2013 Ford Escape Heading To LA Ahead Of Australian Launch

Ford's all-new Escape SUV will make its global debut at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show, the carmaker has announced today. An Australian debut will follow, although exact dates have not been confirmed.

Ford has offered few details on the new Escape's styling, but we can likely expect a production version of the Vertrek concept. 

The Vertrek is built on the same C-segment platform used by the new 2012 Focus line-up. When it launches, it will form one of 10 models using that platform.

No secret is the new Escape's engine range. Internationally, the new SUV will be offered with three four-cylinder engine options: an updated version of the existing 2.5 litre offered in the US, along with two of Ford's new turbocharged EcoBoost engines.

The EcoBoost engines will include 1.6 and 2.0 litre options, with the latter producing 186kW and 360Nm of torque. Those keeping score will remember this engine from the upcoming Focus ST hot hatch.

The 2.0 litre engine will offer fuel consumption figures of around 7.8 l/100km, bettering the Australian-delivered Escape by two litres and delivering an additional 77kW. 

Australia

Speaking with TMR today, Ford Australia's Production Communication Manager for SUVs, Peter Fadeyev, confirmed a local debut for the new Escape.

"We don't have an introduction date for the new model yet, but we can certainly expect it to come to Australia," Mr Fadeyev said.