THE GREAT FORD ESCAPE

WORDS BY NICHOLAS HENARE A great escape

The Ford Escape comes in fi ve variants with a PHEV and ecoboost versions and the ST line versions of those too.

Each gives you the option to choose what suits your lifestyle. The hands-free power tailgate is only available in the top two versions but you get what you pay for.

What I’m enjoying about the new Fords is their connectivity app. Using it, you can lock the doors if you think you forgot to or cool/heat the cabin before you get in, the latter a great winter feature. The 12-inch LCD screen had great connectivity; my friend in the passenger seat had loads of fun scrolling through the options.

Other niceties include ambient lighting and a stylish cabin in the ST. I couldn’t fault the interior on what is apparently a smaller SUV. I found it spacious and fun to drive.

The sports steering wheel and the funky alloy sports pedals gave it a nice look, and it boasts plenty of power and some sleek lines. If you are after an SUV that gets you from A to B and is easy to use, the Ford Escape ST is simple.

In these modern days, simple can be really satisfying.

FOUND A LOWER PRICE?

WE’LL BEAT IT.*

NEW BRIGHTON 175 Wainoni Rd Ph 374 5034 SYDENHAM 17 Beamont St Ph 332 3521 SHIRLEY 7 Shirley Rd Ph 374 5034 RANGIORA 694 Lineside Rd Ph 327 7104 SOCKBURN 477 Blenheim Rd Ph 341 7675 OPAWA 25 Opawa Rd Ph 344 5034 KAIAPOI 98 Williams St Ph 327 7140 BURNSIDE 494 Wairakei Rd Ph 359 9009

GET YOUR TYRES CHECKED WELL BEFORE THOSE SUMMER ROADTRIPS

* Find a lower cash price and we guarantee to beat it on a same or better quality product.

Shop your car body

WORDS BY BEN SELBY R O Jones Panelbeaters Limited have a new home. The popular car body shop has relocated from its former address on St Asaph St to new and larger premises.

The team moved into their new premises last month, at 10 Cass Street, Sydenham. “It has easier access and more off-street parking for customers,” says R O Jones director Karl Stohr (pictured). “It is also a lighter, warmer place than before and our new spray booth is able to accommodate more,” he says.

Along with the new facility, R O Jones are also taking their impact on the environment seriously by using new ecofriendly water-based paint for touch ups and paint jobs. “We are utilising environmentally friendly water-based paints in all our work,” says Karl.

“This is better for the environment, and all new car manufacturers use this same paint when building new vehicles,” he says.

R O Jones will be open during the Christmas break, via appointment.

If your car suffers a nasty prang before heading to the bach for summer, Karl and the team can repair the damage or lend you one of their 12 courtesy cars.

They also offer on the spot finance if needed.

www.rojones.co.nz

Any colour you want... as long as it's green

RO Jones Panelbeaters only use water-based paint, imported from Germany, environmentally friendly carwash and polish throughout the shop.

We repair electric vehicles, campervans, caravans, boats, truck cabs, fleet maintenance and more. From private work at competitive rates through to work for all the major insurance companies.

10 Cass St, Sydenham, Chch | Ph 366 3483 | www.rojones.co.nz

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