Auto Connexion Launches New Ford Escape SUV
Kuala Lumpur, June 10, 2009 – Hot on the heels of the new Focus hatchback and sedan and the new Ranger 4X4 pick-up truck, Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd (Auto ConneXion) has launched yet another new Ford model for the local market.
The new Ford Escape 2.3 XLT comes with totally new body, and with a ‘softer’ look that should appeal to the urbanite who can use it as a dual purpose vehicle,; as a daily driver during weekdays, and as a family outing vehicle during weekends. However the soft look does not in any way diminish the Escape’s off-road capabilities in any way, although it must be admitted that it is not one of those ‘hard core’-capable vehicles like the Ford Ranger. The new model also comes with some interesting new features, mostly in the area of passive and active safety.
The new Ford Escape 2.3 XLT won the Car of the Year Award for Best SUV Petrol at the recent 2009 Bangkok International Motor Show. Top Gear Indonesia has also named it the Best SUV (Gasoline).
The engine is based on Ford’s popular Duratec series, with an output of 146 PS (107 kW) from the 2.3-litre capacity. VVT (Variable Valve Timing) is a new feature, and improves the fuel consumption to a claimed 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The transmission remains a 4-speed automatic, not so hot, considering that the rest of the world is moving to 5 speeds, but with a 0.700 overdrive 4th gear it helps fuel economy. On the other side of the coin, keeping the specifications lower means that the new Ford Escape can be priced at RM134,837 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM138,337 in Sabah and Sarawak (excluding road tax, insurance and registration.)
“We are delighted to introduce the new Escape in Malaysia so soon after the launch of the new Focus and new Ranger. Offering a winning combination of everyday comfort, driving ease and the capability for adventure, this latest version of the Escape with its refreshing new style is the perfect choice for the spontaneous and adventurous urbanite,” said Dato’ Lawrence Lee, Executive Vice-President of Sime Darby Motors Division.
“The new Escape is both tough and refined, and that’s key to its fun and sporty appeal in any environment,” according to chief designer Paul Gibson. “It feels sleeker and more streamlined, like it’s slipping through the air, and the profile is faster without compromising the robustness, durability and capability that Escape has always stood for,” he added.
There are extensive design changes to the Escape exterior, including a new front, fenders, bumpers and a tailgate, as well as additional revisions to key details of the popular Ford compact SUV’s design. These include new front fog lamps, headlamps, alloy wheels, grille treatment, wheel arches, door cladding, tailgate and tail lamps.
Underneath its new skin, the Ford Escape is well suited to the city life with the durability to survive outdoor adventures.
“From the outset of the development program for the new Escape, preserving its unique dual capabilities has been at the core of our engineering approach,” said Hiroaki Hashimoto, product development programs director, Asia Pacific and Africa, Ford Motor Company. “We’ve retained all of the strengths, ruggedness and durability that have made Escape a legend in its segment. Outstanding 4×4 capability is at the top of that list,” he added.
Good ground clearance of 200mm and 16-inch wheels hold the new Escape up high, and owners will be confident even when facing our perennial flash floods in the city. Larger, more pronounced wheel arches are another Ford DNA element that is magnified on the new Escape. The addition of body-coloured wheel arch mouldings provides a more sophisticated look.
The new Escape features a new, two-piece tail lamp design that incorporates the lamp unit into the tailgate and rear bumper to the full extend of Escape’s bodyside waistline contour. The new LED tail lamp incorporates reversing lights into its design.
The new Escape XLT has an approach angle of 28.5 degrees and a departure angle of 30 degrees.
Towing capacity remains unchanged at 750kg unbraked, which increases to 1000kg for braked loads.
The front is equipped with MacPherson struts while the rear comes with a multi-link arrangement, with disc brakes at the front and rear. 215/70R16 tyres are standard.
Safety has also been boosted, thanks to the inclusion of front seat side/head thorax airbags as standard. Additional standard-fit safety and creature-comfort features include Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), cruise-control and automatic climate control.
