- Ford Escape, America’s best-selling small utility, retains versatile cargo space with design transformation inside and out
- Exterior design incorporates traditional SUV cues with modern execution inspired by the sports world; upgraded materials and precise craftsmanship showcase available segment-first customer-friendly technologies inside
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 – Ford’s all-new Escape delivers the versatility and cargo capacity SUV customers expect with a sports-inspired design they desire.
“Escape’s athletic good looks are no accident,” says Martin Smith, Design executive director of Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa. “We wanted to create the impression of an athlete like a runner or swimmer in the new body – right down to the defined muscles that convey movement and energy.”
The new SUV will be sold as the Escape in North America and will be launched later wearing a Kuga badge in many markets around the world.
Function follows form as the sleeker design allows for cargo volume that surpasses the outgoing Escape – with 68.1 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row. The new Kuga will be slightly longer than the current model, adding luggage space.
Escape’s seats, Ford’s latest, lose weight while adding customer convenience. The seat structure has shed nearly 3 pounds while the seats themselves have added more functionality – two-way power recline and two-way power lumbar support. These are in addition to the familiar six-way adjustability.
A sport seat, with higher bolsters and a distinct sew style, also is available.
The front head restraint offers four-way adjustability for the first time. Both the head restraints and rear seats have been upgraded to allow for easier folding and are made from soy-based foam.
Higher levels of craftsmanship
The closer customers get to the all-new Ford Escape, the more they will love it, says Peter Bejin, manager of Global Craftsmanship.
Improved materials and execution highlight the interior, including:
- A soft-touch instrument panel
- Wrapped, padded and stitched door armrests
- Deep padding on console armrests
- The soft upper roll on doors
- Elimination of exposed fasteners in glove box and sun visor pivots
- Available leather-trimmed sport seats with piping on bolster area and contrast stitching
“Our designers created a well-proportioned vehicle that’s stunning from 20 feet away,” said Bejin. “We want to deliver on that design promise on the craftsmanship side so that when customers walk up and open the door, sit inside and start interacting with the new Escape, it provokes that same emotion from 2 feet away, 1 inch away or 1 millimeter away.”
Highlighting the new exterior color choices in North America is Ginger Ale, an earthy metallic tone slightly greener than ginger ale looks in a clear glass.
Ginger Ale leads an expansive palette of new exterior choices that includes Ruby Red, White Platinum Tricoat, Frosted Glass Metallic, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown, along with Tuxedo Black, Sterling Gray Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic and Oxford White.
Striking interior
The muscular, defined exterior shape is complemented by a dynamic, well-appointed interior featuring new levels of craftsmanship and technology.
“The interior design of the all-new Escape is modern and sophisticated,” said Ruth Pauli, chief designer, Color and Materials. “It captures the expressive design and enhanced functionality of the vehicle.”
The interior design team especially considered the wealth of exclusive features no competitor can match when creating the all-new Escape, led by available SYNC® with upgraded MyFord Touch® driver connect technology.
Interior environment choices include Charcoal Black on Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black on Medium Light Stone or Medium Dark Stone.
