Ford has announced the all-new Ford Escape, a totally redesigned SUV, which has no resemblance to its squarish and boxy progenitors as we know it.

The new Escape is based on the Ford Kuga, a compact SUV sold in Europe the past few years, and features sharp design and bold appearance — something consumers in Asia and many parts of the world could only drool on.

It remains to be seen, however, if the new Escape will be sold in Malaysia, bearing in mind that the 2011 variant has never made it to this part of the world.

Below is the press release announcing the new Escape. I’ve highlighted the key features:

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 – The Ford Escape, America’s best-selling SUV, will raise the bar even higher with the debut of an all-new model that features 11 new exclusive features and fuel economy projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market today.

“We call our all-new Ford Escape the ‘Smarter Utility Vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value – fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun – all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy.”

Sixty percent of Americans shopping for a vehicle next year will look at either a midsize car or small SUV, making Escape part of one of the most cross-shopped and fastest-growing segments in the auto industry.

“Escape is America’s best-selling utility vehicle, and the Ford team has worked hard to make sure we deliver even more of what small SUV owners really want,” Kuzak said.

In addition to more cargo volume behind the first and second rows than today’s vehicle, the new Escape delivers:

• Eleven features no other small SUV offers
• Clever technologies that make Escape even more versatile, including an available hands-free power liftgate that allows quick and easy access to cargo with the kick of a foot
• Projected best fuel economy of any compact SUV, up to 5 mpg better than previous Escape
• Driving dynamics that make the drive experience more engaging on-road and a new Ford Intelligent 4WD System that provides even better traction off-road
• Sleek new design, with better interior materials and more finishing touches

Escape technology makes life better

An array of clever technologies adds to the new Escape’s versatility, helping make life easier for its owners. Key features include:

• An available hands-free power liftgate brings new technology to the SUV market and is enabled by motion technology used in today’s video game systems. A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig out keys. The same process closes the hatch

• SYNC® with MyFord Touch® offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs. Upgraded system includes new look, making phone, navigation, entertainment and climate controls even easier to use

• Parallel parking the Escape is virtually stress-free with active park assist. With the press of a button, the system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically steers the vehicle into the space. Drivers control only the gas and brake pedals

• Maneuvering parking lots and traveling open roadways becomes even safer and less stressful with Escape’s sensor-based BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert. BLIS sounds an alert when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot. Cross-traffic alert warns if traffic is detected approaching from the sides, such as when Escape is leaving a parking space in reverse

• The all-new Ford Escape is the first Ford SUV to combine class-exclusive technology to automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast (Curve Control) or help accelerate through a turn (Torque Vectoring Control); a new Intelligent 4WD System helps deliver outstanding handling on pristine pavement and in adverse conditions as well, along with excellent traction off-road

Spirited performance with outstanding fuel economy

Escape offers Ford’s broadest nameplate range of EcoBoost® engine choices yet. Strong fuel economy comes from either the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine or 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, which makes its American debut in the new Escape.

Both new engines combine EcoBoost’s core technologies of direct fuel injection and turbocharging and add twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver even better miles per gallon and save customers money on fuel.

In Escape, EcoBoost engines are mated to specially calibrated, six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmissions, which are standard and allow drivers who want more hands-on experiences to manually control gear selection from a switch on the left-hand side of the shifter.

The gearbox features a new torque converter for improved driving feel, silky smooth shifts and even better fuel economy. Engineers also installed revised gear ratios for a balanced driving feel in all situations.

The standard engine in North America is an updated 2.5-liter, giving the new Escape a comprehensive lineup of four-cylinder offerings. It also is matched to a SelectShift Automatic six-speed.

Also aiding fuel economy is Escape’s sleeker design. The new model is nearly 10 percent more aerodynamic than the outgoing model.

Plus, the new Escape’s active grille shutter system, which is on all models with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, reduces wind resistance. Grille slats stay open when extra engine cooling air is required, such as low-speed stop-and-go driving. When cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

Versatility and capability come standard

Stowing and towing are even easier in the new five-passenger Escape, thanks to a low liftover height of 27 inches, more innovations and cargo volume that surpasses the outgoing Escape – with 68.1 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row.

The new Escape’s rear seats have been designed to fold flat easily. With the touch of a button, the head restraint folds down and with the lift of a handle on the seat, the seatback folds and dives as the seat folds flat and clicks into position.

Escape also features an available two-position load floor, which can be configured to allow the customer to choose among maximum luggage volume or flat load floor.

When properly equipped, the all-new Escape maintains a trailer tow rating of 3,500 pounds.

Engaging driving performance through seamless system

Using new advanced software and sensors, the new Intelligent 4WD System analyzes data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, assessing road conditions and driver input 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.

