MY18.5 Ford Escape detailed for Australia

Ford Australia has detailed pricing and specifications for the MY18.5 Ford Escape ahead of its local release in September. Headlining the changes to the brand’s medium-sized SUV is the standard fitment of autonomous emergency braking across the range, as well as a new ST-Line trim level between the Trend and Titanium.

All models in the range also receive further standard equipment, such as 17-inch alloy wheels on the entry level Ambiente. The MY18.5 Ford Escape will launch into Ford dealerships in September, though are available to order from now.

“Australians continue to pivot towards the practicality and versatility of trucks and SUVs, yet there’s a genuine passion for sports and performance models here, too,” said Ford Australia President and CEO, Graeme Whickman.

“The Escape ST-Line is the first ST-Line model here, bringing together Ford’s sports styling and dynamics with the livability and convenience of the Escape.”

Pricing for the MY18.5 Ford Escape Ambiente and Trend have been upped by $500 to account for the extra standard equipment, while the optional Technology Package (previously $1,300 with AEB, radar cruise control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, forward collision warning and tyre pressure monitoring) is now $800 because AEB is standard. The Technology Package is now available on the Ambiente for the first time.

The Ambiente and Trend are equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 110kW of power and 240Nm with the Ambiente six-speed manual ($28,990), or 134kW/240Nm with the six-speed automatic that’s available on the Ambiente (2WD: $30,490, AWD: $33,490) and standard in the Trend (FWD: $33,490). The Trend can also be fitted with a 178kW/345Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine ($36,490) or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel ($38,990). Both are paired to six-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive.

New for the 2018.5 model year is the Escape ST-Line, a sportier model that sits between the mid-spec Trend and top-spec Titanium. The only available engine for the ST-Line is the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Trend and Titanium. In addition to the Trend’s equipment, the ST-Line also has 18-inch alloy wheels, 10mm lower suspension with thicker anti-roll bars for sportier handling, black leather upholstery with red stitching, an ST steering wheel, aluminium scuff plates, metal pedals, ST-Line floor mats and gloss black front grille and rear diffuser treatment.

The ST-Line also adds keyless entry and start, along with blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert, and is priced from $39,990 plus on-road costs.

The top-spec Titanium ($45,480 for the 2.0-litre turbo petrol and $48,340 for the 2.0-litre turbo diesel) also earns blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert as standard, and its Technology Package is now also $800.

The MY18.5 Ford Escape will be launched into Ford dealers in September. In 2018 thus far, the Escape has only sold 2,048 units – the Mazda CX-5 has sold five times that amount (10,711). No doubt this update with standard alloy wheels, AEB and the new ST-Line model will help improve the Escape’s appeal in showrooms – it deserves to sell in stronger numbers than it currently does.

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