Finally, after a little more than a decade, will be releasing a new Ford Escape compact SUV, or perhaps we should say, crossover utility vehicle. Since his debut as a 2001 model has the same shape and size of the escape with only basic exterior and the interior renovated maintained. In fact, the biggest news of the escape in the past 10 years from 2004 launch of the Escape Hybrid as model 2005. Only it was not the first hybrid car from Ford, it was the world's first hybrid SUV.
And if the new flight comes in late spring, will shed its boxy SUV look dated, replaced by a trendy crossover contemporary styling jelly beans - join the family car is a little blown unsure about their place in the automotive pecking order.
Inspired by the European Ford Mondeo, the new escape a big step forward, but leave something behind - a hybrid version. That's right, Ford will not offer a hybrid Escape.
Why are the hybrid powertrain, after all these years? Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development, said the EcoBoost four-cylinder engines, Ford fuel would "provide existing hybrid approaches." He added that argued the automakers that an escape mpg not a higher rating would be needed to to attract buyers.The more compelling reason is the hybrid Ford bets on the next C-Max models. The C-Max Hybrid and the C-Max Energi are plug-in hybrid models developed dedicated compete with the growing Toyota Prius lineup. Kuzak said that the C-Max is a multi-activity vehicle, which is almost the same functionality as the flight and provides a lower fuel consumption. C-Max will go on sale in the second half of 2012.
No mention of Kuzak, but maybe some other reason, the Escape Hybrid is still not selling. After peaking in 2007 with a turnover of 20 961 units, were the small hybrid SUV with sales of 11 183 at the end of 2011.
Since the Escape Hybrid is a lame duck - production ends in March - there are no changes for the 2012 model year. Two trim levels are offered on the Escape Hybrid, base and Limited. The base two-wheel drive has a manufacturer suggested retail price of $ 30,570 is $ 32,320 four-wheel drive. The Limited trim starts at $ 33,080 2WD and 4WD at $ 34,830.The Escape hybrid powertrain starts with a 155-hp 2.5-liter lean-burn, Atkinson-cycle gasoline engines motivating tasks, with a 94-hp permanent magnet motor. Planetary gear transmits the mixed output, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that the force leads to the front wheels.
The differences in the torque curve of the gasoline engine and electric motor means that the system is 177 horsepower, more than enough power for a compact SUV. Ford does not publish figures for the electric motor torque, but the four-cylinder engine produces 136 pounds-feet.If "full" hybrid system, Escape Hybrid can under pure electric power only gasoline alone or a combination of the two works. The system makes all the decisions: when to motor, motor, or both, participate. Assuming that the 330-volt nickel-metal hydride battery charged in a state that it is easy by up to a speed of 44 miles per hour electric power. It takes a light foot, but not to the point of the company's ordinary traffic. Usually start small hybrid SUVs, stop and cruise at 44 mph for about two miles off the gas engine kicks in automatically fill the batteries. Higher than speed or distance, or to accelerate at a faster pace and the transition to diesel power is almost seamless.
The Escape Hybrid saves gas by automatically switching off the engine when you stop and hold them to a dead end, while it is running on battery accessories. The engine fires again when the accelerator is touched.The 2012 Escape Hybrid features classic proportions and adheres to the "Ford Tough" look that is found on the brand of pick-up line. For many buyers is what an SUV should look and what for almost all of an era of curved cross-overs.Front cover has a unique "reverse crease" design that tends to the eye the power center of the vehicle - an informed and intelligent design methodology is to focus on performance. The front has headlights that sweep up to the front corners and flank an upright radiator grille. Design elements are large front and rear fender flares and the back is typical of old-school SUV rectangular design with a split tailgate.
There is nothing special about the interior of the Escape hybrid design, despite all the counters are easy to read and switches have a great look. The tachometer with green area below the zero, to indicate when the vehicle runs on electric power. An additional gauge shows whether the electric motor, the battery is charging or the support of the Otto engine. Both are useful for behavioral changes in the search for optimal fuel economy in terms of functionality, the front seats are comfortable, even for large adults, but some critics think, the chairs are too high, causing a sensation of hovering over the controls. The rear seat has room for three, but the lack of adjustments for reclining and slide back / again. There is a respectable 30.9 cubic meters of luggage, folding the second row of seats, bringing the total to 66 cubic meters. Unlike the regular Escape, which has a storage capacity under the load floor, there is no such surface, here, since the space occupied by a high voltage of the hybrid from the battery.The Escape Hybrid is a throwback appearance and dated inside, but only a few intersections may be fit from a vintage collection of gadgets and features. These include electric power steering, it improves fuel economy by removing a hydraulic system draw on the motor. It is also possible a series of smooth functions.
Can measure the optional Active Park Assist parallel parking space and a suitable back then uses the electrical control of the flight into space, while the driver - hands off the wheel - the rate determined by the brake. That's a neat trick, but even more important and useful is the electric power steering allows Ford pull-drift compensation. This function compares the driver fatigue and improves control by automatically drift-causing factors such as heavy crowned road or crosswind to compensate.
