FORD ESCAPE 2.3L 4×4 XLT (2010)

Ford Escape

The Ford brand name is well established and is among the pioneers of the car industry in Malaysia. The Ford Malaysia website has a chronology of the company’s illustrious history in Malaysia dating back to the 1920’s. Some of the popular models that graced the Malaysian roads in recent times included the Escort, Laser, Telstar, Ranger, Lynx and Focus.

Ford Escape

The Escape which is Ford’s foray into the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market in Malaysia was first launched in 2001. The vehicle provided an alternative, pitting itself against popular SUVs from Japan and South Korea. Since then, Ford launched the Second Generation unit in mid 2009 with some design changes and improved specs. The Escape was again enhanced recently with further design changes at the front.

Ford Escape

Design wise, the vehicle did not change significantly from the First Generation model. Overall, it appears to be slightly more aerodynamic. In the latest model, Ford has opted to replace the prominent three bar horizontal grill at the front with a honeycomb pattern in response to customer feedback.

Ford Escape

The front bumpers are mould to fit the shape of the vehicle completing a streamlined profile. The tail lamps have also been redesigned. The previous four stripe vertical design is replaced with a horizontal two stripe design. LEDs are incorporated into the tail lamps for better visibility.

Ford Escape

There are two models of the Escape for the Malaysian market, ie the 2.3L 4×4 XLT and the 2.3L 4×2 XLS. Currently only 4×4 model is available with plans to bring in the 4×2 model at a later date. The 4×4 model is imported as a complete built up (CBU) unit from the Philippines. Three optional colours are available, ie diamond white, infra red and panther black.

Ford Escape

The sampled model which is the 2.3L 4×4 XLT is a well specified vehicle and has a generous list of features that can easily match or better its costlier competitors. For a start the vehicle has a host of safety features which include driver, front passenger and side airbags, 4 wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, side impact beams, seatbelt pretensioners and a unibody safety structure for optimum protection upon impact.

Ford Escape

Other standard features include leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel with multifunction buttons, electric powered sunroof, roof rails, fog lights, reverse sensors, foldable side mirrors with indicator lights, cruise control, 6 CD / MP3 player, immobilizer, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control and an automated 4×4 system known as Control Trac II.

Ford Escape

DRIVING IT

Getting in and out of the vehicle was easy and did not require a great deal of effort even though it has one of the highest ground clearance in its class at 200mm. Once seated, the leather seats are firm comfortable and provided good support. The vehicle provided generous amounts of interior space and leg room for front and rear passengers. The driver sits in a high position with commanding views of the front, and good views of the side and rear.

Ford Escape

The dashboard is well thought out with a prominent LCD display (cold blue illumination) at the centre. The instrument panel is quite basic. Nevertheless, buttons and dials are at places where you would expect them to be and together with the two toned contrast of the dashboard give a pleasing appearance.

Ford Escape

Start the engine and you are greeted with a relatively silent powerplant idling at about 600-700 rpm. The engine which is based on Ford’s Duratec series is a 2,261cc transversely mounted in-line 4 cylinder DOHC with 16V Variable Valve Timing. Max power is at 115kw (157ps) at 6,000 rpm and max torque is at 200 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Max speed is at 165km/h.

Ford Escape

The vehicle is very responsive despite only having a 4-speed automatic transmission. Based on the specs sheet, the gear ratios are close even for the lower gears. Coupled with the Electronic Throttle Control, the car is able to accelerate quickly from a stop and go position. Gear shifts are smooth without jerkiness. Power and torque delivery is more prominent at lower speeds.

Ford Escape

Noise, vibration and harshness is within expectations for its class although wind noise begin to creep in as you push past 60km/h. Power and torque is adequate for a vehicle of this size and weight (curb weight 1,579kg). It is able to reach 110km/h and cruise quite comfortably without straining the engine. With a higher centre of gravity, sharp turns should preferably be made at reduced speeds.

Ford Escape

The vehicle is equipped with cruise control which is activated through a lever on the right side of the steering wheel. Once this is engaged there is a green indicator on the bottom left hand corner of the instrument panel. The cruise control system is quite basic and it locks in at your current speed. It disengages when you step on the brake pedal.

Ford Escape

Ford rates the average fuel consumption (combined) at around 10.5 litres per 100 km. There is no on board computer data available but I estimated that average fuel consumption throughout the entire test drive to be around 12-13 litres per 100 km. This is satisfactory taking into account the displacement of the engine and the 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel tank capacity is at 61 litres.

