Ford Escape has always been the most popular compact SUV in United States and neighbor countries. As a matter of fact, it was a top seller in the recent “cash-for-clunkers” program, according to U.S. Transportation Department tallies--the only SUV to make the top 10. In a region with very large population, you can be sure that this car is really wonderful.Ford Motor Company first introduced this sensational vehicle in 2000 as a 2001 model. It's body style is 4-door SUV. Ford Escape layout carries a front engine, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. It has a Ford CD2 platform and is related to Mercury Mariner happened in 2005 model. Mazda got into the situation when they choose to help develop the vehicle. At that time, Ford owned a controlling interest. And so, the Mazda tribute was born. In Europe, Ford Escape is sold as Ford Maverick.
In 2004, the Ford Escape hybrid was given birth. This one is a hybrid electric vehicle that is 75% more fuel-efficient than the original Escape. It also offers a 110 volt AC (150 watt) plug-in outlet, for powering small household accessories, as an option. Since then, the Ford Escape Hybrid overshadowed the original Escape and took the glam light among SUV lovers.
Now, Ford Motor Companyis about to unravel another dazzling Escape. This new incredible thing is called the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid or Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid. This one will hit the showroom by 2012, but the creation and enhancement has been started as early as last year. The 2012 version has undergone several changes that include styling, mechanical aspects, features, fuel and of course, price. There are now 20 tests versions currently tested in utility company fleets in California, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Quebec, Canada. About 130 more will be produced for testing.
With the 2012 Ford Escape, what you will get is a clean-sheet redesign.
On the styling, it is designed by Ford's European arm that followed the company's new kinetic styling themes, characterized by a big lower grille, swept-back headlamps, blacked-out window frames, and strongly defined wheel arches. And also, it now has a longer wheelbase and taller roofline for increased head room.
On the mechanical aspects, basic design will be sold in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere with only minor changes to suit individual markets. This new Escape is an evolution of the Mazda 3 design. It still has front-wheel drive, though it will also accommodate all-wheel drive for high-performance models and for compact crossover utility vehicles, along with ylinder engines. It also has an engine with 2.0-liter that Ford estimates at 155 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or Ford’s new PowerShift transmission, which is actually a state-of-the art six-speed dual-clutch manual gearbox that performs like an automatic.Added and enhanced features are mostly felt on the interior of the vehicle. There will be upscale features as a high-tech dashboard that supplements conventional audio and climate controls with liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and cell phone-style five-way buttons and keypads. Called MyFord, it’s customizable and governed via steering wheel controls or voice commands. The basic system uses a pair of 4.2-inch LCD screens, one in front of the driver for main instruments, the other atop the center console to display and adjust climate and infotainment functions. Higher-cost versions have an 8-inch central screen. MyFord is designed to work with Ford’s Microsoft-developed Sync system of hands-free connectivity for communications, navigation, and entertainment services.