Driving Ford’s new plug-in hybrid ST-line Escape mid-sized SUV. With 2.5-litre petrol engine plus a 96kW electric motor/generator with a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery, the combination driving the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic.

With a full charge offering 50 km of pure electric power – however the electric power is also replenished on the move using regenerative braking technology and depending on your driving style the combined consumption can run to as low as 1.5L/100.  The plug-in hybrid drive experience rewarding, quiet, responsive, and smooth, the transition from electric power to petrol imperceptible and like the petrol Escape ST-line SUV the specification impressive with a wide view rear camera, front and rear parking sensors, synthetic leather trim and a swag of driving assist features.

The digital instrument cluster a high point so too the 8-inch touch screen, small compared to some but very easy to use. The plug-in hybrid Ford Escape ST-line SUV with a price tag $54,440 offers much but at nearly $16,000 more than its petrol-powered equivalent it’s hard to recommend.

Early adopters of plug-in hybrids pay heavily for the privelidge and with emerging electric technology will in my opinion have a dated model with very poor resale as it approaches the end of its 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty.

I’m David Berthon.

Click PLAY to listen!

Download this podcast here