The vehicle is very responsive despite only having a 4-speed automatic transmission. Max power is at 115kw (157ps) at 6,000 rpm and max torque is at 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The engine which is based on Ford’s Duratec series is a 2,261cc transversely mounted in-line 4 cylinder DOHC with 16V Variable Valve Timing. Start the engine and you are greeted with a relatively silent powerplant idling at about 600-700 rpm. Nevertheless, buttons and dials are at places where you would expect them to be and together with the two toned contrast of the dashboard give a pleasing appearance. The dashboard is well thought out with a prominent LCD display (cold blue illumination) at the centre. The driver sits in a high position with commanding views of the front, and good views of the side and rear. The vehicle provided generous amounts of interior space and leg room for front and rear passengers. Once seated, the leather seats are firm comfortable and provided good support. Getting in and out of the vehicle was easy and did not require a great deal of effort even though it has one of the highest ground clearance in its class at 200mm. Other standard features include leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with multifunction buttons, electric powered sunroof, roof rails, fog lights, reverse sensors, foldable side mirrors with indicator lights, cruise control, 6 CD / MP3 player, immobilizer, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control and an automated 4×4 system known as Control Trac II. For a start the vehicle has a host of safety features which include driver, front passenger and side airbags, 4 wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, side impact beams, seatbelt pretensioners and a unibody safety structure for optimum protection upon impact. The sampled model which is the 2.3L 4×4 XLT is a well specified vehicle and has a generous list of features that can easily match or better its costlier competitors. Three optional colours are available, ie diamond white, infra red and panther black. The 4×4 model is imported as a complete built up (CBU) unit from the Philippines. Currently only 4×4 model is available with plans to bring in the 4×2 model at a later date. There are two models of the Escape for the Malaysian market, ie the 2.3L 4×4 XLT and the 2.3L 4×2 XLS. LEDs are incorporated into the tail lamps for better visibility. The previous four stripe vertical design is replaced with a horizontal two stripe design. The tail lamps have also been redesigned. The front bumpers are mould to fit the shape of the vehicle completing a streamlined profile. In the latest model, Ford has opted to replace the prominent three bar horizontal grill at the front with a honeycomb pattern in response to customer feedback. Overall, it appears to be slightly more aerodynamic. The Escape was again enhanced recently with further design changes at the front.ĭesign wise, the vehicle did not change significantly from the First Generation model. Since then, Ford launched the Second Generation unit in mid 2009 with some design changes and improved specs. The vehicle provided an alternative, pitting itself against popular SUVs from Japan and South Korea. The Escape which is Ford’s foray into the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market in Malaysia was first launched in 2001. Some of the popular models that graced the Malaysian roads in recent times included the Escort, Laser, Telstar, Ranger, Lynx and Focus. The Ford Malaysia website has a chronology of the company’s illustrious history in Malaysia dating back to the 1920’s. The Ford brand name is well established and is among the pioneers of the car industry in Malaysia.
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