Mild revisions make Ford's compact 4x4 better than before, but its more modern competition is in its way

SHORT DRIVE / FORD ESCAPE 2.3 4X4 XLT

ESCAPE IT

Mild revisions make Ford's compact 4x4 better than before, but its more modern competition is in its way

RICHARD LEU

- What's new?

This is the updated version of the Ford Escape to rival other compact 4x4s including the Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Captiva. Priced at B1.399m, the Escape is not only cheaper than before by B21,000 but also against the CR-V (B1.47m will be reduced to B1.379m due to E20-compatibility from Jan 1, 2007) and Captiva (B1.45m) each having a petrol four-cylinder engine and four-wheel-drive like in the Escape.

The Escape's revisions include a new front end (bumper, grille and headlamps) and slightly tweaked tail lights.

Inside, the centre dash housing the stereo and air-con controls have been redesigned. More importantly, the gear lever has been shifted from the steering column to centre console.

According to Ford, the 2.3-litre inline-four engine has been carried over but is now equipped with variable valve timing to help the 144hp petrolhead breed another two ponies.

- What's cool?

All those changes Ford has employed on the Escape seem to work. The front end, which now closely resembles that of the Australian-developed Territory, gives the Escape a more upmarket, classy look with more chrome finish.

The decision to change the gear lever's position is sound, because the old method of mounting it to the steering column gave a notchy mechanism. The new way is just conventional yet effective like in any saloon. The new-look fascia gives more clarity, especially during night-driving.

Although the engine does not feel more powerful than before, it feels more responsive and more effortless in the mid-ranges. In fact, the motor ditches any previous notion of being lazy and performs better than the Captiva's.

Seemingly, there seems to be better refinement on the move, too. There is less road and engine noise penetrating into the cabin.

The other two virtues remain intact since the Escape's inception. Highly practical five-seat SUV, reasonable off-road capability and feelsome handling for those needing some driving sophistication.

And to top it off, the Escape is keen on value with lowest in-class price, yet specified with features like side airbags and sunroof to still look good against its opposition.

- What's not?

On the other hand, half of those changes Ford has employed in the Escape don't necessarily work. The classier exterior enhancements additions don't really fit the Escape's rugged image.

A cabin layout with a centre console stacked between the front seats is like taking a step back in the packaging game (note the CR-V's transition from second to third generation).

Then there's the issue of the leather seats being too slippery and unshapely to sit in. The overall quality of the cabin still can't hide the Escape's age (the antenna that still sticks out vertically in the front of the car is good proof).

Despite having a spacious cabin for five persons and their personal stuff, the Escape lacks small features like bottleholders, bigger door bins and other petty stow areas that are now becoming common in such lifestyle vehicles.

- Buy or bye?

In general, the Escape has improved. The performance is now usable, driving comfort and refinement have increased and value for money is more attractive than before against itself and the competition. Ford fans won't be in for a disappointment.

But whether the Escape can really be an attractive alternative to the CR-V or Captiva is in question. The two rivals look far more modern, have better made interiors and more refined driving manners. Which means that the Escape isn't necessarily a buy for us.