September 2001 Volume 82 Number 9 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

Escape much more versatile

Ford’s Escape wagon is one of the new breed of recreational 4x4s that offer V6 power. It is the result of a model-sharing arrangement between Ford and Mazda.

The Escape and Mazda Tribute are built on the same platform and share the same drive line, but that is where the similarities end, say the two companies.

Escape and Tribute’s exterior panels and interiors are nearly all different but, mechanically, the two are the same. Suspensions, transmissions and steering, however, have been uniquely tuned to provide a different feel on the road.

Escape comes in two specification levels, both with a 3.0-litre V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission as standard. As the entry level XLS comes with dual air bags, air conditioning, single CD player and power windows, its $33,200 price tag seems reasonable. And Escape has the added advantage of an advanced four-wheel-drive system, making it much more versatile.

The Police Journal test-drove the up-market XLT, which, for $37,300, includes such extras as:

• Alloy wheels.
• Six-stack in-dash CD system.
• ABS brakes.
• Steering wheel-mounted cruise control.

Its lively 3.0-litre, quad-cam V6, provides an impressive 150kW at 5,900rpm and 266Nm of torque, allowing it to tow up to 1,600kg. Power delivery is smooth, with enough grunt to move the 1,568kg Escape off the line at an impressive rate. The four-speed auto transmission is well matched to the engine, providing smooth up and down shifts.

Drive is to the front wheels with an advanced Rotary Blade 4WD system progressively feeding torque to the rear axle as the front wheels begin to slip. Although there is no low range, a dash-mounted button allows the driver to lock manually the 4WD system, providing a 50/50 torque split. Approach and departure angles are reasonable, as is its ground clearance.

Escape’s interior is functional, roomy and comfortable. Like the Tribute, it features a column shift for the auto transmission. This provides a flat floor and larger-than-average console bin.

Vision is good, seats are comfortable and storage areas abound. One can access the cargo area by a single lift-up tailgate fitted with a flip-up window. Although not huge, cargo space is reasonable and enhanced by the 60/40 folding rear seat.

Who dares handle the power?

Turn the key, fire the high-performance V8 into action and the rumbling twin-exhaust note will be music to the ears of every petrol head. Not heard on standard Australian cars since the GT-HO and Monaro, this enlivening roar comes from the latest Ford Mustang Cobra.

This car is a sensation to drive. Frighteningly powerful, it has a superb gearbox, excellent ride and handling characteristics, and big, effective ABS brakes. These features and that fabulous V8 burble leave one declaring: “I have to buy one.”

But this car can bite. Even with its effective traction control system, some would not cope with its power.

Imported from the US, the legendary Mustang - or “pony car” - is again available Down Under. Converted to right-hand drive by Tickford Vehicle Engineering (Ford’s high performance partner) it is sold at FTE dealers with full factory warranty.

Mustang is available as a two-door coupe ($85,000) or slick-looking convertible ($89,000). They may only be affordable to few police, but many other more expensive imports offer less.

The Police Journal tested a black coupe, which, by its galloping chrome pony and impressive Cobra badging, was instantly recognizable.

Of all-alloy construction under the long, bulging bonnet is a muscular 4.6-litre, quad-cam, 32-valve V8 engine. Turning out an impressive 240kW of power at 6,000rpm and 430Nm of torque at 4,750rpm, the engine is mated to a notchy five-speed manual transmission through a hefty 280mm clutch.

Redline is close to 7,000rpm, and 0 - 100km/h is achieved in as little as 5.6 seconds. Around 2,000rpm in fifth gear has the speedo sitting at 110km/h, but it will get there easily in second gear.

Fuel economy on test varied between a respectable 12 litres/100km and 21 litres/100km. Standard features include:

• Two-tone leather and suede trim.
• Air conditioning.
• Anti-lock brakes.
• Dual airbags.
• Remote locking.
• Power windows and mirrors.
• High power, six-disc in-dash CD player.
• Big 17-inch alloy wheels with high-performance low-profile tyres.
• Steering wheel-mounted cruise control.

Don’t listen to the critics: this car is stunning to look at, fabulous to drive and extremely well appointed.

PASAweb   Index & Search   Top of Page   Comments   Email to Editor

The Police Journal Online is an official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2001  The Police Association of South Australia sustance