Ford Escape returns to Australia

Ford has announced that it will ditch the Kuga nameplate and bring back the Ford Escape as of 2017.

The Escape isn't an all-new vehicle rather it is an updated Kuga that has been brought into line with Ford's global naming strategy.

Design tweaks have brought the Escape, nee-Kuga, up to date with Ford's new global design language, which is highlighted by its new front end that features a large trapezoidal grille and smaller lower grille, much like the new Ford Edge will wear when it arrives down under in 2018.

The Escape also features reworked taillights and a new bonnet which has been designed with pedestrian safety in mind.

Ford has also worked at making the cabin classier and more user friendly by removing many buttons and dials and instead incorporating more features into its SYNC3 infotainment system that is accessible through an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The new Escape will also be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring technology.

Ford has upgraded its suite of safety technology suite to include emergency city braking, semi-autonomous park assist, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a driver fatigue alert system and torque vectoring control.

The new Escape range kicks off with the entry-level Ambiente range, which features three models. Two front-wheel drive variants are powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 110kW/240Nm and 134kW/240Nm in manual and automatic guise respectively. The front-wheel drive models are priced at $28,490 and $29,990 before on-road costs. The third model in the Ambiente trim line is the all-wheel drive model that is powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol, is mated to a six-speed auto and is priced from $32,990.

Ambiente models score navigation, digital radio, reversing camera, cruise control, daytime running lights, keyless ignition, front and rear fog lamps, electronic park brake and Ford's MyKey.

The mid-tier Escape Trend also features three models; the first powered by a 1.5-litre that is found in the Ambiente range and is priced from $32,990; next up is an all-wheel drive model priced from $35,990 and powered by a 178kW/345Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; while the final model in the Trend range is a 132kW/400Nm 2.0-litre diesel powered variant which is mated to a six-speed auto and priced from $38,490.

All Trend variants gain 18-inch alloy wheels, roof-rails, privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, auto dimming rearview mirror, auto headlights and a leather wrapped gear lever.

The range-topping Titanium has two model variants, an all-wheel drive model powered by the 2.0-litre petrol engine and an all-wheel drive model powered by the 2.0-litre diesel engine. The two models are priced from $44,990 and $47,490 respectively.

All Titanium models gain 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, power folding mirrors, LED daytime running lights, adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats with 10-way power adjustment, velour floor mats, power tailgate, ambient lighting, LED taillights and a nine-speaker stereo.