15^th January, 2001

Escape the everyday with a long list of features

Due to be released in March, the Ford Escape will come packed with a list of standard features that Ford believes will make it the envy of other vehicles in its class.

Available in two specification levels, XLS and XLT, Escape will have a 150kW, 3.0 litre Duratec quad cam EFI V6 and a 4-speed electronic control automatic transmission (including lockup torque converter and overdrive) as standard.

Other mechanical features include four-wheel independent suspension, ventilated front disc brakes, and full-time four-wheel drive with auto torque proportioning and 50/50 lockup mode. The XLT will also feature a four channel anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Escape will also lead with its safety and security features, including driver and front passenger airbags on both models, pyrotechnic front seat belt pretensioners and grabbers, roof mounted child seat tether anchorage, auto turn-off headlights, an engine immobiliser and remote central locking. In addition, the XLT will also include a removable load cover, a SecuriLock passive anti-theft system with perimeter alarm, and front fog lights.

"The Escape mechanical and safety and security package is second to none," said Ford’s commercial marketing manager, Kevin Lillie.

"However, the interior and exterior packages haven’t been forgotten either. Both will provide Escape purchasers with an attractive, comfortable and functional vehicle that will easily take them from work to the beach."

Escape’s interior will continue the class-leading theme with air conditioning, power windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, driver seat height adjustment, 60/40 split rear seating, remote fuel door release, four cup holders, and a 12 volt power outlet in the cargo area all standard. The XLS also offers a single slot CD player while the XLT includes a six-stack CD changer, cruise control and power exterior mirrors.

The exterior package on the XLS and XLT includes a roof rack with horizontal carry bars as standard, with the XLT also adding 16" x 7" 5-spoke alloy wheels and P235/65 R16 tyres.

Towing capacity is 1700kg with a Ford approved tow bar.

Exterior colours will include Quicksilver, Platinum, Atlantic Blue, Crimson Glow, Midnight Black, Cyprus Green, Polar White, and Blaze Red.

"Escape will also prove its worth in these days of ever increasing fuel prices," says Kevin. "Offering 13.0 litres for every 100km of city driving and only eight for highway driving, its very competitive for its class.