SPYSHOTS: Ford Escort winter testing in Europe

Ford Escort 2

Spies have manage to photograph the Ford Escort undergoing winter testing in Europe. The budget sedan was previewed in concept form in Shanghai last year.

While the Escort has only been announced for the Chinese market so far, its presence in the Arctic does raise a few questions. Apart from preparing the car for harsh winters in northern China, it could also point towards Ford readying the Escort for international sales, including in Europe.

If it does reach the continent, it would likely be sold in some parts of Central and Eastern Europe such as Turkey, but Renault-owned Dacia’s success in the west under dire economic conditions could also see the Escort follow in its footsteps.

Ford Escort 8

Expect the Escort to look pretty similar (yes, Aston Martin-esque grille included) to the concept, losing only some of the showcar-spec details like the LED headlights and pillarless windows.

Technical specs are unknown at the moment, but it could use engines from the Fiesta, such as the 1.5 litre Ti-VCT four-cylinder and the turbocharged 1.0 litre EcoBoost triple. The six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch transmission is also expected to be offered.

Rivals in Europe would include the Peugeot 301 and the Dacia Logan, both no-frills sedans that straddle the B- and C-segment markets. Should that battle commence here as well?

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Actually I don’t like the name ‘Escort’ at all…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
    • How about Ford PE?

      Ford Personal Escort… lol

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • kimster on Apr 02, 2014 at 9:28 pm

        The word ESCORT is not a good name…

        Try google “escort malaysia” and see what you get :(

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Jaybond on Apr 02, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    Ford Malaysia should seriously consider to bring the Escort model to the local market, as the name is quite legendary here. This model could also effectively replace the infamous Sedan Fiesta which is damn ugly to say the least due its ill proportioned rear-end..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • Jaybond on Apr 02, 2014 at 3:12 pm

      The design of the new Escort is also quite nice and miles better than the Fiesta Sedan, judging from near-production concept car..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Rohisham Mamat on Apr 02, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      Are you mad?

      I put my Ford Mark 6 in the crusher in UK. It is a piece of junk!!

      My honda city is better!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 9
      • lowprofile on Apr 03, 2014 at 9:22 am

        why would you compare an old car with a yet to be launched model and immediately say it is bad? it is like saying the second child who is yet to be born will be stupid just because the older brother/sister isn’t too bright in class. your statement doesn’t quite make sense.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Steve Kok on Apr 02, 2014 at 8:21 pm

    Pls avoid any Ford that comes with a Dual Clutch gearbox. It will cost about me RM4800 just to replace the clutch on my Fiesta once the warranty is over.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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