ZB Escape

The big news was the inclusion of a four-cylinder Escape for Ford to better battle its Japanese and South Korean competition.

A variation of the Mazda6 engine, the 2.3-litre DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder unit produced 108kW at 6000rpm and 201Nm at 4500 rpm.

Along with the existing V6, the gearbox was a four-speed column-shift automatic transmission, and featured an 'on-demand’ 4WD system that transferred up to 50 per cent of engine power to the rear wheels if slip was detected.

Furthermore the suspension was subtly revised for better stability and comfort, the 2.3L gained better brakes including brake-assist technology, while all ZB Escapes gained extra body cladding and extra equipment across the range.