Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) to come standard on every Ford Escape from September, as first Escape ST-Line gives New Zealanders Ford’s most comprehensive SUV line-up to-date

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is standard across the Ford Escape range from September 2018, adding to Driver Assist Technology and features that have earned Escape a 5-star ANCAP safety rating
• From September 2018, the Ford Escape ST-Line will bring a new sports-focused Escape, with a fresh new look backed up by Escape’s dynamic driving style, with sports suspension, retuned steering and unique styling package inside and out
• Ford’s SUV family has expanded to more models, wider variety and broader choice for New Zealanders, and now includes the EcoSport, the newly updated Escape, award winning Everest and the all-new premium SUV, the Ford Endura ST-Line

AUCKLAND, 27 June 2018 – The Ford Escape ST-Line will join Ford’s SUV line-up later in 2018 to give New Zealanders a sports-oriented mid-sized SUV, while Autonomous Emergency Brakingⁱ has been expanded to become standard equipment on every 2018 Escape model from September 2018.

“New Zealanders continue to pivot towards the practicality and versatility of trucks and SUVs, yet there’s a genuine passion for sports and performance models here, too,” said Ford New Zealand Managing Director, Simon Rutherford. “The Escape ST-Line joins other popular ST-Line models here in NZ, bringing together Ford’s sports styling and dynamics with the livability and convenience of the Escape.”

In addition, every 2018 Ford Escape is now fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking as standard. Previously only on flagship models, AEB has now been extended across the 2018 Escape line-up, meaning it’s fitted to the Escape Ambiente for the first time.

The 2018 Escape: Autonomous choice, Autonomous Emergency Braking

Every 2018 Ford Escape comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking as standard equipment, including the entry-level Escape Ambiente.

“Safety is a top priority for New Zealanders and they now look and require for high levels of equipment in their vehicles,” said Simon Rutherford. “ The Escape joins the new 2018 Mustang as having AEB standard, and we’ve also announced AEB will be available on soon-to-arrive models including the 2019 Everest as well as the 2019 Ranger, Transit Custom and the all-new Focus.”

SYNC 3 is standard across the Escape line-up and includes in-built voice activation, native sat-nav as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibilityⁱⁱ. SYNC 3 can be operated by steering-wheel mounted controls, or via a steering-wheel mounted voice activation button. Apple users can also enable Siri for iPhone functions, minimizing distraction and saving time fumbling for buttons.

Escape ST-Line: sports poise with pragmatism

The 2018 Ford Escape ST-Line delivers bold exterior and interior styling including unique alloy wheels and sport seat designs. It will also offer the sportiest Escape driving dynamics yet, with chassis enhancements including optimised suspension that lowers ride-height by 10mm, re-tuned steering, and thicker anti-roll bars for reduced body roll and sharper responses.

Strong visual changes help the ST-Line make a bold statement, with is 18-inch Absolute Black alloys matched to the front grille, fog-lamp surrounds, roof rails and rear valence to reflect its athletic nature and boldness.

The drivers’ seat is the best in the house for the ST-Line, with new leather combination trim throughout the cabin, featuring detailed red-stitching to match the ST-Line logo. Red stitching is also seen on the gear-lever, as well as the armrests and the ST-Line steering wheel. Stainless steel pedals match the unique scuff plates to give Escape ST-Line’s cabin an energetic, premium splash of colour, finished off with ST-Line floor mats.

ST-Line: street smarts

The Escape ST-Line equipment level brings additional Driver Assist Technology to customers. With AEB as standard equipment on all Escapes, the ST-Line also features Smart Keyless Entry as well as;   

• Front parking sensors 
• Enhanced Active Park Assist 
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• Enhanced Active City Stop (Low Speed AEB) 
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 
• Forward Collision Alert 
• Lane Keeping Aid (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) 
• Hands Free Power Tailgate with Open Sesame 

Confidence around town comes from ST-Line’s standard front and rear parking sensors, as well as its 8.0-inch full colour reversing camera. However, ST-Line boasts even more advance technology, with Enhanced Active Park Assist enabling auto parallel parking as well as auto perpendicular parking. 

The Escape ST-Line is standard with Intelligent-All-Wheel Drive, which is designed to monitor Escape’s performance and adjusts the delivery of torque to each wheel every 16 milliseconds. Power comes from the popular 178kW/345Nmⁱⁱⁱ 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder and six-speed paddleshift automatic, delivering official fuel efficiency figures of 8.6L/100km^iv (ADR combined cycle).

The Escape ST-Line goes on sale with the updated Ford Escape line-up in September 2018. 

2018 Ford Escape RRP 

Recommended Retail List Prices (RRP)* for 2018.5MY Escape and options:

^* Recommended Retail Pricing only. As always, this is includes GST but the offer price of any vehicle or option is entirely at the discretion of the Dealer.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 203,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.