In 2000, the Ford SUV family of names, which begin with “E”, was supplemented by another model - Escape. Work on the creation of this car began in 1997, but Ford has long analyzed how massive a small SUV can be, and whether Escape will turn out to be just a small-scale product. The car was created in conjunction with the Mazda Motor Corp. In terms of dimensions, it is larger than the 165 mm Grand Cherokee, the Escape is 4394 mm long. Bearing body and rudder design steering provide improved handling and fuel economy.
Off-road properties Ford Escape guarantees a transmission with a permanent drive to both axles, while the driver can lock the center differential and then torque is distributed in a 50/50 ratio. Gamma engines represented by two. The basic version is equipped with a 2 liter 130-horsepower 4-cylinder Zetec. As an option, 3 liters 200-horsepower 6-cylinder V-shaped Duratec are offered. Front-wheel drive, but - again as an option - may be complete. 5-speed manual transmission as standard with a 2.0 liter engine. Zetec or automatic in the configuration with the engine 3.0 l. Duratec V-6.
The front axle is equipped with a MacPherson strut with reinforced lower arms. The rear suspension, in contrast to many classmates, is made independent. Standard for the XLT bundle and custom-made for the XLS, the four-channel ABS is logically complemented by an electronic braking force redistribution system. Chassis Escape is a joint development of Ford and the Japanese corporation Toyota. Moreover, it is almost entirely borrowed from the Mazda Tribute. This is done to reduce the cost of producing components, because of their interchangeability.
Externally, the Escape is quite sporty, easy to manage, and relatively economical in fuel consumption. Load capacity at altitude, the car will help to transport both a small boat and a snowmobile. Beginning in the summer of 2004, Escape 2005 model year, equipped with a hybrid engine, was manufactured at the Ford plant in Kansas City. The modification is named Escape Hybrid. It is equipped with two power units: gasoline and electric. The first four-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection capacity of 2 liters capacity of 127 liters. from.
The second has a power of 65 kW. The battery supplying it is located under the boot floor. Engines are used both together and separately. The source of traction is electronics. During acceleration both engines work. The electric motor helps the gasoline fellow, reducing fuel consumption.
In cruising mode, the internal combustion engine recharges the electric battery. During braking, a special recovery system takes heat energy from the brakes, turning it into electric and recharging the battery. At stops, the gasoline engine automatically shuts off, and the air conditioner, audio system, and other devices are powered by batteries.
The main advantage of the hybrid Escape - its efficiency: it provides the same dynamics as the flagship Escape with a V6 engine, while spending much less fuel. For the Escape Hybrid the same options are available, the colors of the body and gearbox. As well as the usual Escape, the hybrid is available not only in full, but also in monoprivodnom version. The crossover Ford Escape second generation has two different versions. The Asian version has been produced in Taiwan since 2006, and it was sold on the Russian market from 2008 to 2010. The Russian version of the Escape has received a 4-cylinder inline 16-valve Duratec engine with a capacity of 2.3 liters and 145 hp.
with 4-speed automatic transmission. Torque - 200 Nm at 4000 rpm. Acceleration to 100 km / h takes 12.1 s. The maximum speed of 161 km / h. The engine is quite economical and fits into the norms of Euro-4. The North American Ford Escape has been made since 2008 at a plant in Missouri. It is intended for gasoline engines 2.5 and V6 3.0 with a capacity of 171 and 240 hp.
respectively. The transmission can be mechanical or automatic, and the drive can be front or full. In our country, these cars are not officially supplied. The European and American versions look completely different, although they are built on the same platform. Experts from the Ford Design and Technology Center in Taiwan worked on the exterior of the Asian version of Escape.
The design turned out the most restrained and simple. Exterior does not shine with bright details. Strict forms of a classic station wagon - slightly tilted front strut and vertical rear. Is that a stylish plastic body kit in a circle a little out of the general canvas, but appealingly gleams with a chrome wide grille, stretching from the left to the right headlight. Inside, everything is as simple as possible, but quite decent: inexpensive, practical plastic, “gray” velor. An important factor for a family car is the space in the cabin. In Escape plenty of space for comfortable accommodation of passengers.
An extensive range of adjustments and a high ceiling will allow you to comfortably sit behind the wheel, even for a tall person. Behind will not be closely threesome. As for the trunk, with a car length of 4.5 m, sufficient volume is allocated for luggage.
For loading of dimensional things you have to lift the fifth door, and you can throw a trifle through a separately opening rear window. Escape 2008 has lost the ability to rigidly block the differential, in return for receiving an electric clutch and an all-wheel drive Intelligent 4WD System. It allows you to interfere with the operation of the transmission: by pressing the "4x4" button on the console, you can install a permanent four-wheel drive without a variable distribution of the moment between the axles. Short overhangs and a good ground clearance of 201 mm make the Escape low vulnerable on bad road sections.
Plus a long-stroke and energy-intensive suspension, which behaves equally confidently both on asphalt and on bumps. The front and rear Ford Escape multi-link suspension. Front McPherson with anti-roll bars, rear - with double transverse and longitudinal levers. For the first time on Ford models, an electric power steering (EPAS) appeared here. The level of passive and active safety is increased - on all cars a set of six pillows and curtains, belt pretensioners, as well as a proprietary dynamic motion stabilization system Advance Trac with the RSC function (preventing turning over when moving uphill) is installed. Time does not stand still, already in 2009, Escape experienced a restyling.
If outwardly the car has changed slightly, then the insides seriously reworked. All exterior aerodynamic changes pursued one goal - reducing fuel consumption. A deeper front spoiler and a small rear spoiler, in front of the rear wheels, streamlined the car from the oncoming airflow. The update also affected the interior by adding new composite materials. There are also new soundproofing materials that contribute to a significant reduction in the noise level in the cabin. As before, Ford remained true to itself - all keys are large and distinct. Management tools of various systems are clearly visible and, if necessary, illuminated.
The standard audio system can play MP3 discs, in addition to AM and FM there is also a satellite radio Sirius. An additional jack allows you to connect an external audio device. The system also has voice control, USB port. Between the seats appeared a spacious niche where you can put a small laptop or bag. The rear monolithic seat is slightly delineated into two sections, but the passenger sitting in the center will hardly notice it or feel the comfort of the landing. Thanks to the folding rear seats (60/40), you can significantly increase the capacity of the trunk.
Global changes have touched the engine. An economical 2.5-liter 171-hp 4-cylinder engine has now become available in the range. The 3-liter 6-cylinder V-engine has been modified, bringing its power to 240 horses at 6,550 rpm.
