By Asian Journal Autoeditor

2017-Ford-Escape-TitaniumWith its svelte, athletic sporty good looks and a very high spec, the 2017 Ford Escape has much to offer as a Compact Sport Utility. You have to hand it to Ford as the bold dynamic styling direction ensures the Escape does stand out in this competitive marketplace. For starters, it is more graceful, less truck-like than its rivals with its sleek side profile, rear-sloping roofline and large greenhouse. In fact, the Escape resembles in many ways the Ford Focus hatchback.  For 2017 the Escape has only a few changes from the 016’ model years, with Ford’s new SYNC 3 infotainment system being the major interior upgrade. This third and current generation Escape also arrives with a choice of engines and transmissions; starting with the base 2.5-litre our cylinder unit (168 hp, 170 lb/ft), or the 1.6-litre turbocharged “Ecoboost” four cylinder mill with 178 p, 184 lb/ft. The star powerplant is the more powerful 2.0 litre Ecoboost unit that delivers 240 hp and    70 lb/ft of torque. The Escape format is a front-engine, with either intelligent four-wheel-drive (as tested) or two wheel FWD (Front-wheel-drive.) We tested the top line Titanium model equipped with the 2.0L liter Ford Ecoboost engine and the six speed SelectShift Auto transmission. Options included:  White Platinum metallic Tri-coat paint ($550) and the Titanium technology package ($1750) including enhanced Active parking and Park Assist systems. Options 19-inch sparkle silver painted wheels, Adaptive Cruise control, and Canadian Touring package and twin panel moonroof. As standard equipment on the Titanium includes: Rear parking aid sensors, roof rails, power ten-way driver seats, Ford Sync and a Tonneau cover. With a base price of $35,000 and options, delivery and destination our tester came in at a final tally of  $44,239. Standard safety equipment on all 2017 Escape trims, meanwhile, includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front ide-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and a post-collision safety system. Ford’s excellent   MyKey programmable speed and audio volume limiting feature is standard lineup-wide, as well, while the E and Titanium trims offer standard front fog/driving lights. The exclusive to Ford MyKey system, is very Innovative and allows owners o do such things such as setting limits or mute for the audio system, limit he top speed and have an adjustable warning chime for all seatbelts. Ford’s new SYNC 3 infotainment   system is the major interior upgrade and is even easier to use with its menus for audio, climate, phone, navigation, apps and vehicle settings and more intuitive to access. A big eight-inch touchscreen makes it   easier to operate as well even when on the move. You can open and adjust menus by using the now familiar pinch and swipe functions, as used in your smart phone or tablet. To sum up, the 2017 Ford scape is fine family hauler that can be outfitted from a decent standard/base spec all the way to an uber luxury and high technology equipped CUV that will satisfy every need. With its excellent combination of looks, equipment, fit and finish, the Ford Escape will not disappoint. Highly recommended.

2017 Ford Escape Titanium Sport Ecoboost. Base priced from $25,000. Price as tested with options destination and delivery  $44,239.