All new 2005 Ford Escape compact SUV sprints ahead in Bahrain with new style and safety

The redesigned 2005 Ford Escape expands its capability and style with an enhanced powertrain, a fresh look inside and out, standard anti-lock brakes and the available Safety Canopy curtain air bag system with rollover protection.

"Escape combines fuel economy, durability, roominess and capability on-and off-road in a small SUV," said Sunil George, general manager of Almoayyed Motors. "It remains the segment leader by continuing to deliver the right package at the right price."

The 2005 Ford Escape is available at Almoayyed Motors (Tel: 17-737373) in the XLS model. The new model comes in the 4x2 version, equipped with an automatic transmission.

Escape: A Segment Leader by All Means
Escape offers the advantages of a powerful V-6 engine, an independent rear suspension, a rear liftgate with flip-up glass, outstanding roominess, cargo features and spaciousness. It is also the only small SUV designed to pass the rigorous Tough Truck testing given to all Ford trucks and SUVs.

"Escape is fun-to-drive, agile, sporty, durable yet affordable and fuel-efficient transportation ideal for first-time SUV buyers or those seeking the attributes of an SUV in a more compact package," Sunil George added. "For the 2005 model year, Escape is designed for even greater appeal, with a newly available automatic transmission and great roominess that gives it a big advantage in its segment."

Improved Duratec 30 V-6 Engine
Escape's Duratec 30 V-6 engine is improved for 2005 with a smoother idle and more responsive part-throttle response thanks to new engine mounts and the sophisticated Black Oak powertrain management computer. With 200 peak NET horsepower, it is one of the most powerful engines in the segment.

In Bahrain, the Escape is available in a front-wheel-drive (4x2) configuration that provides more traction and stability than rear-wheel-drive competitors.

Standard Floor Shifter and a Fresh Look Inside and Out
For 2005, Escape has a substantially re-fitted interior with a standard flow-through console and floor-mounted shifter, modern gauges, upgraded seat cushions and fabrics and more storage spaces.

Escape's aggressive exterior is updated for 2005 with new headlamps, fog lamps, an egg-crate grille, new front and rear fascias and new 15-inch aluminum wheels. The lower bumpers, front and rear, have stylized ribs.

Class-Leading Safety and Security
With revisions to the body structure to improve performance in offset frontal crashes, a standard passenger-seat weight-sensing technology and the Personal Safety System™, the Escape is expected to be the first vehicle in its class to meet the newly amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 for occupant crash protection. The Ford-exclusive Safety Canopy™ rollover protection system is also available as an option. Head restraints and three-point safety belts are standard at all seating positions.

Quieter Interior, More Comfortable Ride
The 2005 Escape benefits from major engineering efforts to quiet the interior. Added sound-absorbing panels and tighter sealing measures reduce cabin noise, while new engine mounts on the Duratec 30 make the powertrains smoother than ever. Larger-diameter front shocks and a new front stabilizer system better absorb road impacts while maintaining Escape's hallmark driving dynamics.

More Confident Braking
Anti-lock brakes are standard on all Ford Escape models for 2005. The system features Quick Brake Assist, a power-assistance technology that can recognize hard braking and help the driver apply maximum braking force - for shorter stops. Four-wheel-drive models now have discs at all four wheels.