RadicalX Posted April 11, 2018 Share Posted April 11, 2018 (edited) The Chinese-market Ford Escort has received a comprehensive update for 2018, likely in line with the all-new Focus also revealed overnight. Upgrades include a revised exterior, which appears to draw inspiration from the new Focus range, a new 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine, and additional luxury and technology features compared to the current model. New HID headlights reside at the front end, incorporating C-shaped LED daytime-running lights and a chrome outer bezel. The five-bar chrome grille has also been revised for the upgraded model. At the rear, theres new LED tail-lights (though we dont have any images of them, yet) with integrated reverse lights, while the rear fog-lights are separated into the rear fascia to give a sense of symmetry and balance. Inside, theres a new instrument cluster, high-gloss finishes and satin aluminium accents for an improved cabin ambience. Electronic stability control is now standard across the range, along with side curtain airbags and tyre pressure monitoring the Chinese markets safety standards arent as strict as ours, in case you were wondering. Rounding out the upgrades are the availability of power-adjustable front seats with memory, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear-view camera, automatic headlights and wipers, along with keyless entry and push-button start. Ford says over 800,000 examples of the Escort have been sold since its launch in December 2014, with the pre-facelift model having been designed in Australia. We are delighted that our Chinese customers have embraced the Escort and made it such a huge success, said He Chaobing, executive vice president of Changan Ford Automobile Company. The new Escort underlines our commitment to continue listening to our valued customers in China and evolve to meet their expectations. It appears the new Escort will be sold alongside the current Focus hatchback, until production of the all-new model commences later this year. https://www.caradvice.com.au/638365/2018-ford-escort-china/ Edited April 11, 2018 by RadicalX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted April 11, 2018 Share Posted April 11, 2018 Nice improvement over the current Escort-wonder if its on the C2 platform also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RadicalX Posted April 11, 2018 Author Share Posted April 11, 2018 Nice improvement over the current Escort-wonder if its on the C2 platform also This Escort is still on the C1 platform. It's strange not having pictures of the back, even journalists have already written the changes that have occurred Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted April 11, 2018 Share Posted April 11, 2018 I posted several Escort photos in the other thread you made. It's a very minimal facelift to keep the lights on for a few more year. No change to the interior. Ford should be pretty far down the road on the next gen Escort. I hope they realize there is a lot of potential for this model in other markets. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted April 11, 2018 Share Posted April 11, 2018 (edited) The Chinese-market Ford Escort has received a comprehensive update for 2018, likely in line with the all-new Focus also revealed overnight. Upgrades include a revised exterior, which appears to draw inspiration from the new Focus range, a new 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine, and additional luxury and technology features compared to the current model. New HID headlights reside at the front end, incorporating C-shaped LED daytime-running lights and a chrome outer bezel. The five-bar chrome grille has also been revised for the upgraded model. At the rear, theres new LED tail-lights (though we dont have any images of them, yet) with integrated reverse lights, while the rear fog-lights are separated into the rear fascia to give a sense of symmetry and balance. Inside, theres a new instrument cluster, high-gloss finishes and satin aluminium accents for an improved cabin ambience. Electronic stability control is now standard across the range, along with side curtain airbags and tyre pressure monitoring the Chinese markets safety standards arent as strict as ours, in case you were wondering. Rounding out the upgrades are the availability of power-adjustable front seats with memory, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear-view camera, automatic headlights and wipers, along with keyless entry and push-button start. Ford says over 800,000 examples of the Escort have been sold since its launch in December 2014, with the pre-facelift model having been designed in Australia. We are delighted that our Chinese customers have embraced the Escort and made it such a huge success, said He Chaobing, executive vice president of Changan Ford Automobile Company. The new Escort underlines our commitment to continue listening to our valued customers in China and evolve to meet their expectations. It appears the new Escort will be sold alongside the current Focus hatchback, until production of the all-new model commences later this year. https://www.caradvice.com.au/638365/2018-ford-escort-china/ Just remember that Escort sits below Focus in China and is considered the affordable volume seller there. Escort was developed by Ford