[Equalizer1]

Wow Eddie - that's AWESOME, man!! I did manage to get the 6%-thingy worked
out but thought it was manageable ..... does this mean that those guys
who, for example, run 18" wheels on their BMW 318's run the same risk??

If this is so, then I guess I should stick to 225/60 17" - have you any
idea whether this size is available locally?? Thanks Eddie!!

[eddievh]

If the size that you have chosen is under-read(Bigger Diameter) then you
run the risk that i said earlier.

[ashabmy]

that means if you want bigger rim, you have to use low profile tyre? just like some of
new RAV4.

225/70 & 225/60 won't give much different in diameter, or may not give any different?

BTW according to Ford statement, 15" 225/70 is the most suitable & comfort tyre for
Escape..... so if you change it, will have to sacrifice a bit on riding comfort?

[eddievh]

http://www.sgmotorsp...om/tiresize.htm

Try to use the program & choose the most suitable size for your Escape. If
possible try to avoid bigger dia coz escape gear ratio is so tall 100km/h
@ 2000RPM using bigger dia combi will burden the engine even more.

[ashabmy]

Chips,

Read your article on your Escape clocked 50K KM.

Very good review especially for me which mine is still at 10K KM. At least I know how is
Escape performance b4 I reach 50K KM.

I am totally agree with Chips' comment on Ford Conc attitude towards customers. Very
friendly & profesional. I though the mechanic & manager were trying to be nice to me
b'coz I bought 2 Fords (Focus & Escape) from them...... BUT it is actually the way Ford is
doing their job, anywhere. I really salute them.....

Yes, all car manufacturers will never produce 100% perfect car, but the way they treat
customer when it comes to any problem...... Ford is just doing very well! quick respond,
friendly & profesional............

So glad I made the RIGHT decision to switch from Proton to 2 Fords!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chips]

You know, that personal article was pretty objective but some strange
fellow wrote me a note just now that I had 'done a good job of sabotaging
the RAV4' and to 'be smarter next time' (presumably meaning that I should
not do such things to the RAV4).

I don't see how there is any connection to the RAV4 in any negative way
and as many people know, I would have liked to change to a RAV4 again
after my first one, but at the time I wanted, it cost RM65K more than an
Escape. Even today, it is still RM20K more. It's a good vehicle and I
like the fact that it has permanent 4WD but brand loyalty can only go so
far when my own personal money is concerned.

[Equalizer1]

Great that you are still enjoying yours after 50k, Chips - may I add one
note, the plastics used on the Escape is definitely of very high quality.
This was a key consideration for me when I made my decision back then. It
is remarkable that they can use so much plastic on the huge dashboard
assembly but yet not look "plasticky".

I find that the RAV4 is merely a Kia Sportage size, visually ....

[Chips]

A plastics specialist told me that the specifications can be the same but
appearances are different, depending on the texture. In the old days,
most manufacturers went for just the smooth appearance but now there is
such a thing as feel and depending on the experience of the designers,
the same type of plastic can look cheap or expensive.

Mr Ikehata, the chief engineer of the RAV4, told me once that it was a
deliberate thing not to make the 2nd gen RAV4 bigger than the first. He
felt that the size was right and focussed on being more creative with
space utilisation inside.

However, for the Escape, cabin size was a key objective. If you read the
development story I wrote 2 years ago, you will find out more about this
and how the Japanese team wanted to fit two bicycles in but the American
team wanted to be able to carry those long pieces of plank from DIY
stores. So height and length were both incorporated, making for a rather
large cabin - a bit more than even the CR-V.

The CR-V does win points on clever ideas, though, but then again, it has
always done that. The seat folding system is very ingenious and they also
have a slot in the floor to stow the rolled-up cover neatly.

[Equalizer1]

My friend - could I ask a favour? Seeing that the Zetec engine is actually
the same as that used on the Focus, I am sure there are tweaks
available .... chipping the car or hot cams etc etc.

After all, this will augur well for the "Built Tough" image of Ford
Malaysia too - come on, I am sure more Escape owners out there are hungry
for power too!! With the right torque, the Escape will become even more of
a lifestyle vehicle .... Ashabmy will be pleased, cos he has both
models!!

[Chips]

Yes, it is a Zetec engine but I think that there are many different
things about the engine used in the Focus and the one in the Escape that
the tweaks for the Focus may not be applicable to the Escape. I have
asked Ford Malaysia people to check out what's available, but they say
there are no performance options.