By most standards, has the luxury Lexus SUV hybrid is called a smash success since it was first held in 2006 to life. A significant number of Lexus SUV buyers opted for the "hybrid upgrade" to make the Lexus RX 400h, as it was known that, almost as popular as the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Until November 2011, the RX 450h, the second best-selling Lexus hybrid models, limited by the peak of the CT 200h compact sedan.
Dormant after leaving the original series RX hybrid in 2009, Toyota came back in the 2010 model year with the 450h, which delivers more power available and significantly lower fuel consumption. In other words, they raised the ante.
What is the significance of the shift in the vehicle, the name of 400h to 450h number? In the gas powered versions, the number is a code for the shift is, it means that the RX 350, that the vehicle has a 3.5-liter engine. Lexus punch those numbers in the hybrids are the RX 450h because of the combination of a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and electric motor-generator, the power of a 4.5-liter engine.
For model year 2012, the RX 450h has no significant changes. The RX 450h is to start in the front-wheel drive (FWD) model with a base price of $ 45,235 and a four-wheel drive (AWD) versions at $ 46,845. The prices reflect a $ 500 more than in model year 2011 for both cars.The gas-electric RX 450h features a 3.5-liter V-6 Atkinson-cycle engine (a cheaper version of the conventional four-stroke gasoline engine), which is rated at 245 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque. The front-drive hybrid powertrain uses two motor-generators model. One is a motor-driven generator, which acts as a starter and can charge the battery or other power electric motors as needed recharge. The second is a 167-hp engine, which uses the gas engine to power the front wheels. The overall performance of this coupling is 295 hp. And no, the combined number of 295 hp not a typo. Peak power for the gas RX 450h occur the engine and the electric motor at different speeds. Therefore, in combination represent peak power delivery capabilities in real terms, taking into account the unique peak occurs at any speed.The motor and the drive motor with a continuously variable transmission, which aims at the power management is means that the RX 450h maximizes efficiency. In addition to the engine and the engine is a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery is properly in the second row of seats. If the vehicle decelerates, absorbs some of the energy and power source.
A third, rear-mounted motor-generator is added with the AWD model to the rear wheels for steering. Although the luxury hybrid SUV is a four-wheel drive car, it is not suitable for off-road. The system has no mechanical drive shaft from front to back, and no energy transfer gearbox. Instead, only provide more torque from the rear surface as electrical demand.
Like all Lexus hybrid, the RX 450h in the purely electric or gas engine-only mode and a combination of the two works. Under certain circumstances, a driver-selectable EV mode the vehicle short distances (ie, a mile or so) with the driving electric motors. And is sufficiently charged with the batteries, the hybrid system of the engine when the vehicle is stationary, and then again when the brake pedal is released.The result of this electronic wizardry with the V-6 combines an EPA fuel economy rating of 32/28 city / highway and 30 combined with the FWD model, while the AWD version has estimates of 30/28/29. This is the best economy of all luxury SUV available - gasoline, diesel or hybrid.
Outside
Critics blasted early Lexus models for non-implementation of the distinction from the competition - some said the cars looked like they were glued together from the remains of other luxury cars. This is not the case anymore. Lexus has now called an aesthetic philosophy "L-finesse" which, if nothing else, it helped forge a clear stylistic identity, an automobile manufacturer. The RX 450h is the second generation of the L-finesse design with the fastback profile, low-set grille and sharp angular elements. Pronounced front fenders flow into the doors, and integrated rear fender flares neatly in order to get close to sweep to the rear corners of the vehicle.The RX 450h hybrid has a few styling elements differs from the RX 350, including a stylized front grille and bumper, hybrid badge with blue-trimmed Lexus logos, a 19-inch optional wheels and blue tinted headlights and taillights.
Interior
The interior of the RX 450h is everything you would expect from a luxury SUV, but a number of features you would expect that standard costs to get a little more. The 450h is equipped with 10 airbags, a nine-speaker sound system, an interactive information display, dual-zone climate control, among other things, but if you really want the full luxury car experience you have to pay more. Twelve-and 15-speaker sound systems are available, as well as video monitors blind spots, and above all, new Lexus Remote 'touch control system that comes with the optional navigation system.Think Lexus Remote Touch is the technology to replace touch-screen consoles, too much attention and need to reach from the driver. With Remote Touch, the driver is navigating the vehicle onboard computer with a small touch-activated joystick located at the foot of the center console. Although a bit of a learning curve, once you master Remote Touch is a revelation.
Like other luxury brand hybrids, the RX 450h show on screen the power flow between the electric motor drive, motor and battery. Instead of the tachometer RX 350 is a counter with an electric motor with respect to the chargeability support.
Front seats and cushions are made for long-distance comfort, and plenty of seating and steering wheel adjustments make it easy for a customized comfortable driving position. Imitate the sliding rear doors "Comfort Plus it back and forth, but also lying position.Behind the rear, the RX 400h has an average amount of space for five passengers mid-size SUV. It offers 40 cubic feet with the seats folded and 80.3 cubic feet with rear seats.
