Third-generation Ford Escape

Just like the third-generation Ford Focus that sold globally, this all new, third generation Ford Escape is now ready to take on the world and show the rivals how does this American-made radical crossover capable of. For the first time, like the upcoming Fusion which will sold in the world market as the new Mondeo, the new Ford Escape will be sold as the new Kuga. This is part of the ONE FORD approach. The Ford design executive director of Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa, Martin Smith, said "Escape's athletic good looks are no accident. We wanted to create the impression of an athlete like a runner or swimmer in the new body - right down to the defined muscles that convey movement and energy."

2013 Ford Escape

Despite the athletic design, think of this as a third-generation Focus that has the back of the Hyundai Tucson iX because the front view does look like the new Focus while most of the body really look like the Hyundai Tucson iX! Who would knew such a thing? It's like some of the designers are Asian Americans! Anyway, I think this new model looks a bit more "Made in USA" rather than being a Tucson wannabe and it really looks, um...well let's be honest, feisty. That's right. It's a very feisty crossover you can park with pride at Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall.

2013 Ford Escape interior

On the interior, the Ford design DNA really spills it out on the new Ford Escape. A rather typical Ford interior, like the ones you seen at the Fiesta and the new Focus, provides a kinetic expression for the driver in each and every angle. Interior colors include Charcoal Black on Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black on Medium Light Stone. (Depending on the exterior color) The Ford Escape accommodates up to five people and with the rear seats folded down, it provides enhanced cargo capacity — 68.1 cu. ft. of space for luggage concerns. If you go for Ford's SYNC powered by Microsoft, you can take advantage of its eight-inch LCD center touch screen, a four-inch LCD screen located on the instrument cluster, dual USB ports and Wi-Fi® capability. SYNC allows you to use voice recognition, listening to music, hands-free calling, integrated SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, EcoRoute, and everything to keep you interested while driving the new Escape. An optional Sony Audio System features 390 watts of power, 12 high-quality premium speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer. This is all about innovation made to achieve new heights.

2013 Ford Escape

The entry-level engine for the new Escape was the 2.5L Duratec iVCT I-4 engine that produces 168HP of power, 170lb.-ft of torque, 9.7:1 of compression ratio, and EPA estimated fuel mileage of 22 City / 31 Hwy. If you're not into this, you are now opted to choose one of two newly developed engines for the first time available for the new Ford Escape. First up, the 1.6L EcoBoost Ti-VCT GTDI I-4 engine that produces 178HP of power, 184lb.-ft of torque, 10.1:1 of compression ratio, and fuel mileage of 23 City / 33 Hwy. Lastly, the new 2.0L EcoBoost Ti-VCT GTDI I-4 engine produces 240HP of power, 270lb.-ft of torque, 9.3:1 of compression ratio, and fuel economy of 22 City / 30 Hwy. All of those are fitted with the 6-speed SelectShift transmission. EcoBoost-equipped Escapes do come with the optional Intelligent 4WD System that monitors traction and cornering conditions every 16 milliseconds and automatically adjusting torque distribution where needed. It comes with Torque Vectoring Control that enhances the G's by transferring torque to the wheels that have the most grip, making handling a bit more agile like a lightweight hatchback. This is like a big fat Focus but feeling like on a South Beach diet!

The new 3rd generation Escape comes with the active park assist, like most Fords, that allows the car to park by itself, making parking a hassle-free for the driver who's getting to have his or her neck broken for spending most of the time turning his or her head to the rear side. Hands-free parking is the same thing you'd expect from the SPAS fitted on modern Hyundais! Who would knew such a thing?! Another safety feature is the optional BLIS® with cross-traffic alert that detects blind zones and alerts you to incoming cross traffic while you are slowly backing out of a driveway or parking spot.

Available colors are; Ginger Ale, Tuxedo Black, Deep Impact Blue, Frosted Glass, Ingot Silver, Kodiak Brown, Oxford White, Ruby Red, Sterling Gray, and White Platinum.

My comment:

The design of the all new 2013 Escape really makes you want to park with pride outside Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall but sorry. This isn't for you. There are a lot of other cars who can do the job much better. But the Ford team chose another route to show the Escape's true potential. Nope, it's not the streets of Sydney, not the Italian autostrada, not the Autobahn, and neither is the Swiss. It's TRANSFAGARASAN. Yep, Transfagarasan highway. I really wish I want to put the new Ford Escape on the twists and turns of Transfagarasan, just to show how good it really is thanks to its Torque Vectoring Control and the optional 4WD.

With this whole Transfagarasan idea wasn't part of my imagination, this new Escape may have as well park with pride at the suburbs or at the kiddie playground. Sadly then, it's cool if you're a soccer or a tiger mom. Prices start from 22,795 up to 30,695 US Dollars so on paper, the base model is much more affordable than the idiotic Chevy Equinox! To be clear; IT'S CHEAPER THAN THE NEW EQUINOX!! STICK WITH IT!

Photo: Ford Motor Company