinder engines account for about 80 per cent of sales in the compact SUV segment.As a result, Ford is expecting to boost Escape sales significantly with this new unit.Maximum power of 108kW is reached at 6000rpm while peak torque is a useful 201Nm at 4500rpm.Plant the foot on the accelerator pedal and the new engines variable intake system ensures it responds spiritedly all the way through the low and mid ranges.There is no need to push the rev counter beyond about 5000rpm and not much really happens up there anyway, except that the engine starts to sound a little harsh.It is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, with column-shift system. Ford does not offer a manual gearbox.Handling benefits from the lower weight of the new engine compared with the 3.0-litre V6. The 2.3-litre Escape is well balanced.Turn-in is sharp and there is a good on-centre feel.The Escape's on-demand all-wheel drive system is unchanged, but there are refinements to dampers and anti-roll bar links as the result of local testing.Four-cylinder Escape comes with a new mechanical brake-assist system, while the material used for brake pads across the range has been improved to reduce noise and wear.The Escape range now consists of the four-cylinder XLS, plus V6-powered XLS,XLT and Limited models.The interior package has been updated and all models now offer better value with equipment upgrades either with price reductions or, at worst, no additional charge.Early indications are that the public has responded to the introduction of the four-cylinder XLS Escape – a vehicle with a willing engine and tempting value for money.

If you just arrived on Planet Earth, let me inform you that the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape are practically the same vehicles.This may amaze you, but equally, the fact that you're from another planet will guarantee to take my breath away.But back to 4WDs. Both are soft-roader wagons with similar mechanical bits and a mid-sized body that will seat four adults – but better for two or three kids – and some luggage.It is, in fact, the EH or HR Holden of the 1960s, but with seatbelts and airbags.You may add that the latest wagons also have 4WD so they go anywhere. Obviously you never met my father at the wheel of the HR wagon because he made that thing go everywhere.The Ford Escape picks up on the Mazda theme with a taut body and neatly structured looks, a pleasant and simple cabin and the versatility of folding rear seats.It adds the welcome feature of a flip-up rear glass window, independent of the lift-up hatch. This trick is also common to the Mazda Tribute and another of my favourites, the Kia Sorento.What we have now is a compact 4WD with handy ideas suited perfectly to its major buyer, the urban warrior who has duties at school, the shopping centre and the hell of early morning Mitchell Freeway commuting.Ford and Mazda have been keen to publicise their lusty V6 engine, but this time we're testing the four-cylinder version.Straight up, I'd buy the 2.3-litre four-cylinder over the V6.After three hours getting very dirty near York on a gravel off-road track and then coping with city traffic, the 2.3-litre with four-speed automatic gearbox took it all with ease.The engine – a derivative of that in the Mazda6 and Mazda3 SP23 – boasts strong low-end torque and a free-revving nature.It also got 9.8-litres/100km which was a lot better than the V6. Everything else in the Escape is similar to the V6 version.The drivetrain is front drive with a viscous coupling that connects the rear wheels.If the front wheels lose some grip, this coupling sends power to the rear. It'll do this up to a 50:50 split between front axle and rear axle.That's pretty much on par with the "soft roader" industry but the Ford Escape gets better by allowing the driver to lock in this 50:50 split merely by pressing a dashboard button. It allows the wagon to drive more confidently on gravel roads and spells some level of assurance in soft sand.This is one of the best soft-roader compact 4WDs in the sand but I'd temper that by saying that you shouldn't travel without backup. The tyres have to be deflated and the boot needs the addition of recovery gear.The Escape is appreciated because of its uncluttered simplicity.It is as easy as a Corolla to drive, has excellent visibility, is very comfortable and even feels sporty through the country road corners.