It’s Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid (but sold there as a Kuga), and it’s available now in New Zealand, says Ford.
The new Escape range – designed and built in Europe – offers up to 69 km of pure electric driving for Escape PHEV customers who can take advantage of home or public charging. For drivers who may not have convenient charging close at hand, the full hybrid Escape Hybrid offers up to 900 km of driving range on a single tank of fuel.
Escape ST-Line X models now offer customers up to 2,100 kg of towing ability.
2024 Ford Escape PHEV: Design and connectivity
The new Escape has evolved both inside and out, says Ford, with a “fresh, confident design”. The Titanium Hybrid (new offering to New Zealand), sporty ST-Line X Hybrid and ST-Line X PHEV models have unique design features and distinctive personalities, says the company. A full-width LED light bar frames the new front grille design on the ST-Line X models, which proudly displays the Ford Blue Oval, “underlining its strength and purpose”.
Inside, new Escape features Ford’s latest-generation SYNC 4 infotainment offering twice the computing power of the previous system. Integrating seamlessly with smartphones, it has 5G connectivity for fast access to information, cloud-connected navigation to help stay ahead of the jams, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for cable-free access to key apps and information.
2024 Ford Escape PHEV: Technology
Advanced driver assistance technology supports an effortless, comfortable drive in even the most challenging conditions, claims Ford. The new generation Adaptive Cruise Control can now apply the brakes automatically for curves and junctions as well as other traffic, while the 360- degree camera system offers an aerial view so that parking, preparing to hitch up a trailer or even using an automatic car wash are a breeze.
Ford says that practicality is at the heart of new Escape’s interior, offering comfort and convenience ready for adventures in the city and beyond. Sliding second row seats can boost legroom to over 1 metre for rear occupants or create up to 150 litres of extra boot space.
Advanced lighting technology helps to improve comfort and confidence for the driver, with full LED headlights including Automatic High Beam Control as standard on ST-Line X models.
The new Escape is built in Europe at Ford’s advanced Valencia plant in Spain, where 3D printing of parts delivers highly accurate and sustainable manufacturing. Artificial intelligence works hand-in-hand with engineers to ensure the highest standards of quality and production.
The New Escape is on sale this month and available for test drives at New Zealand Ford dealers around the country.
Further specifications and recommended retail pricing:
For more information, go to the Ford New Zealand website.
