It is the only other SUV that gets good reviews for handling, but I did not even take it for a spin as that front has those Dame Edna lights with mascara on (like the previous 5-series BMW) and that horrid silver dash.

It has had the shortest model life of any Ford in recent memory too since the Americans did not get this version and wanted the next version to replace the Kuga and their Escape.

No more Dame Edna mascara on the front thankfully (but perhaps a bit too much of the hated (and now defunct) Peugeot fish face?):

Side on and at the back it just updates the old shapes and is nothing new to be honest:

But inside.......... just like the Ford Focus it is a bit much for my eyes. Not as bad as the interior of a MINI but still WAY, WAY too busy!

Will I go test drive one of these come Yeti replacement time? Nope. Will you?

More info: http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/First-Official-Pictures/Ford-Escape-2011---first-pictures-of-the-new-Kuga-for-Europe/

The old shape had crap MPG when compared to the Yeti, so will be interesting to see if they are fitting their 1.6 oil burner to it to go head to head with the Greenline Version.

Would I even test drive one. Nope.

Richard

A friend had one for a while, diesel Titanium model, it was surprising ok to drive and loaded with extras. As it was a company car he drove it with no care at all and when really pushed hard it became very rough and noisy at the top end. I hated the interior which was completely over done, buttons and switches everywhere and I see they haven't changed their thinking of more is better, its like the Starship Enterprise!! Oh and it rattled like nothing I have heard before except the current Ford Fiesta.

I wouldn't even contemplate one, rather go down the route of a Mazda or Kia than the Ford.

The dash, to be honest, is a taste thing

Some like the restrained look of the Skoda, but others would probably describe it as dull

The Ford's dash, on the other hand is busy, but modern

I could happily live with either

Perhaps when they add the registration plate to the Kuga it may go someway to filling that gaping Basking shark mouth at the front.

Perhaps when they add the registration plate to the Kuga it may go someway to filling that gaping Basking shark mouth at the front.

Just a tad, but not by much. See the Focus Sanitary Towel (néé ST) as an example:

Not for me. Despite appreciating that the previous Kuga was - like most Fords - an enjoyable drive the 'Hinari' interior and dreadful frangible build quality meant it never got a look in when I came to purchase the Yeti.

Another 2 years before I change 'Snowy' and already I have a list of possible replacements.

Another Yeti - probably not a diesel though as I hate the TDi 140 motor.

VW Bulli (the combi replacement)

Mazda CX5 SkyActive

Citroen DS5 (always had a soft spot for big Citroens and whilst this does not fulfil any of my usual needs the interior is so fantastic I just want one)

Alfa SUV Total pie in the sky at the moment but after 14 totally reliable Alfas the thought of a good looking MultiAir engined Jeep re-hash has some appeal.

At the end of the day can't see me getting anything but another Yeti though!

Will I go test drive one of these come Yeti replacement time? Nope. Will you?

Probably not - it's too long...

OTOH I see the CAR article also says

"We hear the grille and foglamps will change for the 2012 Kuga, and there will be more chrome elements for the European spec models too. Inside the dashboard and centre console will also be different."

Edited 16 November, 201114 yr by Totally Square

Lots more photographs here:

http://carscoop.blog...officially.html?

Lost more photographs here:

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/11/all-new-2013-ford-escape-officially.html?

Freudian slip?

Freudian slip?

Fixed! Thanks.

Too late, I had already copied it!!

Too late, I had already copied it!!

I know! But that can now stay as the Freudian slip evidence.

IF they do it with the 197bhp diesel that is available in the Mondeo then I would consider it .... probably wouldn't buy one as the Ford dealerships hereabouts are nowhere near as good as the Skoda guys.

We looked at a current Kuga before getting the Yeti and the single most obvious thing was - where did all the space go? Outside the Kuga looks bigger than the Yeti, but on the inside it's much smaller. Clever trick Ford pulled off there - a reverse Tardis

New one doesn't grab me, but then in a years time when we look to replace current Yeti, it might look better. At present, and despite cost, it looks like either an X3 or a facelift Yeti.

How long do you have to wait for one of these order to delivery?

Awful interior, loks like designed by a chimp with a bad hangover!

Looks Korean...

probably wouldn't buy one as the Ford dealerships hereabouts are nowhere near as good as the Skoda guys.

We had an appalling experience test driving a Kuga last year. A good reason not to buy a new Ford is the people you have to buy them from!

Looks like a Peugeot 5008 with a Tarts boudoir interior.

It looks OK, but I wouldn't own a Ford.

My Dad does (he's had five Galaxys on the trot) and the dealers are not good in our experience.

It seems like they have so many customers they just don't care.

From servicing he's had:

Oil stain on the seat,

Service light not switched off,

Brake fluid forgotten so had to go back a week later,

This is over five services. Not a great success rate.

Plus it's never cleaned and usually has greasy hand prints on the frontal area.

Plus when you go the local dealer to collect the car you're given the keys and a rought idea of where it is.

Being a big Ford garage you then have to hunt the car down.

Last year after ten minutes looking around the site my Dad had given up looking and went back to the service department.

They sent out a gopher to help locate the car. It was boxed in by three other cars and the gopher vanished for twenty minutes to get the keys and someone with a driving license to move them. From paying it took my Dad 45 minutes to leave the site.

It really takes the edge off the ownership experience in my opinion.

I only had Fords from passing my test at 17 to 8 years ago. But I have absolutely no desire to own a blue oval anymore.

If Skoda made a seven seater I'd get him to try one out tomorrow.

I preferred the look of the original, this and a Range Rover Evoque are the only 4x4 type cars that I have ever considered

The interior looks like one of those cheap 1990's hi-fi's.

Looks a bit American, like a shrunk Excursion with a weird interior.

Looks a bit American, like a shrunk Excursion with a weird interior.

A find a lot of the new Fords are going that way due to this "Global Car" thing they want, so one model with minor changes can be sold in all markets. I preferred the older Ford Focus too.