The new Ford Escape has arrived and joins Ford’s expanding SUV line-up. The Ford Escape is one of the most technologically-advanced SUVs in New Zealand, with five-star safety and improved fuel efficiency.
“We are thrilled with the new Escape joining our line up,” said Simon Rutherford, Ford New Zealand Managing Director.
“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.”
Style
The New Escape features Ford’s latest design language for a bold, smart look that is shared with other Ford SUVs, including the all-new Edge arriving in New Zealand in 2018. The Escape’s large upper trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille are flanked by sleek new headlamps incorporating daytime running lights complemented by functional, stylish fog lamps.
“We know from customer feedback and research that vehicle design and style are key factors in the car buying decision process,” said Jeremy Nash, Marketing Manager, Ford New Zealand.
“In many cases, it’s actually the top consideration which is why we’re particularly excited about the new Escape. In addition to being a very capable, functional SUV with a fantastic suite of smart technologies, it’s also a vehicle that will turn heads wherever its driven.”
Restyled taillights complete the smart exterior look while a new range of 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs and two new colours will also be on offer.
Smart and intuitive interior
Steeped in SUV expertise from around the Ford world, Escape’s designers’ objective was to combine stylish form with everyday function for the interior of the SUV.
“Our designers went to great lengths to ensure the vehicle and its many different features, large and small, are smart yet provide welcome benefits to even daily routines,” said Nash.
“The Hands-Free Power Tailgate on the Titanium for example is something customers have really grown to appreciate. No matter what you might find filling your arms - sports gear, shopping bags or a toddler or two - the Power Tailgate can save the day.”
Escape drivers will find an array of new convenience features making the vehicle very user-friendly, including ISOFIX anchorage-points, an electronic parking brake, improved storage in the centre console, rear tray tables on the Titanium and rear air-vents on all models.
SYNC 3 standard on all Escapes
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 – standard across the Escape range.
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, SYNC 3 will find nearby cafés. Other simple voice commands can also find petrol stations or car parks, train stations, airports, and hotels.
SYNC 3 can then guide the driver to the selected destination via the embedded navigation that’s standard across the Escape range. 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. A new interface features larger, easier to operate buttons and enables pinch and swipe gestures for the first time.
Sophisticated technology for simpler, safer parking
The new Ford Escape also now offers New Perpendicular Parking functionality enhances the semi-autonomous Active Park Assist technology. Using additional ultrasonic sensors, Perpendicular Parking at the push of a button enables drivers to locate parking spaces alongside other cars as well as parallel to the road, and steers the vehicle into them while the driver controls the accelerator and brake.
The New Ford Escape: Recommended Retail Pricing and Features
Ford Escape Ambiente
1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6-speed automatic $37,990
1.5L EcoBoost AWD 6-speed automatic $40,990
Ford Escape Trend
1.5L EcoBoost FWD 6-speed automatic $41,990
2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6-speed automatic $44,990
2.0L TDCi AWD 6-speed automatic $46,490
New Ford Escape Titanium
2.0L EcoBoost AWD 6-speed automatic $53,490
2.0L TDCi AWD 6-speed automatic $54,990