Ford Escape: the latest SUV to be launched here
Hera Diani The Jakarta Post Jakarta
After Explorer, Excursion and Expedition, Ford presents Escape, its latest Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) which is slated to become the most powerful compact SUV.
Unveiled at the recent Jakarta Motor Show, it is scheduled to be launched here in October.
With its 3.0lt V6 Duratec engine, Escape is built using Fords's world-class SUV DNA, claiming to offer new levels of comfort, convenience and versatility in addition to the toughness that is standard with all Ford SUVs.
"We studied customer lifestyles, needs and tastes in everything from cars to clothes when developing Ford Escape. We believe it will become one of our biggest sellers in Indonesia due to its stylish sporty look and tough performance capability.
"It's the ideal vehicle for urban professionals who lead adventurous, active lifestyles and have a 'young at heart' mind-set," Will Angove, president director of PT Ford Motor Indonesia, said recently.
Sporty and compact, Escape is the choice for big city driving and outdoor activities with its robust on-road and off-road capabilities.
There will be two types of Escape available here: Ford Escape XLT and Ford Escape Limited.
Both products will be four-speed automatic, and equipped with a 3.0 lt Duratec V6 engine, dual air bags, ABS/EBD, alloy wheels, remote central locking and four cup holders.
They also feature an innovative unibody design for a redefined ride and superior road handling.
The Ford Escape XLT 3.0lt V6 Duratec engine is built in the United States, and is the same engine that powers the Ford Taurus.
The engine enables drivers to enjoy high torque at a low/mid speed range and produces power of 150 kilowatts at 5,900 rotation per minute (rpm) and a maximum torque of 266 Newton Meter (Nm) at 4,700 rpm.
Ford Escape Limited features the Ford Control Trac II 4WD system. In normal road conditions, only the front wheels provide drive for excellent handling and fuel economy.
The type has an automatic proportioning of torque through the Rotary Blade Coupling (RBC). If the Control Trac II system senses any slippage, torque will progressively be transferred to the rear wheels through the RBC. The full-time four wheel drive can be engaged through a convenient switch on the dashboard.
As for the interior, Ford Escape Limited also comes with a leather interior and sunroof.
Both types have cargo area flexibility with flip-up rear seats. The rear has 12 volt electrical output and a rear tailgate and glass hatch which opens separately.
Escape is designed for crashworthiness, as it combines energy management with compact crush zones to aid occupant protection.
It has also been designed to take the energy created in a frontal crash and spread it out over a larger area of the vehicle. Standard side-intrusion high tensile-steel door beams also help protect passengers in side impacts.
The price? Well, Ford Motor Indonesia will reveal it in the official launching in October.
Along with the two products, Ford Motor Indonesia will also launch in October two more Ford Superstores in Central Jakarta and East Jakarta.
The first Superstore was opened last March in South Jakarta, aimed at providing customers with a modern automotive showroom and service center.
Ford also offers a "Ford Nationwide Service Guarantee" on all Ford vehicles it sells. It means Ford customers can have their vehicle serviced or repaired anywhere in Indonesia, with genuine Ford parts.
Customers can also expect vehicle financing options to suit their personal needs through Ford Credit.