|
Ford's
Escape small, front-drive based sport utility
launches into 2006 with a heady reminder of its
previous year's top honors for going earth friendly.
It's sibling Mercury Mariner joins the elite group
of gas-electric hybrid vehicles this year.
But
with hybrids in short supply as their popularity
booms under the weight of escalating gasoline
prices, most Escapes and Mariners sold this year
are likely to be the traditional gas-powered variety,
along with their kissing cousin the gas-only Mazda
Tribute.
Following
a redesign a year ago, Escape enters 2006 with
two new metallic clearcoat exterior paint colors,
Titanium Green and Blazing Copper. The upgraded
2.3-liter Duratec engine becomes available for
the XLT trim level, one of five along with XLS,
XLT Sport and Limited editions. Previous updates
include new front and rear fascias, honeycomb
grille, new headlamps and fog lamps, and 15-inch
or 16-inch aluminium wheels. Among special package
amenities: Luxury Comfort with 320-watt Audiophile
stereo and six-disc in-dash CD, heated seats,
heated side mirrors and reverse sensing on the
Limited.
"Green"
hybrids get a new Premium package plus Black Clearcoat
Metallic as an exterior color choice. Premium
adds include: premium leather-trimmed seating,
leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats,
a reverse sensing system, nav system and a hybrid
energy display, and a 110-volt outlet.
Escapes
have been lauded for their roomier interior from
the 2005 redo, and dual flip-glass access through
the rear lift gate. V-6, 200-horsepower comes
standard on XLT Sport and Limited.
Escapes
range from about $20 K for a base manual trans
gas version to about $28.5 K for the all-wheel-drive
hybrid. And unlike regular internal combustion
vehicles that coast fuel-wise at higher speeds
and burn more during stop and go driving, hybrids
are ideal for short-trip, slower city trips where
they use and regenerate their electric engines.
For someone who decides to bypass traditional
and get in line for the hybrid version, it could
be worth the wait. Ford says the vehicle can eke
out 400 to 500 miles of city driving on a single
tank of gas.
Ford Escape at LemonFree.com
|
