2013 Escape Spied with minimal camo

[timmm55]

Disagree. At best it makes the Escape look anonymous. It certainly doesn't help it in the '100 yard test'.

 

Perhaps, but the C-Max is similar too. I wasn't like we didn't have a preview of things to come. And now people are griping about it?

http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/47659-ford-b-max-caught-testing-without-camo/

 

In photoshops of a Lincoln version I changed the top hat.......that may be the price to pay to have Lincoln unique: Fords will be the same across the board (with a few exceptions).

[BORG]

That is my concern too, not everything FoE does transposes to the American market.

I'm concerned at the change in demographics a vehicle like this makes, sure it picks

up new buyers but I'm sure some who like the truckster look will go elsewhere.

 

The question is how sales figures pan out, i guess we have to wait and see

but a lot of this move is definitely Ford saving money with common designs..

IMO, they are shaving too much from regional styling column for profit's sake.

 

Am I wrong.....

 

I think we are over-valuing the design of the current Escape as the reason for its success. But I generally feel Ford is marginalizing the market forces in NA for the sake of economies of scale worldwide. But the new Escape is awfully attractive, I have a hard time imagining a flop unless they botch the launch or increase the price.

Edited October 30, 2011 by BORG

[rkisler]

That is my concern too, not everything FoE does transposes to the American market.

I'm concerned at the change in demographics a vehicle like this makes, sure it picks

up new buyers but I'm sure some who like the truckster look will go elsewhere.

 

The question is how sales figures pan out, i guess we have to wait and see

but a lot of this move is definitely Ford saving money with common designs..

IMO, they are shaving too much from regional styling column for profit's sake.

 

Am I wrong.....

 

Although I am the owner of a "classic" Escape which does a lot of around-town chores well for me, I'm generally OK with the new Escape. The increased sophistication in NVH, dynamics, and fuel economy might allow me to consider it more for trips also which might prompt me to trade up.

 

As I've mentioned before, I am not at all sure that the "One Ford" push has removed all of the FoE arrogance toward the "unsophisticated" American market. I have experience on several programs between FoE and the U.S. going both ways, (it's VERY dated at this point) and there was a marked lack of listening and understanding by FoE on Ford North America issues, even when the larger market was in the U.S. (like, for instance, Contour/Mystique vs. Mondeo). The opinion was generally "If it's OK for us, it's probably more than good enough for you." By contrast, Mazda was always listening to try to understand American consumers and what made them tick and to try to ensure the design --both for Ford and Mazda -- fit the market. Despite the language difference, 13-hour plane rides, and late night video conferences, I would have rather dealt with Mazda over FoE any day of the week. Since Ford NA has ceeded the entire NA lineup from Fiesta to Taurus and Edge to FoE, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hope to be pleasantly surprised.

 

The vehicle I am most concerned about is not the Escape, nor the Fusion. It's the next-generation Edge. If the pattern holds true from Focus and Kuga/Escape, and we get a refreshed S-Max, it's DOA in my opinion.

[BORG]

Although I am the owner of a "classic" Escape which does a lot of around-town chores well for me, I'm generally OK with the new Escape. The increased sophistication in NVH, dynamics, and fuel economy might allow me to consider it more for trips also which might prompt me to trade up.

 

As I've mentioned before, I am not at all sure that the "One Ford" push has removed all of the FoE arrogance toward the "unsophisticated" American market. I have experience on several programs between FoE and the U.S. going both ways, (it's VERY dated at this point) and there was a marked lack of listening and understanding by FoE on Ford North America issues, even when the larger market was in the U.S. (like, for instance, Contour/Mystique vs. Mondeo). The opinion was generally "If it's OK for us, it's probably more than good enough for you." By contrast, Mazda was always listening to try to understand American consumers and what made them tick and to try to ensure the design --both for Ford and Mazda -- fit the market. Despite the language difference, 13-hour plane rides, and late night video conferences, I would have rather dealt with Mazda over FoE any day of the week. Since Ford NA has ceeded the entire NA lineup from Fiesta to Taurus and Edge to FoE, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hope to be pleasantly surprised.

 

The vehicle I am most concerned about is not the Escape, nor the Fusion. It's the next-generation Edge. If the pattern holds true from Focus and Kuga/Escape, and we get a refreshed S-Max, it's DOA in my opinion.

