Remember the Ford Escort? The once-popular Ford sedan has all but faded into memory in countries like ours. Unless you lived before the 2000s or are a vintage-car guy yourself, you probably haven’t heard of it. That’s understandable.
In the People’s Republic, however, the nameplate is still very much alive. The Escort in the Chinese market lives on in the form of a small sedan based on the second-gen Focus. It has just been given a hefty refresh, and we’re starting to think that if Ford Philippines decides to revive its car lineup, this is something it should consider bringing in.
The updates are quite substantial, and the new model looks like something that can compete with the currently available compact sedans on our market. The facelifted Escort has been given LED head- and taillamps that flank the new honeycomb-like grille. The front bumper has also been slightly tweaked for a sportier look.
More significant upgrades can be found on the inside. This interior is clad in two-tone brown and black leather, giving the cabin a premium vibe. And for this iteration of the Escort, Ford has given it two 10.25-inch screens, so the cockpit feels more upmarket. It’s now safer, too—it now gets a total of six airbags.
Under the hood, the Escort packs a 1.5-liter gasoline mill that generates 122hp and is mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
So, do you think this new Ford Escort has a place in our market? Thoughts in the comments section, please.
