DriveTıme
November 16, 2012 The Delta Optimist A29
New-look Escape is packed with features DAVID CHAO & BOB MCHUGH
BY
The 2013 Ford Escape is a complete makeover that will impress even the most critical car enthusiasts. It is packed with features and drives significantly better than its predecessor, not to mention it is more fuel efficient too. A unibody platform shared with a European Ford called “Kuga” underpins the new Escape. All three engine choices have four cylinders; the V6 Escape is history. There’s also a host of technology upgrades to improve performance, safety, multi-media features and reduce its environmental impact. A 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine that offers more power plus 30 per cent better fuel economy replaces the 3.0-litre V6. Lighter and more compact, the turbocharged Ecoboost engine comes with direct fuel injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing. A smaller 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine comes in the mid trim range SE version of the Escape and the base S trim comes with a conventional, tried and true 2.5-litre, which is a holdover engine from the previous generation Escape. All engines are mated with a new six-speed automatic transmission with both sport and manual addition modes of operation. The new Escape also offers a uniquely different kind of hands-free technology. A kicking action by the key-fob holder, under the rear bumper, can open or close the power operated rear door. It’s a handy way to access the cargo area when you`re carrying something. The door opening is triggered by motion-sensing technology similar to that used in video games. Discarded plastic bottles are a major environmental pollution issue and Ford has found a way to use them in the manufacture of carpets inside the new Escape. This initiative alone is expected to recycle four million plastic bottles annually, according to Ford. In addition, all
the sound dampening and seat cushion materials are also made from recycled materials. Advanced tech features available include an active park assist system that can detect and then automatically steer the Escape into a parallel parking space. There’s also a blind spot vehicle detection system that comes with cross-traffic alert, which is a valuable aid when reversing blindly out of a parking stall. The last generation Escape was the most popular compact SUV sold in all of North America and a hybrid engine version was also available. Ford has not yet announced a hybrid successor, which is a little disappointing. Style: Quite a change from the straightforward two-box shape of the previous Escape. The new model is almost 10 per cent more aerodynamic and has an aggressive frontal appearance with shape angles, a steeply raked windshield and gaping lower grille openings. The Ecoboost engine versions also conceal an innovation behind the blacked-out lower grille. Sensor-controlled shutters regulate air entering the engine bay to improve its aero efficiency and achieve optimum fuel mileage. The new Escape’s body is lighter yet 40 per cent more rigid than its predecessor. Dual exhaust pipes are standard, the large rear door is a wrap-over design that allows a lower lift-in height, but the rear-end styling is an overly busy one to my eyes. Inside: A wrap-around cockpit greets the driver and the centre stack of the dash houses a new layout MyFordTouch. I’ve had issues with the sensitivity and function of MyFord Touch in the past, but this is arrangement is much better and looks somewhat similar to Nissan’s multi-media set-up. Rear seat legroom is pretty good and climate control in the rear is also standard in all but the base S model. Cargo space is also excellent with 97 litres
(34.3 cu ft) behind the 60/40 split rear seat. It folds completely flat at the pull of a lever by the seat cushion and increases cargo
space to 193 litres (68.1 cu ft). The rake of the rear seatback is also adjustable. See ESCAPE page 30
The 2013 Escape is more aerodynamic than previous models.
RICHMOND CHRYSLER BRINGS YOU TRUTH IN ADVERTISING FULLY LOADED ... SOME WITH NAVIGATION SYSTEMS
Chrysler Canada Advertised Caravan Price Richmond Chrysler Caravan Sale Price
$
Extra Dough for Our Loaded Van Extra per bi-weekly payment
$
SALE ENDS NOVMEBER 30
19,998 $ 25,988 5,990 $ 33
Extra equipment on ours/not theirs: FULL STOW N GO SEATING CONVENIENCE
48
• Second Row buckets with Fold flat Floor Seats • 3rd Row fold flat Floor Seats and 3rd Row Tailgate Seat
AVAILABLE
DVD PLAYER ENTERTAINMENT
• DVD player with 9” Video Screen & wireless remote controlled headphones • Touch Screen Display • 6 speaker CD/DVD/MP3/Hard Drive/Sirius Satellite Radio • Bluetooth Streaming Audio • Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls
UPGRADED CLIMATE CONTROL COMFORT • Air Conditioning with Tri-Zone Temperature Control ... left side/right side/rear • Sunscreen Glass
SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY
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We have 48 $25,988 Caravans marked down from $36,545. More than any dealer in Canada... To us it just makes sense.
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CHRYSLER•DODGE•JEEP
DL#5334
5491 PARKWOOD WAY www.richmondchryslerjeep.com
1-877-634-2065 Offer ends OCTOBER 31, 2012. OAC. Plus taxes and fees.