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Ford have just unveiled the new Escape at the LA Auto Show. If it looks familiar, that’s because what they have actually revealed is the Ford Kuga, at least that’s what they call it in Europe and indeed locally. In fact, many of you would already have seen it at JIMS. Engine options

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Rate this gallery:012345678910Ford have just unveiled the new Escape at the LA Auto Show. If it looks familiar, that’s because what they have actually revealed is the Ford Kuga, at least that’s what they call it in Europe and indeed locally. In fact, many of you would already have seen it at JIMS.

Engine options for the European and broader global market have yet to be confirmed. In the States, however, the Escape will be offered with several engine options. For the economically conscious, a 1.6L EcoBoost or 2.0L EcoBoost engine is available. There is also a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, although it doesn’t bear the EcoBoost nameplate.

Ford didn’t design the Escape’s exterior for aesthetics alone, the new model is almost 10% more aerodynamic than the outgoing version. One of the ways this is achieved is via an active grille shutter system. This solution reduces drag, with the grille slates closing for aero performance but opening to improve cooling when need be.

The all-wheel drive system has been updated, with software monitoring data from 25 sensors dotted around the vehicle. Variables such as wheel speed, throttle, steering angle and road conditions are factored in and the dynamic drivetrain then moves torque to where it is needed most. The Escape also features a couple of driver aids such as Curve Control. This system automatically slows the vehicle when cornering too fast. Torque Vector Control then helps accelerate through a turn if the grip is there. Hopefully these can be turned off though, or at least aren’t too aggressively implemented.



The interior is naturally spacious and versatile, as is always critical for an SUV. Cargo space has been improved, and the rear seats can now fold flat much easier. Some of the equipment includes; an automatic blind spot monitoring system, active park assist to aid parallel parking and voice controlled functionality for some of the equipment.

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