2014(?) Ford Escort

[basti08]

The return of the legendary Ford econocar nameplate is heading China.
Though still a concept, the watered-down production model will head to replace Ford China's Focus Classic, which essentially is, a MKII Focus.

Ford Escort Concept Photo Gallery - Autoblog







A lower line compact segment offering in China, to be sold alongside the still new Ford Focus premium compact sedan.
Not surprising is the fact that everyone seems to have a dedicated model for the Chinese consumers. Every car maker's on a deadlock in targeting a large chunk of sales in the vast Chinese market.

[foifoi05]

hmmmm, could this be a major re-skin/body of the previous gen Focus? makes sense if yes

[AG4]

hmmmm, could this be a major re-skin/body of the previous gen Focus? makes sense if yes

Its not just a reskin of the Mk2 Focus, if you noticed the windshield base on the Escort Concept has been moved back.
The previous gen Focus is like the current Focus (current Mk3 is based on the previous Mk2), both have a long windshields with their base near the strut towers (notice how the black triangles on the front window corners extend beyond the doors on the Focus).

Escort Concept


Mk2/2.5 Focus


Mk3 Focus


The Escort Concept is basically a less flashy/ more formal looking alternative to the Focus.
According to some reports, it has a longer wheelbase too (the Chinese market loves LWB models).

During the Live Chat, this is what Nigel Harris, Vice President, Sales and Service, Ford Asia Pacific said...

The Ford Escort concept is a design execution. It uses our Ford Global Design Language, something that can be applied to Ford vehicles all around the world. In the case of the concept here in China, we're using the opportunity of the Shanghai Auto Show to determine its ability to reach a new set of customers -- and its possible addition to the Ford portfolio. So it fits the One Ford concept well.

Ford Escort Concept at Auto Shanghai 2013


- autoexpress

[basti08]

Because Compact car segment makes up for almost 25% of the Chinese market, a market most of the automakers now focuses on, most automaker has two offerings in this segment. Sort of like, a premium and a lower tier model. The still all new Focus makes up for the premium offering and this Escort Concept will replace the Focus Classic in Ford China line-up. Focus Classic is a MKII Ford Focus.

[AG4]

UPDATE! It looks like the new Escort cold make it to some European markets (and possibly other potential markets), but not in the UK (where they prefer hatches)

The new Ford Escort, unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, could come to Europe.

The mid-size saloon concept caused a sensation in China when it was revealed that it would wear the famous badge.

And although a production version of the car would be aimed firmly at the Chinese market, there is potential for it to be sold elsewhere.

A senior Ford insider told Auto Express: "There's certainly been internal discussions about it [bringing it to Europe].

"I for one would love to see it over here [in Europe]. There is definitely a place in the market for a lower-cost car to sit under the Focus.

"The key would be doing it without being seen to make the Ford brand any less desirable."

And new Ford UK chairman and MD Mark Ovenden confirmed that the new model wasn't intended as a China-only car when he spoke to Auto Express at a ceremony to mark the retiral of outgoing chairman Joe Greenwell.

"It's a car initially for China," he said. "But it could work in other places."

Read more: New Ford Escort could come to Europe | Auto Express

I wonder, could "potential markets elsewhere" (eventually) also include South East Asia and South America too in the future?

[foifoi05]

production model will be unveiled at beijing

Production Ford Escort heading for Beijing - Autoblog




^
i like the proportions, at yung design mas conservative. Eto nalang gawin nilang replacement sa Fiesta Sedan mas bebenta pa i think

[AG4]

production model will be unveiled at beijing

Production Ford Escort heading for Beijing - Autoblog


^
i like the proportions, at yung design mas conservative. Eto nalang gawin nilang replacement sa Fiesta Sedan mas bebenta pa i think

Proportions look nice, but even though the new Escort (aka ‘Furuisi’ 福睿斯) ditches the Focus' independent control-blade rear suspension for a Fiesta style-twist-beam rear suspension, it will be positioned(priced) alongside the current Focus in China as a roomier more formal looking sedan alternative. Reports say it will be positioned between the Focus and Mondeo, but I think they meant in terms of image only.
Price range is expected to be 120.000 yuan to 160.000 yuan, the regular Focus range (excluding the imported ST) is priced from 119,900 yuan to 169,900 yuan. The Escort/Furuisi will be made in China.
I doubt this C-segment car can replace the more affordable B-segment Fiesta sedan.

