Consumers in emerging markets often have to tolerate the previous generation of a vehicle (or, God forbid, an ancient Fiat). For the Chinese market, Ford has something a little new and different planned for its C-segment entry. This new model will use the Escort nameplate, giving Chinese consumers their very own compact sedan built right in their own backyard to join the existing and more upscale Focus.
The Chinese-market Ford Escort incorporates plenty of Ford’s familiar design and styling cues, yet seems to be lacking the panache of the American-European Focus; as such, it seems to appear somewhat like a neo-version of our old Escort with its “corporate face” similar to that of the Focus. Speaking of the Focus, the Escort shares its same basic platform. And given that the Focus chassis has received plenty of praise, the Escort should also offer a quick responses and a spirited driving experience.
The C-segment Escort is motivated by Ford’s fuel-efficient 1.5L Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) four-banger that Ford says will deliver “outstanding fuel economy and smooth power delivery.”
“With its smart, safe and green features, the all-new Ford Escort is a compelling and attainable addition to China’s compact car segment, and a sign of how Ford continues to go further to serve customers old and new in markets around the world,” says president of Changan Ford Automobile, Marin Burela.
No Comments yet