Last week's car rental was the 2012 Ford Escort. The new model Escort is quite different from the previous model. Still a small compact, it feels and looks so much more high tech and polished.
The body has creases and folds creating a sleek and aerodynamic shape. A co-worker had to ask what the car was since it does look so different. He was impressed with the look.
The interior is comfortable. The center console has convenient radio and temperature controls. Windshield wiper and washer controls are on the steering column right lever. A nice feature is the delayed wiper swipe when using the windshield washer. Headlamp controls are on the left side of the steering column combined with the blinkers.
The gauges are easy to read especially with the up-down and telescoping steering column. The information controls on the steering column are not exactly intuitive though. I had some difficulty getting the display to return to normal mileage and temperature.
The front windshield is very steeply sloped. There is a bit of a visual blindspot to the front right and left because of the front pillars. You kind of have to get used to looking through the front side windows. They are so for forward that you can see forward as well as to the side.
The seats are comfortable for a small car. And unlike my first Escort back in the 1980's, I was able to adjust the driver's seat far enough back.
I was anxious to rent a 2012 Escort because the 2012 Ford Escape is supposedly going to be based on the same body style. I recently saw a spy photo of the new model Escape's interior and it looks very very similar. I am a bit concerned about the Escape being downsized to the Escort though.
I would definitely recommend the new Escort. It was a lot of fun to drive...quick and nimble.
No comments:
Post a Comment