The system uses all the sensor inputs to turn the vehicle in the direction the driver wants it to go. Intelligent 4WD builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch.

New SUV goes global

Following its world debut in Los Angeles, this new vehicle will head to Europe, where sales of compact sport utilities have grown 200 percent since 2000. It will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March for European customers as the all-new version of the Ford Kuga and will have unique powertrains and features. Chinese customers also will see the all-new Kuga next spring.

“This all-new Ford model opens a new chapter in the world of SUVs,” Kuzak said. “By being smarter, this utility vehicle will give customers around the globe find better, easier ways to connect with technology, maximize fuel efficiency and find the versatility and capability they need and want.”

If you are in the market for an SUV between the price of RM140,000 and RM150,000 in Kota Kinabalu, you are in for a big surprise — none of the SUVs at that price range is in stock! You name it, none of them is there — Kia Sportage, Honda CRV and Ford Escape. Not sure about Hyundai Tucson though.

According to the guy at Honda, the SUV’s stock has been affected by the floods in Thailand. “Maybe we can have the car in stock next year,” he said. “But exactly when next year, I won’t be able to tell.”

As for the Ford Escape, you’d have to place an order; even then. not all the colour variants are available. The only Ford SUV available in Kota Kinabalu at the moment is the Ford Escape 2.0 XLS 2.3L 4×2.

The same goes with the Sportage. The stock for the new Sportage will only be replenished early next year. The third generation Sportage is available though but with the latest Sportage looking highly sophisticated, I doubt anyone would settle for the old one, though the price is much lower.

Meanwhile, the face-lifted Toyota Fortuner will only be available within the next three months, according to a salesman there. The current Fortuner generation is also running out of stock, with the only one available at the moment being the Fortuner 2.7 TRD Sportivo.

British comedian Rowan Atkinson, the man who bring to life funnyman Mr Bean, was injured in a McLaren F1 supercar crash near Peterborough, England, yesterday. He sustains minor injuries and is expected to be discharge from hospital today.

Unlike the Mini-loving character Mr Bean, Atkinson is adept behind the wheel of a supercar as shown in this footage. But as fate would have it…

Range Rover Evoque has been voted Auto Express Car of the Year 2011. I bet the Evoque will be winning many more accolades in the near future. Auto Express says, among other things, on why the Evoque has won the award, that “To take the Auto Express Car of the Year prize, a model needs to break the mould – and the Range Rover Evoque does exactly that. For a prestige off-road brand to launch a tarmac-focused machine aimed at coupé and saloon car buyers is a brave move, but the British manufacturer has pulled if off.”

Other winners are:

Best Compact Family Car: Volkswagen Golf; Best Convertible: BMW 3 Series Convertible; Best Family Car: Skoda Superb; Best Supermini: Ford Fiesta; Best City Car: Hyundai i10; Best Luxury: Mercedes S-Class; Best Crossover: Skoda Yeti; Best Compact SUV: Range Rover Evoque; Best Hot Hatch: Volkswagen Golf GTI; Best MPV: SEAT Alhambra; Best Estate: Skoda Superb Estate; Best Supermini-MPV: Hyundai ix20; Best Roadster: Mazda MX-5; Best Executive: Audi A6; Best Coupe: Peugeot RCZ; Best Compact Executive: BMW 3 Series; Best Large SUV: Land Rover Discovery 4; Best Premium Supermini: Audi A1; Performance Car Of The Year: Ferrari 458 Italia; Design Award: Saab PhoeniX; Special Award: Ford Focus Driver Assist; Green Award: Volkswagen BlueMotion; Driver Power: Skoda; Auto Express Hall of Fame: Nick Reilly.

Finally, after waiting for more than a year since it first appeared at the Geneva Motor Show in February last year, the all-new Kia Sportage 2011 has finally launched in Malaysia. The 2011 Kia Sportage is of particular interest to me as I contemplate upgrading from a pick-up truck to an SUV.

In fact I’ve made a booking for the SUV two weeks ago. The salesman told me I was the first to book the car. It is priced at RM141,180 for private registration in Sabah (RM141,407.80 for company registration). Check here for the price of Kia Sportage 2011 in other parts of Malaysia.

The all-new Sportage offers a more urban and fluid silhouette than its predecessor as well as increased levels of performance, efficiency, comfort, convenience and the latest in-vehicle technologies.

“We are confident the all-new Sportage will be a hit among Malaysians and we have set a target of selling 200 units a month,” SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, CEO of Naza Kia Malaysia told reporters at the launching of the car in Kuala Lumpur.

The all-new Sportage retains the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model but repackages the SUV with a sleek, modern and bold style.