[niky]

Its not just a reskin of the Mk2 Focus, if you noticed the windshield base on the Escort Concept has been moved back.
The previous gen Focus is like the current Focus (current Mk3 is based on the previous Mk2), both have a long windshields with their base near the strut towers (notice how the black triangles on the front window corners extend beyond the doors on the Focus).

Escort Concept


Mk2/2.5 Focus


Mk3 Focus

Could actually be Mark 1 tooling, as someone elsewhere pointed out:

[AG4]

Could actually be Mark 1 tooling, as someone elsewhere pointed out:

Hmmmm.... I doubt it though.
Wouldn't it be more logical to base their new C-segment car on a platform of a C-segment Ford already being manufactured in China like the Mk2 Focus and Mk3 Focus to cut down on costs? Its rear twist-beam suspension could have been derived from the Fiesta (but made wider).

The New Chinese Ford Escort is supposed to be positioned between the Focus and Mondeo, though it's expected to cost as much as a Focus.
Its supposed to be a roomier more formal alternative to the Mk3 Focus and using the smaller and much narrower Mk1 Focus is probably not a good starting point.

[niky]

If that's so, perhaps it's a previous generation Mondeo, then? Can't really say much until they publish specs for the car.

[AG4]

If that's so, perhaps it's a previous generation Mondeo, then? Can't really say much until they publish specs for the car.

I'm still betting it's either based on a modified Mk2 or Mk3 Focus platform.
We should see more info by tomorrow.

[foifoi05]

so malaki pala, thats sad

[AG4]

so malaki pala, thats sad

One of the New Escort's main rivals is the Chinese Honda Crider which is a bit longer and taller than a Civic sedan, but looks more like an enlarged over-designed mutated Honda City.

[AG4]

so malaki pala, thats sad

Yes, it's a C-segment sedan.
One of the New Escort's rivals in the Chinese market is the Honda Crider, which is a bit longer and taller than a Civic sedan, but looks more like an enlarged over-designed mutated Honda City.

[AG4]

If that's so, perhaps it's a previous generation Mondeo, then? Can't really say much until they publish specs for the car.

From the press release:

Built on Ford's global C-car platform, the Ford Escort has been designed specifically to meet the needs of consumers in China, and extends Ford's offerings in China's fast-growing compact car segment, which accounts for more than 25 percent of the country's total vehicle industry.

I guess that answers it, its basically a modified version of the Focus Mk3's Global C-car platform.

Official Photo

[foifoi05]

Official Photo

too clean and simple like that old big body corolla

[AG4]

too clean and simple like that old big body corolla

I guess this is Ford's version of a Toyota-like vehicle. Basic, roomy and somewhat plain looking.

Ford's market research revealed that there is a sub-group of Chinese consumers in the compact car segment who are looking for a sedan that is stylish without appearing arrogant or pretentious, one that fits comfortably into a balanced life with family and friends.

The Ford Asia Pacific design team in Australia worked together with Ford's Research and Engineering Center in Nanjing to meet this market need with the Ford Escort, combining Ford's global capabilities with its knowledge of the Chinese market.

"The Ford Escort offers a premium aesthetic without sacrificing important features like rear-seat space and practicality for everyday use," said Andrew Collinson, exterior design manager, Ford Asia Pacific. "Combining our global strength and local expertise, we've created a compact sedan that defies expectations for this segment with a clean, harmonious and sophisticated design."

More pics

[basti08]

I guess this is Ford's version of a Toyota-like vehicle. Basic, roomy and somewhat plain looking.



More pics

More pictures here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...5193410&type=1

btw, this is powered by the corporate 1.5L petrol mill and will be cheaper than the current Focus. So, I guess it will be closer to the Fiesta when it comes to the pricing. Though I think this looks better than the Fiesta sedan.

[niky]

From the press release:

I guess that answers it, its basically a modified version of the Focus Mk3's Global C-car platform.

Official Photo

Still doesn't answer why they moved the A-pillar. If they'd kept it there, they could have even more cabin space than the Focus.

It does answer the question of why it isn't significantly cheaper (or cheaper at all) than the Focus.

[foifoi05]

I guess this is Ford's version of a Toyota-like vehicle. Basic, roomy and somewhat plain looking.

More pics

i hope its not just because of the color, but i find its "simpleness" very nice.

ironic though, the interior has too many playful geometric shapes, especially the door sidings