Asia pacific out of Geelong, Australia while Focus is developed out of Cologne Germany. Edited April 11, 2018 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted April 11, 2018 Share Posted April 11, 2018 Chinese Escort is like the Nissan Versa sedan, C size at a B price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assimilator Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 (edited) Definitely not needed in the US but the new Focus is also taking a much more budget-focused approach with a low-grade suspension systems to cut cost, similar to what they did with the C1 platform for Escort. Focus could start to overlap with Escort in China and reduce the need for Fiesta in the US. Edited April 12, 2018 by Assimilator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Only the lower end Focus models get twist beam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2b2 Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Only the lower end Focus models get twist beam. there are 7 images on "Ferdfanpage" @ facebook that show even Vignale with the 1.0EB/125hp. and the FORD_FOCUS_2018_EU.pdf states: "A lightweight twist-beam rear suspension configuration is also offered; refined to deliver the distinctive character and driving dynamics customers expect from Focus. Enhanced using the same Ford-patented force vectoring spring technology that supports the responsive, engaging and fun-to-drive experience of the all-new Fiesta ST, the twist-beam configuration is designed to complement the lighter 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5-litre EcoBlue powertrains." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 ^ hes right. It depends on which engine you want. The smallest engines get the twist beam because its lighter than the control blades. Helps fuel economy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 ^ hes right. It depends on which engine you want. The smallest engines get the twist beam because its lighter than the control blades. Helps fuel economy. I'm sure that outside of the ST/RS models, the US models will be twist beam only. I believe the vast majority of the segment in the US has only a solid axle/twist beam setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 (edited) Titaniums and Vignales probably wont be twist beam either. In upper trims this is now Fords global flagship car - theyre even offering CCD suspension. Edited April 12, 2018 by akirby 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Titaniums and Vignales probably wont be twist beam either. In upper trims this is now Fords global flagship car - theyre even offering CCD suspension. They are offering Vignales with twist beam with the smaller diesel and Ecoboost engines...see above If Ford is having problems moving a 40K RS in the US, I don't think the demand for a $27k+Focus Platinum is going to be there either. You can get a nicely loaded Escape for that much. The Focus is bought mostly because of pricing. There really isn't much of a demand for a premium compact in the US at least. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Will the Titaniums and Vignales even be offered with the smaller output engines? I assumed they would not. It’s also apparent that Focus may be taking over where Fusion/Mondeo currently sit. This version is bigger and offers a lot more features and functionality and much better styling so I think they could sell more Titaniums going forward, especially if they kill Fusion or replace it with a longer wheelbase version. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Assimilator Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 (edited) The Focus has very limited appeal in the US, it's an economy car sold largely on pricing and it's getting harder and harder to upsell that segment. I don't think they can cover the midsize space with a Focus, the best they can do is cover more of the economy car customers under one umbrella. The Midsize segment is not sold exclusively on price and FE and still offers far more style, refinement, and appeal than a compact brand like Focus. Focus is still not big for it's segment, it's not getting closer to Midsize territory anyway. It really is just catching up on interior size but remains the same size outside. Edited April 12, 2018 by Assimilator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonj80 Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 (edited) I would think all Hatchbacks will get the IRS as well as Titanium and higher sedans. The Civic, Corolla, and Golf hatchbacks all have IRS. Where only the Civic has it on full line of sedans. Would make sense for the lower sedans to keep the twist beam, also would give people a reason to upgrade to the Titanium vs SEL on the sedan side. This idea of manufacturing in China was to keep costs low and offer more, if they offer less for the same price the market will kill them, as will the reviews.