2013 Ford Escape Titanium More than an evolution

The compact SUV from Ford, which is technically a crossover, made his debut in 2000 as a 2001 model. The Escape employing a CD2 platform jointly developed with Mazda (Tribute to model), came to compete against mainly Japanese exponents as Toyota management with a proposal very similar to a car with its monocoque chassis, independent suspension on both axles and rack and pinion steering. The first-generation Escape unlike her older sisters, Explorer and Expedition was lighter, comfortable and better ride quality.

In 2008 we introduced the second generation, using the same platform as the previous model, opting for a more square and aligned to the rest of the family Ford SUVs and also incorporating technologies such as ESP. A year later he won the 2.5-liter engine, six-speed automatic transmission, center screen for the navigation system and the system info - SYNC voice-activated entertainment.

Under the Los Angeles Motor Show 2011, Ford introduced the third generation of the Escape to hit the market this year as a 2013 model, now using the Focus platform and becoming a global compact SUV as it replaces the Kuga in Europe for well become the same product in North America and in Europe. Among the big news is the attractive design that leaves the square shapes for fluid and dynamic design that is based on the Vertrek Concept.

The 2013 Ford Escape offers not only a brand new design, but benefits from a number of technologies that undoubtedly placed in an excellent position to continue to defend the good name that has both in the U.S. and other markets. Some of these developments are the new Ecoboost engine that replaces the 2.0 V6 engine and MyFord Touch is an evolution of SYNC, among many others. Perhaps the only question is whether all this freshness and innovation will be stronger in the consumer's mind that the inevitable increase in prices.

Fuel Economy: 10.63 km / l combined


Technical and Mechanical

Although the base is the same engine 2.5-liter outgoing model, the top end (which was the version tested) features a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost (turbo direct injection) that delivers 240 hp and 270 lb-ft at 3.000 rpm to the front axle through a traditional automatic transmission with six changes manually. Although the U.S. market to be offered a system of four-wheel drive as an option, for other markets may not be available. It also highlights the fact that Ford has opted for a traditional automatic transmission instead of the dual clutch Powershift using Fiesta and Focus.

At the premiere platform for the first time in 12 years, the Escape now is 3.4 inches longer and 1.3 inches wider and 1.6 lower, while the total weight of 1,629 kg

On the safety side, ABS, stability control and airbags are now required equipment in this segment, however the reverse camera deployment in central screen, automatic parking system Park Assist BLIS (Blind Spot Information System ), Cross Traffic Alert, which is a system that is moving the car into reverse indicates if a car is moving through the lane perpendicular-(very useful to get the car to a parking space for example), are extras which is well appreciated in this Escape 2013.

Additionally, Ford has incorporated some of the technology being developed for sustainable manufacturing cars. For example, the 2013 uses Escape carpets made of recycled PET bottles and some of the noise insulating used are natural and recycled fibers instead of petroleum-based foams.


Comfort

The new interior of the 2013 Ford Escape (which is extremely similar to the current Focus) has evolved light years compared to its predecessor, not only about the design but the quality of materials and assembly as well as the incorporation of all incurred gadgets and for making this cabin a completely different experience to what we are used to in the segment.

It is also true that for some futurism of the center console and plenty of buttons can be overwhelming, but just use the car a bit to realize that many of the controls are redundant and much of the available features of MyFord Touch, computer trip, climate, etc., can be manipulated: the steering wheel, the center console or touchscreen, greatly facilitating the interaction with different systems and making quite ergonomic.

The seats covered in a combination of leather and fabric are comfy, offering excellent lateral support and rigidity. Also the space in the rear bench is very good, easily surpassing exponents as selling Honda CR-V. Also the load space is 971 liters, while the mechanism for folding seats and get a good space to 1.928 liters plane requires no effort and is easy to use.

Another detail that will not go unnoticed is the new panoramic sunroof that allows light with natural light throughout the cabin, but contrary to what some other competitors offer incorporates a solid curtain that effectively isolates the sun.

Perhaps you might think it is too, but the Open Sesame system that opens the tailgate with just the foot under the rear fascia when the vehicle recognizes the key, will save many inconvenience when we take your hands full.

Management

Behind the wheel this third generation Ford Escape is a totally different experience than its predecessor. The first thing we noticed when rolling a few meters is the extraordinary sound insulation, not filtered wind noise, bearing or road imperfections, still rolling at high speeds.

The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is great, virtually no delay in delivery by the turbo power and torque is available from very low revs. The automatic transmission is extremely smooth and utilized optimally torque curve that certainly should be mentioned, because it is a turbo engine is very flat, there is a clear gain in refinement having chosen this transmission instead of the Powershift Dual clutch, especially at low speeds.

The Escape is not only quiet and comfortable, but with just a little step on the accelerator pedal lets us know it has plenty of power for any situation that may arise, joyous rhythms roll is now a pleasure thanks to the strong power delivery offered.

Perhaps the only system that served slightly below the rest of everyone else is the brake, that although full compliance could be a little better, especially considering that the engine pulls very strong. Either way is not enough to cause concern even. Moreover, the highly rigid chassis and with good balance between comfort and handling sports, modern engine excellent performance, quality and a transmission assembly and soft efficient Ford Escape make the entire disclosure.

Conclusion

It is the first time since the launch of the first generation to have a completely new Escape and we can say that this is more of a revolution for the segment that only an evolution of Ford exponent. Combine factors such as the high level of equipment, quality of materials and assembly, a rigid platform and capable interior versatility and outstanding turbo engine for not only placed on the top of its segment, but also seriously threaten more than that it holds as premium vehicle.

Ride quality and attention to detail is above the segment, like the VW Tiguan, however, has some elements as Escape wheels 19 inches, the Cross Traffic Alert, Open Sesame My Ford Touch or also to be wider for rear passengers so as in the cargo area.

Details 2013 Ford Escape Titanium:

Base Price: $32,945

As-Tested Price: $36,525

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; AWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 231 hp @ 5,500 rpm (240 @ 5,500 rpm on premium fuel), 270 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,732 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 24/21.5 mpg

Options: Equipment group 401A including Titanium technology package, tonneau cover, silver roof rails, horizontal cross bars, HID automatic headlamps, power liftgate, rear parking aid sensors (no cost), power panoramic roof ($1,395), parking technology package ($995), navigation system ($795), Ruby Red metallic paint ($395)

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