Do you remember the classic nameplate “Escort”? If not, let me recall you, the Escort is the name of the popular and classic rally race-cars of the 60’s and 70’s and the best selling cars of the 80’s and 90’s and recently the Ford used this name for the upcoming all new concept vehicle that was launched at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show in April. The concept Escort shares its look and styling features with most of the latest Ford models like the Fusion and Focus etc. The car is offered to the Chinese market and it seems that the car has potential to attract a big crowd of potential buyers. The car will help the American automaker to gain foothold in the Chinese market as well as the car will open the doors for the Ford to get a smart position in the Asian market. Along with the styling and technology, the nameplate “Escort” will also work for the car to get popularity because in China the classic name has a great respect.

Exterior Styling and Appeal

The new Ford Escort Concept shares lots of its styling features with the latest Ford models like the Fusion and Focus. The front face of the car gets Aston Martin inspired large Hexagonal grille, Angular LED stuffed headlights, LED taillights and Pillarless side windows. The car will roll on 18 inch chrome wheels, back sloping deck and creased hood. The Escort Concept is longer than the Focus sedan which means the car offer easy entrance because the doors are comparatively larger than the doors of the Focus sedan. The increase in length will directly affect the interior room and will offer more comfort and convenience. The four doors, decently styled Escort will be a good choice for the young Chinese buyers.

Interior Specifications and Safety Features

The Ford kept the Interior details and information about the Escort concept secret. Though, we don’t have any information about the Escort’s cabin but we can expect a high end and well equipped interior with lots of standard and advance safety features. According to the rumors, the Escort’s interior will be close to the interior of the Focus which means the interior will feature upgraded and superior quality materials.

[CWGGallery id=706]

Under The Hood

The new Ford Escort Concept is expected to offer impressive and powerful drivetrains but no official information is available about the potential powertrains and performance figures. Well, we can expect a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine that will generate 160 horsepower and an EcoBoost version is also expected that will produce about 270 horsepower with high fuel efficiency.

Pricing and Availability

The official pricing figures have not been disclosed yet however, it is expected that the car will be priced moderately to give it a chance to compete in the overcrowded segment of the compact sedan. An estimated price for the Ford Escort is about 106,000 Chinese Yuan ($17,000).

Competition

Two cars are expected to give a tough time to the Ford Escort Concept, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer and the 2013 Nissan Sentra.

The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer features a distinctive exterior, competitive interior and a 152 horsepower up to 237 horsepower Powertrain. The car seems like a sporty compact sedan that has an ability to compel people to stare at. Unfortunately, the interior of the Lancer is dated and the Mitsubishi should try to fix the issue to compete the concept Escort.

On the other hand, the 2013 Nissan Sentra is a smart and appealing car that features sleek styling and a unique on road attitude. The interior is upgraded and modern and is offering the best features of its class. There in one hitch that the car has a low performance Powertrain that generates 1.8 liter engine produces 130 horsepower which is not competent to move in the class but is enough to get you everywhere you want.

Pros

Updated and sleek exterior styling

Cons

Lack of details because just a concept car is available yet
May be offered to the Chinese market only
No pricing and on sale date

The Verdict

The Ford Escort Concept looks like the Ford gather more sales and market reputation with the help of the Chinese market. Ford has more chances in getting recognition and growth in the Chinese market because the middle class of the china is growing and so the numbers of potential buyers is also increasing.