On The Road
The hybrid drive system is seamless in operation and the engine start / stop function is not observable. Overall, the RX 400h delivers a very quiet and comfortable, car-like ride. Smooth power delivery is immediate, but to merge and to pass or to move quickly through traffic with ease.
When it comes to handling, the RX is not a corner carver. It's a long, heavy vehicles, with the suspension in the sense of comfort resulting in abnormal tilting of the vehicle body, elected on smooth curves. Lacking in other words, exciting performance.But the "fun factor" is not the whole story when it comes to the RX 450h. Sure, it's what brings people, cars for a living out of bed every morning, but most drivers are for something, try to find the simple, safe and efficient - qualities of the RX 450h has in spades.
And in this consumption: our 127-mile test drive a AWD model a few years ago showed 31.6 mpg, easily beating EPA numbers.
Economy
This is one of the few luxury hybrids on the market, the fuel actually contributes to the so-called "hybrid premium" over the average life of the vehicle. The 450h The starting price of less than $ 46,000 means that the fuel is added at a cost of about $ 6,100 is compared to its non-hybrid brother, the RX 350th For the city, this boost efficiency 14 mpg on the highway is the difference between a much more modest 3 mpg.
For about $ 1,000 less than the base FWD RX hybrid, a Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited comes with a number of standard luxury features like leather seats, which is optional on the 450h. Plus, placing seven, four-wheel drive and the standard fuel consumption figure is 28/28/28, not far from the Lexus.
If you are on a luxury crossover, but sporty performance is more important than fuel economy, look BMW X5. It is one of the sportiest in the luxury SUV segment, and each of the turbo engines takes a lot of punch. Of $ 47,500 for the X5 is expensive compared to the rest of the class, but not much more expensive than the Lexus RX 450h.
Do you want luxury, good handling and above average fuel economy? The diesel Volkswagen Touareg can not be neglected. The interior is spacious, comfortable and quality of materials and fit and finish are top drawer. VW's twin-turbo diesel engine of 225 hp and coils burly 406 pounds-feet of torque, while delivering an EPA fuel economy rating of 19/28/22. Price from $ 46,475, it's more fun to drive than the Lexus, but not more than the BMW.
Conclusion: There are more powerful, entertaining and attractive way to carry five people and their weekend stuff, but that's not what the RX hybrid is. It's about the destination, not the station. And, oh, that fuel when you arrive.
Standard of the Ford / Microsoft Sync is infotainment. This basic setup can sync to ensure turn-by-turn directions and other information about the audio system. Covered with the optional voice-activated, hard drive navigation system, Bluetooth Sync extended to include audio streaming, iPod, USB interface, and detailed mapping and information services. Also available is "MyKey" is a system, the owner, reduce the vehicle speed and volume can be -. A big plus for parents Other available add-ons include a remote start feature, rear DVD entertainment system, back close-up alarm and rear view camera.
On the safe side contains the Escape Hybrid Roll Stability Control stability. It is the only system with a sensor that detects the onset of a rollover and have to stop him.It is interesting that the introduction of the flight was one of the first crossover SUVs. It combines a four-door body with a front-wheel-drive, car-type chassis from the Mazda 6 to a single form unibody structure borrowed. It was compact, light, and one of the first SUV with an all-independent suspension. The Escape Hybrid is the car-like qualities.
Like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V has the Escape Hybrid rather stiff suspension, but the ride is quiet and smooth, with a good absorption of shocks. Body roll is present but not overdone. The electric power steering provides a high level of Assist, which means it does not take much effort to the steering wheel. Control is precise, with minimal play in the steering.The hybrid powertrain delivers acceptable acceleration that gives the courage to back up the highway. According to Ford, the system is zero to 60 mph according to the speed of 240 hp V-6.The Ford Escape Hybrid is certainly the most efficient crossover SUVs on the market. The use is in itself one of the most important demands a vehicle these days can, given the popularity of these vehicles, combined with the need for economic solutions to the rising price of gasoline. To this end, the front-wheel drive version of a federal fuel economy rating of 34 city/31 highway and 32 mpg combined. The all-wheel drive model offers 30/27/29.
At $ 30,570, ordered the base Escape Hybrid is nearly $ 6,000 premium over its gasoline-powered Escape counterpart. This makes it one of the most expensive compact SUVs, but it's cheaper than most hybrid SUVs. Compared with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h hybrid, it is much cheaper - but still well equipped.
Since this is a lame duck vehicle has its advantages. If Ford knew the inventories of the 2012 escape hybrid that opens the door to find a unique offering by generous manufacturer incentives and deep discounts to dealers.
If dated SUV styling is not your thing, you have until summer for the C-Max Hybrid wait to come. It should be priced about the same as the Escape Hybrid and provide economical. The downside is, the interior is a bit smaller and it is unknown whether AWD will be offered.
Hybrid boasting not important to you? Models like the RAV4 and CR-V combined to fuel subsidy in the high 20s - both of these vehicles, in particular, is well known that a better quality and greater refinement to build for less money.
