Facelifted Ford Escort Debuts In China With Focus-Like Styling

Ford has unveiled the facelifted Escort at a special event in Chongqing, China.

Debuting alongside the all-new Focus, the Escort has a more upscale design as it has been equipped with a new front fascia which features a revised grille that is flanked by restyled HID headlights with C-shaped LED daytime running lights. The styling changes are less dramatic further back but the model gains a new shark fin antenna and updated LED taillights.

The revised styling continues in the cabin as designers installed a new instrument cluster, satin aluminum accents and high gloss finishes. The company also says there’s a new “two-tone color scheme that gives the interior a fresh and contemporary feel.”

Speaking of the cabin, the Escort now offers power front seats with a memory function. Other highlights include an auto dimming rearview mirror, rain sensing wipers, a passive entry system and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display.

Under the hood, the model can be equipped with either a 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder or an all-new 1.5-liter Ti-VCT engine. The company declined to release performance specifications but both engines have a start/stop system and can be paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission

While the Escort hasn’t been offered in North America for over a decade, Ford launched the model in China roughly three and a half years ago. It has been well-received by consumers as the company has already sold over 800,000 units. Ford expects this success to continue as Changan Ford executive vice president He Chaobing said “The new Escort delivers smart styling and premium features that are bound to excite and delight today’s young Chinese drivers.”

Ford Focus and Escort are just two of the more than 50 new vehicles that Ford intends to introduce in China by 2025. Eight of the vehicles will be “all-new SUVs” while at least 15 of the models will be electrified.