Ford Escape

The power assisted steering is light and easy to steer. However, the steering provided minimal feedback and at times I felt detached from the road. This resulted in having to make some minor adjustments on and off during the first day of the test drive. By the second day, I was getting accustomed to the feel was able to anticipate the steering response better. The minimum turning radius is 5.4m and lock to lock is 1½ turns from a stationary position.

Ford Escape

Ride quality is generally comfortable. The vehicle’s suspension system is set-up more for comfort. The front suspension comprised strut coil spring with stabilizer while the rears are multi linked suspensions. The vehicle absorbed bumps and humps without much fuss and only once gave a jarring experience over a high and narrow bump. One favourable aspect is that the car did not feel bouncy and is a credit to Ford to be able to strike the right balance in the suspension set-up.

Ford Escape

The vehicle is equipped with both front and rear disc brakes which give adequate stopping power. Braking felt more convincing when the 4×4 system is activated as I could sense the rear brakes working when I stepped on the brake pedal.

Ford Escape

Wheels are 16 inch alloys all round. Tyres are all weather Goodyear Wrangler HP 215/70 R16 for both front and rear. There were limitations on tyre performance as I was informed beforehand that the test vehicle had accumulated a lot of mileage and this was reflected in the tyre wear. I liked the idea of having the spare tyre in the space saver in the boot rather than sticking outwards at the rear.

Ford EscapeFord Escape

Boot is accessible either through the rear glass cover or the main boot via two separate latches near the number plate. The vehicle provides 935 litres of cargo space with the rear seats upright. Rear seats can be folded downwards in a 60/40 configuration to provide for additional boot space if required. Folding all the rear seats requires some effort and practice to be proficient.

Ford EscapeFord Escape

Both headrests and the cargo cover must be removed. There are two separate latches on each side of the seat that you need to pull before you can readjust the seats. The seat cushion needs to be pushed upwards before you can fold down the backrest. For privacy of stowed goods, the vehicle is also equipped with a retractable cargo cover.

Ford Escape

For external cargo, the Escape has roof rails with horizontal carry bars. The sunroof is another nice touch which is standard with the vehicle. It is electric powered and has two options to allow partial or full opening. The sunroof is well sealed as during the test runs it rained and there were no leaks.

Ford EscapeFord Escape

CONTROL TRAC II

This is Ford’s automated 4×4 system on demand and is one of the highlights of this vehicle. Control Trac II enables an almost 60/40 front to rear torque split to improve traction in off road or demanding road conditions. What I liked about Control Trac II is that it gives you the option of a manual override to full time 4×4. The system can be operated on the fly and there is no maximum speed limiting when you can manually engage the system.

Ford Escape

In actual testing the manual override worked well. I could clearly feel the torque distribution to the rear wheels and the improved traction. It was easy to operate with just a push of a button at the centre console. Once engaged, a yellow 4×4 indicator will light up on top right corner of the instrument panel. When you disengage it, the vehicle will gradually transfer the torque back to the front wheels in a matter of seconds.

Ford Escape

The sound system is a 6 CD / MP3 player with 6 speakers. Performance is within expectations and the sound is well amplified. In default, the sound from the speakers are bit thin some enhancement on the bass and treble settings are required to improve the dynamics. Radio reception is also satisfactory and the system is able to lock into various stations quite easily.

Ford Escape

At night, the front headlamps provide good illumination of the road ahead. The interior lights are quite dim and would not be suitable for night reading. The blue coloured instrument panel is soothing to the eyes and does not distract your attention from the road ahead.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape 2.3L 4×4 XLT is a well specified SUV giving potential owners good value for money since it is priced competitively against its peers. Its strengths are the generous interior space, responsive engine, satisfactory fuel consumption, a 4×4 system which has the option for manual override, good balance in suspension set-up and generous list of standard features. Potential SUV owners should give this vehicle a test drive to see if it fits your needs.

Test vehicle courtesy of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Sdn Bhd

VITAL STATISTICS

Engine: 4-cylinder in-line petrol engine DOHC 16v VVT
Capacity: 2,261cc
Max Output: 115kw (157ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 200Nm / 4,000 rpm
Top Speed: 165km/h
Acceleration 0-100km: n/a
Fuel Consumption: 10.5ltr/100km (combined)

Source: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Brochure

Note: Please reconfirm the above specifications with an authorized Ford dealer

SOUNDS

Click on these to sample sounds from the car!

Escape Ignition & Horn (Outside)

Escape Acceleration (Outside)

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