Ford Phl unboxes Explorer Sport, all-new Escape

MANILA, Philippines – Ford Philippines delivered a one-two punch last Monday with the much-awaited, all-new iteration of a favorite marque, and a sportier version of another.

Sourced directly from North America, the new-generation Escape (badged Kuga in Europe) “further expands (Ford’s) lineup of SUVs and gives Filipino customers even more choices. This premium SUV features an array of smart and safe technologies, style and capability, and terrific fuel efficiency,” said Ford Philippines managing director Kay Hart in a release.

Meanwhile, Hart described the Explorer as one of Ford’s flagship vehicles, and the arrival of the Explorer Sport variant “raises the bar in the premium mid-size SUV segment.” She continued: “We’re confident its new features, technologies, and enhancements will create even stronger appeal for customers in this segment.”

All-new Escape

The third-generation Escape, which debuted in the US in 2012, highlights a slew of new bells and whistles. The Escape Titanium variant features a hands-free liftgate activated by a “gentle kicking motion” under the center of the rear bumper when the driver has the key fob. It allows quick and convenient access even if both hands are full. The same motion closes the hatch.

Ford’s proprietary Active Park Assist also makes its way to the Escape. The all-new Escape is now thus the first in its class to park itself, using an “ultrasonic-based sensing system and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot, taking away the stress of parallel parking from the driver.”

SYNC with MyFord Touch is an engaging, innovative way for customers to “manage and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs.” The latest edition of the technology, says Ford, affords even more intuitive control.

And as contemporary motorists have become very fuel conscious, Ford delivers efficiency through its much lauded EcoBoost engine technology. Despite low displacement, the 1.6-liter SE EcoBoost AT 4x2 delivers 178 hp at 5,700 rpm and 249 Nm at 2,500 rpm; the 2.0-liter Titanium EcoBoost AT 4x4 serves up 240 hp at 5,500 rpm and 366 Nm at 3,000 rpm, “each delivering outstanding fuel economy with great performance through core EcoBoost technologies of turbocharging and direct injection.”

The Escape has uniquely calibrated, six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, and lets drivers manually control gear selection through a switch on the shifter’s left-hand side. A specially engineered torque converter contributes to smooth shifts, improved driving feel, and better fuel economy.

The Titanium variant of the all-new Escape features a power panorama roof and new full Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seats. The public can start test-driving by next month at Ford dealerships. Pre-order bookings are accepted for units that will start arriving in January next year.

Explorer Sport

Available starting next month is the Ford Explorer Sport, which now boasts a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 under the hood, and is designed for “those who seek adventure and action wherever they are.”

The mid-size, all-wheel-drive SUV has undergone tuning in its chassis and suspension for enhanced power and sport dynamics, and features power-adjustable pedals and speed control. Ford’s Terrain Management System allows for optimization of power and torque based on road conditions. The Explorer Sport also comes with Trailer Tow Package Class III, allowing maximum loaded trailer weight up to 2,273 kilograms when properly equipped.

Ford says the Explorer Sport promises “best-in-class power.” Direct fuel injection and turbocharging mean the advanced EcoBoost engine is good for 365 ps of power at 5,500 rpm and a whopping 475 Nm at 3,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed SelectShift auto transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and power-adjustable pedals.

The Ford Explorer Sport comes with basically the same accoutrements as premium Explorer variants, and will go on sale nationwide by next month. The Explorer Sport is available in Tuxedo Black, White Platinum, and Magnetic Metallic.