A significantly updated Escape went on sale in Australia
on July 1st, 2006, and is expected in other markets
in the following months. Major external changes
include a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlights
and bonnet, as well as new LED tail-lights and rear
bumper.
On the inside, changes include
a new floor mounted automatic transmission shifter,
in place of the old column shifter, as well as
a redesigned centre stack comprising of audio
and climate controls. The latter is automatic
on all models except the XLS. The Limited model
also features full colour-coded bumpers, wheel
arch and side moldings, as well as side mirrors
with integrated LED indicators.
Rear
drum brakes have been replaced by disc brakes
all round. The 3.0L V6 has been modified to reduce
fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 4-cylinder
has improved mid-range torque and an electronic
throttle, as well as a slight increase in power
to 109 kW (146hp). Both engines had been certified
to meet Euro III emission regulations. The
new Escape is now built in Taiwan, instead of
Japan.
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