Among the key features of the all-new Sportage are: high beltline, sweeping angles and pronounced wheel flares, a wider stance, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, push-start ignition, leather seats, dual-zone temperature control air-conditioner with ionized filtration, an illuminated and cooled glove box, eight-way electronically-powered seat for the driver, six-CD changer connected to a sound system comprising two tweeters, four door speakers and one sub-woofer. It also comes with AUX, USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

It also includes panoramic sunroof which can be partially retracted.

It is powered by Kia’s latest fuel efficient Theta II 2.0 petrol engine which features dual CVVT (continuous variable valve timing) which produces 166 PS and 197 Nm of torque. This engine is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The all-new Sportage features an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system which continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates AWD system requirements which in turn offers improved lateral stability while cornering as well as reducing unwanted traction to the front and rear axles. The AWD system is aimed at achieving increased torque and improved performance on varied surfaces.

During normal driving conditions, the AWD system delivers 100 per cent of engine torque to the front wheels to enhance fuel economy. However, when wheel slippage is detected, a certain percentage of engine torque is transferred to the rear wheels. There is also a four-wheel drive (4WD) lock mode with the torque split 50:50 for low traction surfaces.

For ride and handling, the all-new Sportage features MacPherson struts at the front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension as well as an amplitude selective damper which facilitates instant reaction in wheel movement and maintains optimal damping and level quality. This in turn leads to more precise road contact, better ride comfort and increased handling precision.

In terms of safety, the all-new Sportage has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and comes with six airbags, ABS, EBD, Downhill Brake Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, Cornering Brake Control, Brake Assist System and a Traction Control System.

Other key features of the all-new Sportage include headlamp escort (whereby the headlamps remain turned on for 30 seconds after the engine has been turned off), integrated LED turn signals on the side mirrors, rear view camera display on the rear view mirror, auto headlights, electronic chromic mirror, rear parking assist system, auto cruise control and a small turning radius.

“The all-new Sportage raises the bar in the compact SUV segment and it is not surprising that it has been Kia’s second bestselling vehicle outside South Korea,” said Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, COO of Naza Kia Malaysia.

The all-new Sportage will be available in techno orange, sand track, mineral silver, bright silver and clear white.

I recently sat for a test to get a Goods Driver’s Licence or what is known as GDL and passed with flying colours. A friend asked me why should I need that licence and whether I was considering a career switch. I told him it was just for fun. Did I have the fun I wanted then? Well, sort of.

It was fun because I was there attending the one-day course and the test a week later on my own free will.

… to be continued (got to step away from the computer for a while)

We got back our Kia Sportage 2000 last week, three months after sending it for repair. It hasn’t stalled so far, that means the diagnostic was correct. The technician recommended that we replaced several parts like the idle speed valve, pressure hose (two of them) and the engine’s gaskets.

It took three months for the whole repair to be completed because spare parts had to be ordered and for some reasons parts must take months to reach the service centre.

No stalling so far

I hope there will be no more problem with this old SUV, at least during the period while we are waiting for the delivery of the new Kia Sportage 2011.

Kia Sportage 2011 status update: The much anticipated Kia Sportage 2011 is expected to be launched in Malaysia within the next couple of months, sources said. Those who have been waiting for this compact SUV, here is a piece of good news: bookings are now open!

So, put your RM1,000 in your wallet and head over to the nearest Kia dealer and book your 2011 Sportage. The bad news is, the SUV might sell like hot cakes and you’d have to wait several months more for the stock to come. The price? It’s about RM140,000 or less, about the same price with Mitsubishi ASX.

The diesel variant of Kia Sportage 2011 will not be released in Malaysia, according to the sources.

While consumers in many markets are already driving the new 2011 Kia Sportage, it is still a guessing game when the car makes its way to Malaysia. Some say it might make come to this part of the world as early as next month and as late as August but no one seems to know exactly when.

And then there are rumours that the diesel variant won’t be marketed in Malaysia, which is a shame, really. The price of Kia Sportage 2011 also remains a guessing game at the moment. Will it be priced the same as Mitsubishi ASX at RM136,000? Time will tell.

Cars with the intelligence matching that of a human have long been invented on the silver screen but no cars in our lifetime would ever reach this kind of sophistication. But just because we won’t live to see the day cars would act this way doesn’t mean the human race should not try to build cars like that.

On a more realistic front, Ford has teamed up with Google for a research project to allow hybrid cars to “think” when to use battery power and fuel power by predicting where their owners are going based on their established routines.

For instance, if the owner is going home from office and along the way home there is a long stretch of highway it may decide to shift to electronic motor during the period to conserve fuel.