Ford lets loose new-gen SUV
Ford Australia will finally enter the electric vehicle market with the new-generation Escape mid-size SUV, expected in showrooms in 2020 topped by a plug-in hybrid variant.
Propulsion comes from a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor that combine to produce 165kw of power. Ford is yet to disclose a torque figure.
The company revealed a 14.4kwh lithium-ion battery meant the electrified Escape would deliver emissionsfree driving range in excess of 50 kilometres.
Drivers will also be able to choose how to use the Escape plug-in’s electric power through four selectable modes – EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge.
According to a European press release, the plug-in Escape can be recharged in about four hours with a household 230-volt electrical supply.
Fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are projected to be 1.2 litres per 100km and 29 grams per kilometre respectively.
For now, the plug-in hybrid is the only powertrain confirmed for Escape in Australia, but overseas markets will also have access to a 2.0-litre Ecoblue diesel mild-hybrid powertrain that
features a 48-volt battery and beltdriven starter-generator, returning an expected 5.0L-100km fuel consumption figure.
A full-hybrid version is also available internationally, powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor combo that is expected to sip just 5.6L-100km.
The remainder of the Escape range could be bulked out with a pair of 1.5-litre Ecoboost three-cylinder petrol engines, in 88kw or 110kw tunes, and two Ecoblue diesel motors, a 140kw 2.0 litre and 88kw 1.5 litre.
Electrified powertrains would be paired exclusively to an automatic transmission, while six-speed manual and eight-speed auto transmissions are available elsewhere.
Regardless of which engine mix arrives in Australian showrooms, the new-generation Escape now shares the Focus’s C2 platform, affording it 10 percent more torsional stiffness and up to 90kg less weight.
Measuring 4613mm long, 1882mm wide and with a 2710mm wheelbase, the new-gen Escape is enlarged by 89mm, 44mm and 20mm respectively.
However, the mid-size SUV is also now 20mm lower at 1689mm.
Ford is promising greater interior space and improved cargo are flexibility, with extra shoulder, hip and headroom for occupants in both rows.
Although Ford Australia is still to lock in speciation, overseas versions will be available with wireless smartphone charging, 8.0-inch Sync 3 infotainment touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, electric tailgate and Bang and Olufsen sound system.
Safety equipment overseas extends to speed sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, surround-view monitor, lane-keep assist, pre-collision assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with idle-stop functionality, head-up display and automatic headlights.
Ford Australia and New Zealand president and chief executive Kay Hart said the local market’s appetite for high-riding wagons made the plugin Escape a natural choice to bring to market.
“We’re proud to bring the first of our global electrified vehicles to Australian customers in the stylish and capable all-new Escape,” she said.
“Australians continue to embrace SUVS, which is why we are introducing our first plug-in hybrid powertrain with this vehicle.”