It is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626.

Hybrid

In 2004, the Ford Escape Hybrid was released. This hybrid electric vehicle is 75% more fuel-efficient than the regular Escape according to Environmental Protection Agency tests and was the first SUV available to the public with hybrid technology.

See also: Ford Escape Hybrid

In January, 2006, at the Washington auto show, Ford showed a prototype for an Escape Hybrid that will allow E85 fuel to be used.

2005

The Escape and Tribute were updated for 2005 with a new base engine (the 2.3 L Duratec 23), which replaced the Zetec 2.0L 127 hp 4-cylinder. The most powerful engine remained the 200 hp Duratec 3.0L V6, with new engine mounts. Ford also added airbag and seatbelt safety systems, an intelligent all wheel drive system, and exterior changes. 2005 was the first model year an automatic transmission was available on the base four-cylinder models. The automatic shifter was moved from the column to the console on all models equipped with automatic transmissions. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats.

2007

A revamped 2007 Escape went on sale in the second half of 2006 for the Asia and Pacific markets. Major external changes include a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlights and bonnet, as well as LED tail-lights and rear bumper.

On the inside, changes include a floor mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter, as well as a redesigned centre stack comprising of audio and climate controls. Climate control is automatic on all models except the XLS. The Limited model also features full colour-coded bumpers, wheel arch and side moldings, as well as side mirrors with integrated LED indicators.

Rear drum brakes have been replaced by disc brakes all round.

The 3.0L V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 2.3L 4-cylinder has improved mid-range torque and an electronic throttle, as well as a slight increase in power to 109 kW (146 hp). Both engines had been certified to meet Euro III emission regulations. A 4-speed automatic carries over and is the sole transmission choice.

The 2007 Asia/Pacific Escape is now built in Taiwan, instead of Japan.

2008

North American Escape and its sibling, the Mercury Mariner received a much needed update in order to stay competitive against Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Patriot. The Mazda Tribute will no longer be produced after 2006, and will be replaced by the Mazda CX-5, which is still a rebadged Escape/Mariner. There had been a rumour that the Escape will use the CD3 platform, however, Ford appeared to retain the CD2 Platform.^[1] Another report suggested that the Escape and its siblings could be based on EUCD platform.^[2] Ford announced plans to make electronic stability control standard on the 2008 Escape. ^[3]

The Escape received some of the styling cues from Explorer, Edge and Expedition. The changes include a new grille with larger headlamps, while the sides had been revised with cleaner lines and rounder wheel arches. The interior was also upgraded with higher quality materials because it had been criticised for having dull and cheap interior.^[4]

External links

• Ford's Escape page
• Hybrid Cars and Vehicles - MixedPower.com
• Ford's Escape Hybrid page
• Escape Central: Escape/Mariner/Tribute Enthusiast site
• AutoGuideWiki.com: Ford Escape XLS 2WD (Auto)

References

1. ^ 2008 Ford Escape gets new look. Edmunds.com. Retrieved on March 16, 2006.
2. ^ Mazda Tribute Going on Ice for 2007. Automobile.com. Retrieved on March 7, 2006.
3. ^ Ford To Make Stability Control Standard by 2009. Edmunds.com. Retrieved on September 13, 2006.
4. ^ Sneak Peek: 2008 Ford Escape. Detroit News. Retrieved on April 19, 2006.