A TOUR in Batangas to visit the largest cathedral in Asia, a relic abode and grasp nature in a French beach resort conveys prelude to a delightful encounter. And to be transported by two sport-utility vehicles (SUV) that deliver unyielding performance—made navigation as pleasurable as the destination.
Ford Philippines recently invited 18 motoring and lifestyle journalists, including this writer, to ride and drive the latest Explorer 3.5L V6 Sport and the all-new 2015 Escape Titanium 2.0L—both staging the “EcoBoost” technology. We gathered at the Makati City showroom grouped into three occupants per car—three units of each model were commissioned. Joined by two Ranger pickups as lead and marshal car, respectively, plus a Focus acting as aide. Ford Philippines’s top brass Joseph Ayllon and Isa Suarez boarded the lead car.
Assigned to the Escape as passenger, this writer was teamed up with fellow motoring writers Eggay Quesada of The Manila Times and Bam S. Olivares of The Daily Tribune. We took the South Luzon Expressway (Slex) route to Batangas. Rolling on smooth asphalt was ecstatic, while I was focused on the center console oozing with meticulousness. By the time we entered the Southern Tagalog Arterial road (Star Tollway), the dual electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC) created a blanket of cool ambiance with revitalizing natural light emanating from the power panorama sunroof.
The convoy took a brief stopover at a gas station in Lipa, Batangas, to switch drivers. I took the wheel traversing the crowded national highway necessitating overtakes. Opted for the manual mode on the six-speed “selectshift” A/T, the acceleration was powerful and yet smooth—rendered passing effortless. The eco boosted 2-liter petrol engine demonstrated impressive torque that made ascents negligible.
Soon after, we reached the scenic town of Taal, Batangas, where Spanish-era residences decorated the streets. As we finally touched the grounds of the Basilica of Saint Martin de Tours, the picturesque façade radiates with rich heritage in every detail. Meanwhile, we went inside and witnessed an ecclesiastical aura in every aspect, luring everyone to capture photographs. We moved on to the well-preserved and restored colonial-era home Villa Tortuga, where we savored luscious delicacies and took pleasure posing for a portrait wearing period costumes. Back on the road and crisscrossing the winding ˆ Highway, the Escape’s all-wheel-drive system exhibited excellent handling and traction which, in turn, generated responsive steering.
We finally made it to the five-star resort and spa La Chevrerie in Anilao, Batangas. We settled and enjoyed lunch that gave us the gastronomic experience. The subtle elegance with French theme stimulated relaxation and tranquil atmosphere. The spa experience regenerated our verve needed for the next run.
Before departing, the group of journalists exchanged vehicle assignments and it was our chance to experience the Explorer Sport. Designated as a passenger, I routed a secluded artery leading to the freeway. Amazement jolted in while witnessing the commanding interior design with everything falling in to the right places. The leather-wrapped seats gave that complete hug for comfort and constancy. Noteworthy security features are the lane-keeping system detecting abrupt lane changes through a forward-facing camera and the sensors that senses automobiles approaching blind spots.
I assumed chauffeuring after a brief layover. The mighty 3.5-liter V6 with twin turbo completely took charge in acceleration, leaving no hesitation in surpassing. The torque was extremely evident on stretches delivering swift increments within speed limits that, before we knew it, we grasped the end of the expressway. Slow-moving traffic was no match to the blissful mood inside the spacious cabin empowered by the fully automated climate control and Sony audio setup. We made it back to the Makati showroom safe and stress-free as if we never traveled at all.
The Eco Boosted Explorer Sport and all-new Escape Titanium variants validated the kind of uncompromising execution, comfort and safety to match every challenging condition.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino