Ford has long promised their vehicles to be “Built Ford Tough,” but for their 2017 line, they have designed them to be tough and tech-savvy. Making use of emerging technology, Ford’s new lineup is loaded with new and updated features, such as the new FordPass app, which turns your smartphone into the control pad of your Ford. The new SYNC3 user interface allows drivers to interact with their vehicle through voice control or with a tap of the dashboard’s touch screen. And, because no vehicle is complete without a great sound system, each 2017 Ford model comes standard with a Sony Audio System, featuring 10 speakers including a subwoofer.
Not only has Ford redesigned their vehicles: they’ve designed their new models specifically for harsh Canadian winters. After the 2013/14 polar vortex that froze the country over, Ford started to ask customers what features would make winter driving a more pleasurable experience.
“What our customers […] told us is simple – ‘Heat everything!” says Nicole Mazur, product development quality supervisor for Ford Canada and export markets. They came through on this request, with every vehicle sporting features or upgrades that will heat up your winter.
What else do 2017 Fords have to offer? Get to know a few of the new models below.
The 2017 Ford Edge Titanium is a statement vehicle wherever it takes you, designed to react and adapt to whatever environment it drives in. Cruising in the city? The Edge will help you see around corners, down alleys, and even while you’re pulling out of parking spots, thanks to the available 180-degree camera hidden in the grille. Make parallel parking easy with the Enhanced Active Park Assist. But don’t be fooled: The Ford Edge is not just for navigating city streets. Test the Edge’s limits by taking advantage of its standard Twin-Scroll EcoBoost engine and available Class II Trailer Tow package, giving the Edge a 1360 kg tow capacity, or customize your ride with the available Cold Weather Package, which includes all-weather floor mats and a heated steering wheel.
For those needing a bit more space, the 2017 Ford Escape Titanium is made with comfort in mind. It features more driver assist features than ever, with intelligent auto/stop start technology, which shuts off the engine when sitting idle, and instantly restarts it once your foot lifts off the brake. Heated windshield wipers let you see the road clearly, no matter how frosty the weather gets. Features such as the foot-activated power liftgate help when you have no hands free, while the Escape’s Torque Vectoring Control continually balances the distribution of engine torque so you can take the road less travelled with a free mind. The Escape does not compromise power for luxury: it comes standard with a 245 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost engine and, with the optional Class II Tow Package, the it can tow up to 1588 kg.
Inspired by Ford’s success in rally sport, the 2016 Ford Focus RS delivers an exhilarating ride in a compact package. With a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, producing best-in-class horsepower and torque (350hp, 350 lb-ft), the RS is undoubtedly the fastest and most powerful vehicle in the Ford Focus lineup. It comes with standard features not usually included in hatchbacks, such as all-wheel drive, partial leather seats, and a brake system that features advanced cooling technology. Be prepared for the iciest of road conditions with the Winter Wheel and Tire Package, which comes standard in Canada.
The 2017 Ford Raptor combines power with versatility. Made of high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy, it’s not only high durability, but 227 kg lighter than before. Its design allows you to conquer any terrain, whether it is hauling a boat down the Trans-Canada Highway with its 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine that delivers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, or utilizing the Raptor’s Terrain Management System to drive off-road effortlessly. Not only does the Raptor conquer asphalt and dirt alike, but it does it with ease. It has a fully flat load floor, meaning that it can handle that extra-large load. It’s equipped with Ford’s extensive safety futures, including the Reverse Sensing System and sharp corner-sensing system AdvanceTrax.
