FORD ESCAPE

VEHICLE - FORD ESCAPE
REGISTRATION - 387341
LOCATION - C RING ROAD
DATE - 17.09.2008
THE PROUD OWNER/USER - NOT YET KNOWN

The Ford Escape (designated U204) is a compact SUV sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer. The Escape was sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick. It was jointly developed with Mazda, in which Ford owns a controlling interest, and was released simultaneously with the Mazda Tribute. In the United States, Ford's Mercury division released a luxury version called the Mariner starting with the 2005 model year.

A hybrid version of the Escape was released in 2004, making it the first hybrid SUV.

The Escape is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626.

The 2008 Ford Escape debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The North American-market Escape and its Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner siblings were redesigned in order to stay competitive with other new compact SUVs, however most of the internals have been carried over for the 2008 model year. The Escape still uses the CD2 platform. Ford also included an electronic stability control system standard on the 2008 Escape.

The updated Escape received some styling cues from the Explorer, Edge, and Expedition. Changes include a new grille with larger headlamps in the front fascia, while the sides were revised with cleaner lines and rounder wheel arches. The interior is also completely redesigned, including the newest standard Ford family navigation system.

A new concept version for the Asian market, called the Ford Escape Adventure Concept, was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It features a revised front and rear fascia, incorporating Ford's three-bar grill styling theme and restyled LED tail lamps.

2009 changes

At the 2008 Washington Auto Show, Ford introduced new changes to the Escape for the 2009 model year. Ford's new 6-speed 6F automatic replaced the previous 4-speed automatic on both the I4 and V6 models. The 2.3 L Duratec 23 is replaced by a new 2.5 L Duratec 25, which boosted standard power to 171 hp (128 kW) and 171 lb·ft (232 N·m) of torque, while increasing fuel economy by 1 mpg (US) (0.43 km/l/1.2 mpg imp) on both urban and extra-urban cycles. The optional 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 was thoroughly updated, resulting in a 40 hp (30 kW) increase, bringing power output to 240 hp (180 kW) and 233 lb·ft (316 N·m) of torque. The Duratec 30 also sees a 1 mpg (US) (0.43 km/l/1.2 mpg imp) fuel economy improvement.

The Hybrid is also upgraded to use the 2.5 L (albeit still using the Atkinson cycle for better fuel economy). Efficiency improved to 34 mpg (US) (14 km/l/41 mpg imp) city and 31 mpg (US) (13 km/l/37 mpg imp) highway according to the USEPA. This hybrid system will also be used in the 2009 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. The 2.5 L engine brings the Hybrid's power output up by 22 hp (16 kW) when the electric motor is added in.

Other mechanical changes include a new 18.5 mm (0.73 in) rear stabilizer bar, revised suspension tuning, a new air induction system for the 3.0 L V6, and a new exhaust system on all Escapes. The braking system for the Hybrid versions has been revised with a vacuum assist unit that reviewers have said give the brakes a consistent feel over the entire travel of the brake pedal. Previous versions of the Hybrid were reported to have a slightly mushy brake feel, primarily due to the fact that for the first part of the brake travel and braking the system is regenerating power instead of engaging the brake pads against the rotors.

Also in 2009, Ford's SYNC system is standard on the Hybrid, Hybrid Limited, and conventional Limited models, and optional on the XLS and XLT.

The Escape underwent some minor aerodynamic changes for 2009, including a revised front chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers. Another new feature is Ford's Easy-Fuel capless fuel filling system.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2009 Ford Escape, along with its cousins, the Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute, received top marks for its performance in the frontal, side, and rear crash tests. The vehicle received an overall score of "Good" in all categories and was named a "Top Safety Pick".