NO matter how you see it, two will always be better than one. And to up the ante, just recently, Ford Philippines simultaneously launched the all-new 2015 Escape, in both 1.6 and 2.0 engines; and the 3.5 V-6 engine powered Explorer Sport at Green Sun Events Place along Chino Roces in Makati City.
Both powered by the award-winning Ecoboost engine, the Ford Escape and Explorer expand Ford’s SUV lineup in the country. Furthermore, the introduction, this time, brings into the fray a different breed of more fuel efficient larger vehicle offerings. The North American-built all-new generation Escape, in particular, features Ford’s original design language both inside and out.
“We are excited to launch the all-new Escape, which further expands our unmatched lineup of SUVs and gives Filipino customers even more choice. This premium SUV features an array of smart and safe technologies, style and capability, and terrific fuel efficiency,” said Kay Hart, managing director, Ford Philippines.
Specifically, advanced technologies are the highlights of the 2015 Ford Escape.
For one, enabled by motion sensors, a gentle kicking movement under the center of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob. This allows easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig out keys.
The Escape now comes with Active Park Assist (automated parallel parking), similar to the Ford Focus, a smart key with push button ignition, Ford SYNC, MyFord Touch, six airbags, and a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), among others.
The 2015 Escape was introduced in two variants: the 4×2 SE with 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve Inline-four engine and the 4×4 Titanium with 2.0L DOHC 16-valve Inline-four engine. Since both are a fitted with Ecoboost system technology, they get turbochargers, intercoolers and direct injection. The 1.6L produces 178 PS at 5,700 rpm with 249 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm, while the 2.0L provides 240 PS at 5;500 rpm and 366 Nm at 3,000 rpm.
Available colors for the Escape SE are: Ingot Silver, Oxford White and Tuxedo Black, all of which get charcoal black interiors. Meanwhile, the top-spec 2.0L Titanium can come in White Platinum, Magnetic Metallic and Tuxedo Black, all of which are also paired with charcoal black interiors. The Titanium can also be chosen in Sunset Red with a Medium Light Stone Interior.
Ford says test-drives will be ready by November and customer deliveries of the Escape will start in January 2015. For the meantime, prices are as follows: 2015 Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost 4×2 SE6 AT: P1.490 million; 2015 Ford Escape 2.0L EcoBoost 4×4 Titanium 6AT: P1.790 million. Meanwhile, come this November, Ford will offer the 2015 Ford Explorer Sport for the price of P2.799 million.
This American premium mid-size utility vehicle is an update of the original Explorer that Ford Philippines launched in 2011, but this one gets fresh styling to distinguish it above the now-standard variants.
“The Ford Explorer is one of our flagship vehicles in the Philippines, and the Explorer Sport further raises the bar in the premium mid-size SUV segment. We’re confident it’s new features, technologies and enhancements will create even stronger appeal for customers in this segment,” said Hart.
Thriving in both performance and appearance, the Explorer Sport features design tweaks such as black sporty touches all over (i.e. grill, Explorer badge), 20 inch aluminum wheels, among others. Charcoal black interiors are standard. Technology-wise, the Explorer Sport comes with Sony premium audio, MyFord Touch, Ford SYNC, DVD playback with headrest monitors, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning, Speed Controls, a Blind Spot Information System, a Terrain Management System, numerous airbags and even inflatable rear seatbelts. It also comes with PowerFold Third Row seats that help further amplify its functionality role by either loading more equipment or more occupants.
At the heart of the 2015 Ford Explorer Sport is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that can seemingly move mountains with its 365 PS of power at 5,500 rpm and 475 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. A six-speed all-wheel drive transmission propels the Explorer Sport’s power out unto the road.
Available colors for this behemoth are in Tuxedo Black, White Platinum or Magnetic Metallic.
Now, doubling the power seems to be more fun. Need I say more?
Image credits: Jude Morte