Ford has unveiled the facelifted Escort at a special
event in Chongqing, China. Debuting alongside the all-new Focus, the Escort has
a more upscale design as it has been equipped with a new front fascia which
features a revised grille that is flanked by restyled HID headlights with
C-shaped LED daytime running lights. The styling changes are less dramatic
further back but the model gains a new shark fin antenna and updated LED
taillights.
The revised styling continues in the cabin as
designers installed a new instrument cluster, satin aluminum accents and high
gloss finishes. The company also says there’s a new “two-tone color scheme that
gives the interior a fresh and contemporary feel.”
Speaking of the cabin, the Escort now offers power front
seats with a memory function. Other highlights include an auto dimming rearview
mirror, rain sensing wipers, a passive entry system and an infotainment system
with an 8-inch touchscreen display. Under the hood, the model can be equipped
with either a 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder or an all-new 1.5-liter Ti-VCT
engine. The company declined to release performance specifications but both
engines have a start/stop system and can be paired to either a six-speed manual
or six-speed automatic transmission.
While the Escort hasn’t been offered in North
America for over a decade, Ford launched the model in China roughly three and a
half years ago. It has been well-received by consumers as the company has
already sold over 800,000 units.
Ford Focus and Escort are just two of the more than
50 new vehicles that Ford intends to introduce in China by 2025. Eight of the
vehicles will be “all-new SUVs” while at least 15 of the models will be
electrified.
