|
|
||
The Escape is neither the best seller nor the worst seller in it's class. But in a class where the best sellers are powered by 4-cylinder engines, Ford has been at a distinct disadvantage by offering a 6-cylinder model. To counter this, Ford has increased the choice of models in the Escape range by the inclusion of two 2.3 litre 4-cylinder models. There's XLS and there's XLT. It's a 4-cylinder Escape XLS which we road test here. The Escape XLS 4-cylinder model is the base model. This version is priced from $31,990. The test car was coloured Mediterranean Blue, which is one of the optional metallic finishes (this added $120 to the price). So the total price, as tested, was $32,110 plus the traditional on-road costs. There's not a lot of luxury with the XLS but at such a fairly reasonable price you shouldn't hear any complaints as standard equipment includes 4-speed automatic transmission, power steering, independent suspension, front disc brakes (anti- lock with EBD), on-demand 4WD (press button), two air bags upfront, air conditioning, power windows, CD player and roof racks. It's a package which provides all that is neccessary for this type of sport utility vehicle. The Next Car team had this car for just 5 days, yet we managed to do 1,293 kms in this time. Obviously there was no hestitation in the team using the car! Based in Melbourne on this occasion, we managed to drive out to Mt Donna Buang twice, to experience the snow twice! We also did a quick trip to Ballarat. We found it was a pleasure to drive the Escape.  Click the image for a larger view |
 Click the image for a larger view What makes it so pleasurable is the roomy interior and the suitable performance level. For much of the time, we had 4 people on board. It proved roomy for all four adults and yet the performance was still quite suitable. You wouldn't say excitable performance, but clearly it was suitable and most certainly adequate. The comfort level is good and being an SUV you get good vision all-round. There are two surprises with the Escape though. The first is the incredibly smooth automatic transmission. It's first class! The next surprise for me is the realisation that the Escape, in my opinion, is a better car in 2-wheel drive rather that 4WD! Have I opened a can of worms in making this suggestion? Contact me by the e-mail link if I have done just that! Fuel consumption is rated at 10.3l/100km, although we did no tests to confirm that rating. We have road tested a V6 Escape Limited previously. You can read that road test here. You'll see that we enjoyed the Escape last time and once again we've enjoyed it! Yes, two out of two can't be all bad! The Escape pleases its occupants by providing a spacious interior, a good driving position and suitable performance. Yet it does so without any vices. Now that a choice of two 4-cylinder models and three V6 models exists, I suspect Ford will be selling more and more Escapes, as the market for this type of vehicles is expanding and the market seems to want 4-cylinders. Stephen Walker | |
SUBSCRIBE to our free weekly newsletter here
by, simply, sending a blank e-mail.
And, yes, Ford news does appear regularly.
Copyright © 2004. All rights reserved.