The Escape Hybrid model also debuts the new engine, calibrated for its e-CVT transmission in the fuel-efficient Atkinson Cycle. This certainly improves the performance and I think that this will add to the appeal of the green machine.

No more losing the cap, and perhaps even better, no more false emission codes.

Naturally, the V6 model line hasn't been forgotten either, and for '09, it receives a fresh 3.0L which puts out an impressive 240 hp. That's a whopping 40 horses more than the '08 model, and believe me it is noticeable!

Ford gears up!
The new 6-speed transmission which replaces the old 4-speed unit certainly has a great deal to do with the fuel economy improvements. However, if I'm totally honest, although the transmission works extremely well, I was rather disappointed to see that Ford still hasn't seen fit to add a nudge-up/nudge-down feature. All you get to play with is the choice of Drive or Low, and believe me, when they say low, they mean low!

That minor irritant aside, the new 6-speed transmission is a major leap from the old unit and it shows that the company is certainly heading in the right direction.

Another new feature which I quite like, and I hope you do too because it is going to be on all new Ford products soon, is the ingenious cap-less fuel filler. No more losing the cap, and perhaps even better, no more false emission codes because some gas station attendant failed to tighten the cap properly.

Ride and comfort
Although the new 2009 Escape is largely about gas savings and added oomph, the company has not overlooked other areas. Handling has been improved by the addition of a new rear stabilizer bar and revised shock absorber tuning. The steering has also been retuned for better control and cornering abilities.

The braking system has been reworked which includes enhancing the initial braking system responsiveness, and tweaking the ABS calibrations.

The interior remains almost the same for '09 but you can now sink even deeper into the seat cushions.