Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid- taking you that extra mile

It is a known fact that usage of fossil fuels is harmful for both, environment as well as the living beings. As long as fossil fuels are been burnt, pollution cannot be curbed. Many of the car manufacturers are now taking heed of this and are resorting to Hybrid or entirely electric cars. A car running on Electric or hybrid consumes much less of the natural resources and in addition is less polluting. Ford Motors is one such pioneer in the automotive industry. They started their hybrid operations with the Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid model.

This was a very good idea since the Ford Escape was already the best selling model in Ford’s SUV line up and adding the Hybrid Tag to it and making it the Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid worked for Ford car. The exteriors of the SUV don’t suggest any changes for the Hybrid model however the rear shows the Hybrid tag, signifying this is partially a green car. The interiors are more car-like and hides the SUV’s truck roots. The seats are made of 100 % recycled material as also some of the upholstery. Everything feels soft to touch but built to last on the Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid. You wouldn’t be stressed out on long journeys in this car from Ford Motors. Even the gauges denoting the Hybrid nature of the car, are surrounded with a Bluish color. However the small fonts for the dials spoil the ambience and here form takes precedence over function. The Navigation system display, when not in use, shows an Energy Meter which tells you how much fuel efficiency you are getting while on the move or the correct way to drive your Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid so as not to dent your pockets or harm the environment.

Ford Motors have been known to give their cars the best ride and handling package in Latin America. The Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid is no different. It handles the road imperfections smoothly and doesn’t let the 5 occupants inside the car what’s going on beneath. Even the handling is much like its Fiesta saloon. There is noticeable body roll but not so much as to disconcert you. The Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid makes do with 1engine trim. This is the 3.0-liter V6 engine developing 240 Bhp and making 263 Nm of torque. This is mated with a 70-KW electric motor and a 6 speed automatic CVT. The gear ratios are tuned more for fuel efficiency however that saying, the Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid handles city as well as highway jaunts with the same vigor. It is a full hybrid and can run only on the power of the electric motor{25 mph}. Braking is also taken care by all wheel disc brakes and assisting them are ABS, EBD and traction control. Safety is also top notch with the Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid getting a full complement of 6 air bags, collapsible steering column and three point seat belts for all the occupants. Luggage capacity is rated at 27.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folding down to make way for upto 61.2 cubic feet. The vehicle seats 5 in reasonable comfort and with all the creature comforts expected in a vehicle of this class.

The Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid is also on top of the fuel efficiency charts with an EPA estimated figure of 26/34 mpg City/Highway. This was achieved in the full time 4 wheel drive mode.

Technical specification of Ford Escape 4×4 Hybrid

Length: 176.7 ”

Body width: 75.1″

Body height: 63.7 ”

Wheelbase: 104.1 ”

Ground clearance: 8.3 ”

Kerb weight : 3,795 lbs.

Gross weight: 4,729 lbs.

Front head room: 41 ”

Rear head room: 38 ”

Front shoulder room: 58 ”

Rear shoulder room: 55 ”

Front hip room: 54 ”

Rear hip room: 49 ”

Front leg room: 41.6 ”

Rear leg room: 35.6 ”

Luggage capacity: 27.8 cu.ft.

Maximum cargo capacity: 66.1 cu.ft.

Standard seating: 5

Base engine size: 3.0 liters

Base engine type:V6

Horsepower: 240 Bhp

Horsepower rpm: 6300

Torque: 263 Nm

Torque rpm: 4,500

Maximum towing capacity: 2500 lbs

Drive type: 4 wheel drive

Turning radius: 18.3 inch

EPA combined fuel efficiency: 30 Mpg