The people carrier line-up...
The people carrier line-up now starts with the Team model, powered by a 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is priced at ÷£18,595 - that"s ÷£1,200 less than the Authen÷tique version it replaces. The base model comes with dual-zone air-conditioning, a CD radio and heated door mirrors as standard.
With obvious Ford design...
With obvious Ford design cues around the bumper and grille, it"s a preview of the next-generation Escape 4x4. Officially, there are no plans to launch the car here in the UK in the next few years. But insiders claim it"s a possibility, although the model would have to be carefully positioned to avoid stealing sales from the Freelander - made by Ford-owned Land Rover.
The last Ford SUV to be sold in Britain was the Maverick, axed in 2002. It was a joint venture with Mazda, which badged its model the Tribute. The current Escape is a big seller in the US, where there"s even a hybrid version. However, the SUV to be unveiled at Tokyo will be powered by a 3.0-litre V6.
Ford has used the Equator name before. A pick-up concept was unveiled at the 2000 Chicago expo, but it never made production.