The new generation Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle will go on sale in New Zealand in 2020 with advanced designed, technology and efficient power train to SUV customers
- The new-generation Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid to be the first electrified Ford SUV offered in New Zealand, with a highly advanced powertrain offering fully-electric mobility for reduced emissions, refinement and running costs
- Multiple driving modes enable customers to maximise efficiency based on driving conditions, with fully-electric mode anticipated to deliver more than 50 kilometres of smooth, refined zero emission driving in pure-electric mode
- Sleek and spacious all-new Ford Escape unveiled with distinctive, more aero-efficient design, greater interior space and flexibility, while offering strong driving dynamics with an advanced new platform, greater rigidity and reduced weight compared to its predecessor
- The all-new Ford Escape will be onsale in New Zealand in early 2020, bringing a broad SUV line-up including both PHEV and optimised EcoBoost powertrains for more choice, flexibility and greater technology in an all-new, stylish package
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, April 3, 2019 – The new-generation Ford Escape SUV will bring a highly efficient hybrid model to one of the most popular segments in New Zealand, offering customers an advanced powertrain alongside greater practicality, improved cabin space all wrapped in distinctive style. The Escape will be the first electrified Ford model offered in New Zealand, with significant investment in advanced technology filtering through to local customers.
On sale in early 2020, the all-new Ford Escape is the second model – after Focus – based upon Ford’s advanced C2 platform architecture, which uses high-tech materials, manufacturing techniques and strategies to deliver direct customer benefits that Escape is known for: driving dynamics, user-friendliness, yet with up-to-the minute technology.
“Ford has a strong global strategy in electrification and hybrid technology, and we’re proud to bring our first hybrid SUV to New Zealand customers in such an advanced, capable vehicle as the all-new Escape,” said Ford Australia and New Zealand CEO, Kay Hart. “We know our customers love technology, many of whom are often early adopters, so the combination of user-friendly hybrid technology with a practical, stylish and capable SUV is a significant step for us towards meeting these demands.”
The all-new Ford Escape Hybrid will enable customers to take full advantage of the next-generation Escape’s engineering, design and functionality, which will deliver bold, distinctive design, greater occupant spaces, improved cargo area flexibility with a strong emphasis on safety and technology.
Next-generation Escape: Efficiency All Areas
Available from launch in New Zealand in early 2020, the all-new Escape Plug-In Hybrid delivers the driving range and freedom offered by a traditional combustion engine alongside the efficiency and refinement of an electric powertrain.
The power-split architecture combines a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, electric motor and generator, and 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery to produce 165kW. Ford’s first plug-in hybrid in New Zealand will deliver a pure-electric driving range in excess of 50 kilometres.
The Escape Plug-in Hybrid’s battery can be recharged using an integrated charging port, and is automatically replenished on the move using regenerative charging technology that captures kinetic energy normally lost during braking.
Drivers can choose when and how to deploy battery power using EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge modes. When the battery reaches its lowest state-of-charge, the Escape automatically reverts to EV Auto mode – supplementing petrol engine power with electric motor assistance using recaptured energy for optimised fuel-efficiency.
Designed to be efficient
The all-new Escape introduces a distinctive exterior with premium proportions. A streamlined silhouette improves aerodynamics, for better economy, and incorporates the longer wheelbase. This creates a larger footprint on the road benefitting ride and stability; a longer bonnet; further reclined rear windshield angle; and lower roofline. The result is a more energetic, nimble and capable appearance.
The simplified design brings a more elegant, sophisticated ethos, enabling New Zealand Escape customers to choose a model that better matches their personality, style and taste. In addition to premium paint finishes, this includes demarcation via unique light signatures, athletic stances on model-specific alloy wheels, detailing such as intakes, valences and grille facia, to bring a clear story with each Escape.
“Escape customers have expressed that they are ready for even more emotional design, and our all-new Escape is a sculpture skilfully articulated. Visually sleeker, lower and wider – it makes you feel excited just by looking at it,” said Amko Leenarts, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “The all-new interior is a sanctuary space, designed to allow everyday life to happen. Harmonious and airy, it fuses premium materials, precise craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology.”
Next-generation Escape: Efficiency All Areas
Efficiency is key to New Zealand SUV buyers, and was a core element in every process of development for the next-generation Ford Escape. The Escape’s chassis uses advanced materials to be significantly stronger, more rigid and electrification-ready, delivering real-world improvements to safety and fuel efficiency.
Demonstrating this advantage is the increase in wheelbase, enabling a roomier, more comfortable interior – with additional cargo and occupant space – in comparison to the previous Escape. Despite this, the new Escape also posts a significant weight reduction of up to 90kg against the equivalent of the existing model. Such a significant weight reduction further reduces running costs for customers, while also bringing improved driving dynamics though handling and responsiveness thanks to a 10-per cent increase in torsional rigidity.
Space efficiency comes courtesy of Escape’s new dimensions: the all-new Escape is 44mm wider and 89mm longer than the outgoing model, while the wheelbase has increased by 20 mm. Inside, that translates to 43 mm more shoulder room and 57 mm more hip room in the front seats, while rear passengers benefit from 20 mm more shoulder room and 36mm more hip room. Despite a 20mm lower overall height, the all-new Escape also brings 13mm more headroom for front seat occupants and 35mm additional space in the rear.
For rear seat passengers, the entire second row of seats can be moved backwards for a generous 1035 mm rear legroom, or forwards to increase boot space. A remote release function enables the second row to be folded flat with ease.
Further specification and New Zealand-market details including pricing will be announced closer to the next-generation Ford Escape’s launch in early 2020.
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