 

The thing that shocks me most about the Focus in particular is that they apparently surrendered the entire program over to FoE, seeming to have never learned their lesson from the Contour and Focus. I can understand somewhat because the Focus is higher volume in the global markets, but the new Focus is just a baffling example of history repeating itself. The only thing they focused on in the NA Focus was MyFord Touch and redesigned seats. It makes me uneasy when i see something like the Escape and Fusion getting the same global treatment and Ford seems unwilling to make sure it's interests in NA are represented, I really don't want them to re-learn this lesson.

 

And I agree, my biggest fear is what happens now to the next-gen Edge....which is the one Ford/Lincoln keeping me on-board (Superb design, features, quality, and practicality). An all new version is definitely needed, but I do not want to regress to the design sensibilities of FoE. I always figure that no matter what, Lincoln will be there to correct the design and usability problems in the Ford.

Edited October 30, 2011 by BORG

[sullynd]

But the new Escape is awfully attractive, I have a hard time imagining a flop unless they botch the launch or increase the price.

 

The Kuga in these photos, or the Vertrek concept? While I do not like it as the Escape, the Vertrek concept is one of the cleanest Ford designs in a while (I prefer it very much to the mismash that is the Explorer for instance). The Kuga MCE in the photos lacks much of what I liked about the concept.

 

I'd rather the Vertrek styling have been applied to the Edge, which already is "Metro" than the Escape.

[BORG]

The Kuga in these photos, or the Vertrek concept? While I do not like it as the Escape, the Vertrek concept is one of the cleanest Ford designs in a while (I prefer it very much to the mismash that is the Explorer for instance). The Kuga MCE in the photos lacks much of what I liked about the concept.

 

I'd rather the Vertrek styling have been applied to the Edge, which already is "Metro" than the Escape.

 

I'm talking about the prototype Escape, if that's what you're qualifying as the Kuga MCE?

 

As for the comparison to the concept, of course it looks nothing like it...that's typical of these annoying concept teases which set us all up for disappointment (don't know why this is industry norm).

 

I don't care for the Explorer design either, but much of what I don't like has the chance of being corrected with an update (front fascia largely).

[silvrsvt]

The vehicle I am most concerned about is not the Escape, nor the Fusion. It's the next-generation Edge. If the pattern holds true from Focus and Kuga/Escape, and we get a refreshed S-Max, it's DOA in my opinion.

 

Good point, people aren't going to buy a 5 door Minivan...but I always under the assumption that EU wanted the Edge, but couldn't make it work with the current Gen.

 

If anything, maybe with some luck we can get the Galaxy in the States as a Minivan..since the Galaxy and S-Max are very similar to one another (Silders vs doors), there is still space for the Edge on the same platform...more or less the same situation as the Flex and Explorer.

 

 

 

 

[BORG]

Good point, people aren't going to buy a 5 door Minivan...but I always under the assumption that EU wanted the Edge, but couldn't make it work with the current Gen.

 

If anything, maybe with some luck we can get the Galaxy in the States as a Minivan..since the Galaxy and S-Max are very similar to one another (Silders vs doors), there is still space for the Edge on the same platform...more or less the same situation as the Flex and Explorer.

 

The Edge is also exported to China as a premium luxury vehicle. Somehow I doubt the Edge will be marketable in the EU, it's a little peculiar in the US as it is because most vehicles at this size are marginal 7-seaters. I mean the Edge probably dwarfs the S-Max or Galaxy and seats fewer people. Now customers in the US get it, it's a premium SUV like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's not here to just haul butts. Personally, I tend to think of the Edge as less like a Crossover and more like a very capable and modern SUV. It has the interior space and ride height of a traditional SUV but the underpinnings and style of a modern Crossover. For me it has always been the perfect blend of fun and function and one reason I'm so incredibly happy with them.

Edited October 30, 2011 by BORG

[silvrsvt]

The Edge is also exported to China as a premium luxury vehicle. Somehow I doubt the Edge will be marketable in the EU, it's a little peculiar in the US as it is because most vehicles at this size are marginal 7-seaters. I mean the Edge probably dwarfs the S-Max or Galaxy and seats fewer people. Now customers in the US get it, it's a premium SUV like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's not here to haul butts alone.

 

Actually the Galaxy is quite a bit larger then the Edge. The Grand Cherokee is popular in EU also...

 

If the Edge can sell in decent numbers in the EU, why not offer it there?

[BORG]

Actually the Galaxy is quite a bit larger then the Edge. The Grand Cherokee is popular in EU also...

 

If the Edge can sell in decent numbers in the EU, why not offer it there?

 

I'd love to see that, but I'm skeptical. I'm just worried about how they approach the next Edge and what globalization will do to some of the Edge's unique qualities. And more interestingly, if they don't globalize it, will Ford develop a new Edge in the States alone and on what platform? Perhaps they just build off the existing CD3s and leave it orphaned in the US. I don't know, but obviously this is a critical product for Lincoln since it started life there.

[bifs66]

I would have rather dealt with Mazda over FoE any day of the week.

 

I've been buying new Ford products since 1965; and have experienced several of their "foreign" types over the years. The first was a 1974 Mercury Capri 2800. I had high hopes for this Euro designed sporty car; but it had quality issues almost immediately (battery, trunk lock, radio, interior, pilot bearing, tires, valve adjustment problems, and finally body rust holes. My second car was a 1991 Escort GT 1.8L based on Mazda engineering. This was one of my all time favorite Fords. It was fun, reliable, and trouble free. My son still has it. The third car was a 2000 Contour SVT. Again, I had high expectations; but nagging quality problems arose. Initially, there were transmission problems in which it would slip out of gear (eventually fixed). The engine had a habit of reving (sometimes to 4K) rpm on its own. The dealer would fix it for a while; but the issue would resurface. There was something wrong under the dash with the ventilation system, and outside air would whistle into the passenger area at highway speeds. That was particularly aggravating. The radio speakers went south within a couple years. I hope my experience is not indicative of what to expect from Ford's emphasis on Euro based designs.

[BORG]

I've been buying new Ford products since 1965; and have experienced several of their "foreign" types over the years. The first was a 1974 Mercury Capri 2800. I had high hopes for this Euro designed sporty car; but it had quality issues almost immediately (battery, trunk lock, radio, interior, pilot bearing, tires, valve adjustment problems, and finally body rust holes. My second car was a 1991 Escort GT 1.8L based on Mazda engineering. This was one of my all time favorite Fords. It was fun, reliable, and trouble free. My son still has it. The third car was a 2000 Contour SVT. Again, I had high expectations; but nagging quality problems arose. Initially, there were transmission problems in which it would slip out of gear (eventually fixed). The engine had a habit of reving (sometimes to 4K) rpm on its own. The dealer would fix it for a while; but the issue would resurface. There was something wrong under the dash with the ventilation system, and outside air would whistle into the passenger area at highway speeds. That was particularly aggravating. The radio speakers went south within a couple years. I hope my experience is not indicative of what to expect from Ford's emphasis on Euro based designs.

 

The Mazda Escorts probably outlast the Focus. Actually, my sister is a good example. She drove an Escort ZX2 for 140K miles and had virtually no issues. She bought a 2007 Ford Focus and the thing went through all four wheel bearings, a transmission, and a variety of other non-trivial mechanical issues before she hit 60K miles. It's actually the reason she won't buy another Ford and is now a Hyundai customer.

Edited October 30, 2011 by BORG

[Biker16]

The Mazda Escorts probably outlast the Focus. Actually, my sister is a good example. She drove an Escort ZX2 for 140K miles and had virtually no issues. She bought a 2007 Ford Focus and the thing went through all four wheel bearings, a transmission, and a variety of other non-trivial mechanical issues before she hit 60K miles. It's actually the reason she won't buy another Ford and is now a Hyundai customer.

 

my 2000 focus has 182,000 miles, drives like a dream.

 

my friend had a zx2 and its mazda transmission went out at 70,000 miles.

[jpd80]

The vehicle I am most concerned about is not the Escape, nor the Fusion. It's the next-generation Edge. If the pattern holds true from Focus and Kuga/Escape, and we get a refreshed S-Max, it's DOA in my opinion.

With a FoE designed Edge...I keep getting the vision of a Mondeo hatchback on Stilts, I hope I'm way off base there...

I'm concerned as to why FoE was given the project when clearly Edge is NA centric with very little extension to Europe...

As an Alternative, Edge could have been continued on CD3s but used D3 suspension, electrical systems and powertrain.

Edited October 30, 2011 by jpd80

[RichardJensen]

Fusion will be the bellwether for One Ford.

 

If Mulally & Fields prioritize the EU market over the NA market on that model, it will expose the underlying hypocrisy of the One Ford mantra. If, on the other hand, the Fusion is well matched to this market, it will justify the One Ford program.

 

I would bet that there are memos at Ford from NA marketers and engineers expressing concern over the Powershift transmission. The NA market is something like 90% automatic. That is a gigantic difference as compared to Europe.

 

Where Europeans may be able to grasp the Powershift as an automatic manual, that distinction is utterly lost on a vast majority of Americans who would probably describe the Powershift to be a rough shifting (read: 'poor') automatic.

 

Decisions like that, IMO, reflect at best a naivete, and at worst an outright disregard for the NA market. And, I note that the Powershift does not deliver class leading fuel economy. One wonders if a properly tuned automatic was suggested and vetoed for reasons that would not withstand dispassionate examination.

 

If the next Fusion ends up being a veritable Passat in its foreignness, Ford will be punished in the market, and deservedly so.

Edited October 30, 2011 by RichardJensen

[Ford Jellymoulds]

New Escape is a Kuga oh noooooooooooooooo000000000

 

Ford Sales January to September YTD

Ford of Europe ( European Population 832 million)

Ford Kuga 51,300 Sales

 

Ford of USA (USA Population 307 million)

Ford Escape 187,850 Sales

You to can enjoy FOE losses instead of profits, static economies as nobody has the desire to buy small SUVs anymore, the way to go?

 

[ausrutherford]

New Escape is a Kuga oh noooooooooooooooo000000000

 

Ford Sales January to September YTD

Ford of Europe ( European Population 832 million)

Ford Kuga 51,300 Sales

 

Ford of USA (USA Population 307 million)

Ford Escape 187,850 Sales

You to can enjoy FOE losses instead of profits, static economies as nobody has the desire to buy small SUVs anymore, the way to go?

 

Thats why the next Kuga is bigger than the current. More Qashqai-ish

[danup]

The Fusion will be crucial, but the Kuga/Escape is officially the moment I start worrying about One Ford as it's currently constituted. This market's far more crucial to NA than EU and yet the "winner" seems like a European special. I realize everything about this says RAV4, and that's an extremely successful car in the states, but I'm just not sure One Ford is going to be as flexible as it needs to be—right now it just looks like the global cars are all primarily European in design.

Edited October 30, 2011 by danup

[Ford Jellymoulds]

Fiesta European

Focus first sold in Europe

New Escape is a Kuga (Just a bit bigger to please Autherford) European Kuga

Transit Connect First sold in Europe

Transit Van on the way first sold in Europe

 

It won't be long now things are changing in North America Ford USA of Europe One Ford the mafia.

 

What vehicle is the USA giving to Europe as the "ONE FORD"? Sweet FA.

 

Ford North America Q3 $1.55 Billions PROFIT

 

Ford of Europe Q3 $306 Millions LOSS the way to go?

Edited October 30, 2011 by Ford Jellymoulds

[fou_bleu]

If Mulally & Fields prioritize the EU market over the NA market on that model, it will expose the underlying hypocrisy of the One Ford mantra. If, on the other hand, the Fusion is well matched to this market (NA), it will justify the One Ford program.

 

So if the Mondeo/Fusion is designed for Europe it's an abomination of a car, but if it's designed for NA it'll be great? Ay Caramba! I'm sure there will still be many differences between models - suspension tunes, gear ratios, de-contented interior for anywhere out of U.S. etc...

 

I would bet that there are memos at Ford from NA marketers and engineers expressing concern over the Powershift transmission. The NA market is something like 90% automatic. That is a gigantic difference as compared to Europe. Where Europeans may be able to grasp the Powershift as an automatic manual, that distinction is utterly lost on a vast majority of Americans who would probably describe the Powershift to be a rough shifting (read: 'poor') automatic.

 

Everyone mocks Americans for being ignorant and not open to change, but that's probably so in this case because there is a lack in buyer awareness of what things like the PowerShift actually mean for them - call it an automatic and they'll scoff at the gear changes. Call it a clutchless manual and discuss why Ford made this and they'd probably follow the line of thought behind it. TELL them why it's superior and not hope to god that they read the internet for all this kind of information. When you have a product to sell, the less work a customer has to do, the more likely they will come to you!

 

Decisions like that, IMO, reflect at best a naivete, and at worst an outright disregard for the NA market. And, I note that the Powershift does not deliver class leading fuel economy. One wonders if a properly tuned automatic was suggested and vetoed for reasons that would not withstand dispassionate examination.

 

Now that's just being arrogant AND paranoid.

 

If the next Fusion ends up being a veritable Passat in its foreignness, Ford will be punished in the market, and deservedly so.

 

Yeah Ford, make a Camry fighter - screw the much more desirable Passat!

[blazerdude20]

Where has been said Europe will design the next Edge? From all the rumors/leaks the Edge will again be based on the Fusion. FNA is the lead on the Fusion iirc.

 

Just thinking here, the reason that Europe has been the lead on the small cars and vans is that those are very important to their markets and they have more experience with them than FNA.

 

Hasn't there also been reports that Ford will export the edge and mustang to Europe? I don't think FoE will have control over the next Mustang.

 

I also strongly doubt Ford is ignoring the USA market. It is very similar with the China market. Disregarding the two largest markets would be foolish.

[Ford Jellymoulds]

So if the Mondeo/Fusion is designed for Europe it's an abomination of a car, but if it's designed for NA it'll be great? Ay Caramba! I'm sure there will still be many differences between models - suspension tunes, gear ratios, de-contented interior for anywhere out of U.S. etc...

 

 

 

Mercury Mystique Mundane Mondeo proved a massive hit for Ford Stateside, Mercury don't exist anymore.

 

Based on popularity Ford of Europe Mundane Mondeo Sales 64,400 v Ford USA Fusion sales 188,439 this year so far

Ford will go with the profit to loss inducing sales losing Mundaneo with that over complicated very expensive to repair suspension that falls to bits at 75,000 miles, l like the Fusion its a sales winner profit generator.

Edited October 31, 2011 by Ford Jellymoulds

[FordBuyer]

The Fusion will be crucial, but the Kuga/Escape is officially the moment I start worrying about One Ford as it's currently constituted. This market's far more crucial to NA than EU and yet the "winner" seems like a European special. I realize everything about this says RAV4, and that's an extremely successful car in the states, but I'm just not sure One Ford is going to be as flexible as it needs to be—right now it just looks like the global cars are all primarily European in design.

 

 

So many of you guys expect Ford to put an all new boxy tophat on Focus platform instead of making it more aerodynamic like the competition? We all saw the Escape concept months ago and know what we are getting save for drivetrains and features. I sure hope Ford makes it a little more roomy than present Escape so that we don't hear the pinched room complaints like the Focus gets.

 

The Detroit Auto Show is not that far away now and we will see these new vehicles. However, I'm sure the new Escape will be on a revolving turntable meaning no one will probaby be able to sit in one and really check it out.

[danup]

So many of you guys expect Ford to put an all new boxy tophat on Focus platform instead of making it more aerodynamic like the competition? We all saw the Escape concept months ago and know what we are getting save for drivetrains and features. I sure hope Ford makes it a little more roomy than present Escape so that we don't hear the pinched room complaints like the Focus gets.

 

The Detroit Auto Show is not that far away now and we will see these new vehicles. However, I'm sure the new Escape will be on a revolving turntable meaning no one will probaby be able to sit in one and really check it out.

 

It's not that I didn't see it—I, too, can connect the one dot between the "concept" and the finished product, and have for some time. It's that I think this is representative of a mistake I'm worried Ford is about to make—going to an all-Europe-all-the-time model just as Volkswagen, for instance, has decided that it's not a viable option in the states.

[Ice2151]

People, people, people. Ford cannot keep trying to design cars for you old folks, or design a differenct car for NA because we think we are special from the rest of the world. That plan failed remember and Ford lost tons of money. Ford has to chase the younger buyer, and that buyer wants sleek and technical. The existing Escape would never have sold in Europe and you all know. Hell, I'm 45 and I want the new IPHONE not a phone designed 10 years ago. And it is the same with cars.

 

The new Escape will be great once the wraps are off and it gets the full Ford treatment. Of course the concept is better, but they always are.

 

Good job Ford and keep up the good work. I cant wait to see the new Fusion and MKZ.

Edited October 31, 2011 by Ice2151