[docjames]

In case Aussies on here dont know, the (reliable) rumour i've heard is the 04 Escape will get updated Feb/March.

New base model with 4cyl engine, priced about 2k below XLS
Other models remain, but with small price decrease/spec upgrade.

Just though thtose in the market should know.........since Ford wont tell.

 

[TwinPiston]

Are they finally going to paint the bumper bars and get all round disk brakes by any chance????

Also will manual be available soon!!!

 

[AUtoo]

Are they finally going to paint the bumper bars and get all round disk brakes by any chance????

Also will manual be available soon!!!

Bumper bars -
XLS: nope, still "charcoal" plastic.
XLT: yes, unfortunately. Some colours have silver bumper bars, others have champagne gold. Neither looks particularly attractive.
Limited: Colour-coded to body (yay!)

Brakes -
Nope, still rear drums.

Manual -
Nothing yet, I was excited when I heard the 4cyl was coming out, as the 4cyl/manual Tribute was available, but now even that has disappeared with this update. It's now the 2.3L 4 cyl from the Mazda6 and Mazda3 SP23, and only with the 4spd column auto.

I'm still seriously considering a 2.3 auto, they're $29,990 for a short introductory time, then going to $31,990, I believe.