(And you know 99% are going to say its made in China) Getting over the China Car is only going to be done by offering way more for less with good quality; if they do the vast majority of buyers will not care where were it is made.As much as I would love the Active model I doubt it will make it here. They will push people toward the Ecosport or new SUV in between that and the Escape.I also wonder if this is going to be sold in Mexico. Edited April 12, 2018 by jasonj80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 It’s also apparent that Focus may be taking over where Fusion/Mondeo currently sit. This version is bigger and offers a lot more features and functionality and much better styling so I think they could sell more Titaniums going forward, especially if they kill Fusion or replace it with a longer wheelbase version. Bigger? The car is physically the same size with a slightly improved interior room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I would think all Hatchbacks will get the IRS as well as Titanium and higher sedans. The Civic, Corolla, and Golf hatchbacks all have IRS. Where only the Civic has it on full line of sedans. I still think that Ford is going to go the cheap route-even with it being made in China. The market isn't really demanding it...well the one that buys the Focus anyways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 Bigger? The car is physically the same size with a slightly improved interior room. 2+ inches in most dimensions is more than "slightly improved". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonj80 Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I still think that Ford is going to go the cheap route-even with it being made in China. The market isn't really demanding it...well the one that buys the Focus anyways. If that's the route they should just bring the Escort over - sell it for 17K and you only get to pick and exterior color. The market is demanding it though, look at the New Civic and Corolla (hatchback) and CH-R. People are willing to pay for vehicles in that class. Remember the 2012 Civic, people wanted a cheap car. They got a cheap car and stayed as far away from it as possible and Honda did a pretty big update as fast as they could for the 2013 and then 2014MY. People will pay for quality, the general idea that Americans what the cheapest thing possible has hit VW, Honda, and Toyota on various models. Americans want good value, not always the lowest price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 In the US market, the Escort will face heavy headwind against B-segment CUVs. All things considered, Ford would rather sell a $20k EcoSport (a bigger next gen one) than a $17k Escort. And that applies to all the car makers operating in the US... B-cars and cheap C-cars are being cannibalized by B-segment CUVs at a rapid pace - Look at class leader Nissan Versa... sales are trending down every year. As for Focus, I see no reason why US market will be different than the rest of the world... the 1.0 EB models will have twist beam and 1.5 EB models will have control blade. The only question is what trim level will be offered with each engine... just a total random guess: 1.0 SE sedan 1.0 SEL sedan 1.0 Titanium sedan 1.5 SEL sedan 1.5 Titanium sedan 1.0 SEL hatch 1.0 Titanium hatch 1.5 ST-Line hatch 1.5 SEL Active 1.5 Titanium Acive 2.0 ST hatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RadicalX Posted April 12, 2018 Author Share Posted April 12, 2018 Here in Brazil, cars like Escort are very successful; VW Virtus, Fiat Chronos, Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda City. Toyota will bring the Yaris Sedan as well. Ford, please bring the Escort Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2b2 Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 (edited) In the US market, the Escort will face heavy headwind against B-segment CUVs. All things considered, Ford would rather sell a $20k EcoSport (a bigger next gen one) than a $17k Escort. And that applies to all the car makers operating in the US... B-cars and cheap C-cars are being cannibalized by B-segment CUVs at a rapid pace - Look at class leader Nissan Versa... sales are trending down every year. As for Focus, I see no reason why US market will be different than the rest of the world... the 1.0 EB models will have twist beam and 1.5 EB models will have control blade. The only question is what trim level will be offered with each engine... just a total random guess: 1.0 SE sedan 1.0 SEL sedan 1.0 Titanium sedan 1.5 SEL sedan 1.5 Titanium sedan 1.0 SEL hatch 1.0 Titanium hatch 1.5 ST-Line hatch 1.5 SEL Active 1.5 Titanium Acive 2.0 ST hatch I'm curious what purpose / distinction you see between your SEL & Titanium? just from the list I see redundancy... ...since all Focii will suffer from importation, imho they'll cut variants To The BONE (prolley even fewer than current EcoSpurt - which I expect will get cuts too) Edited April 12, 2018 by 2b2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jqa1824 Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 SEL should be an SE but with some common upgrades like a larger screen, wheels, auto-climate, etc. Titanium adds leather, fancier wheels, etc. I like this system because trim levels are easier to discuss than packages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I'm curious what purpose / distinction you see between your SEL & Titanium? just from the list I see redundancy... ...since all Focii will suffer from importation, imho they'll cut variants To The BONE (prolley even fewer than current EcoSpurt - which I expect will get cuts too) The EcoSport order guide is really basic already- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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