Is BC British Columbia? While not as cold for as many weeks, Denver and the Colorado Rockies have similar climates to BC part of the year. I think I'm doing pretty well. ( see signature ) Also, this car EXCELS in hills and mountains... like 50-55 MPG round trips, not 30 when I'm in steep enough hills to coast without gas at all. Cold weather is a big disadvantage, and any savy buyer should know all batteries do not perform well in cold. I'll be first to admit this car's niche is for Los Angeles climate and gridlock driving conditions ( less than 40 MPH ).
( Florida is a close second! ) It's pretty much a regular 4cyl car over the highway and above 40 MPH. If I had a Los Angeles commute of over 5 miles every day, I'd be getting 60+ MPG all the time out of this gem!

It's not for every situation, or climate for that matter. And Ford salespersons should explain that, but most are un-educated since they only sell 2 or 3 hybrids per year! But for its design niche... most experts agree, the Ford Escape Hybrid, is one of the best hybrid designs on the market, and delivers what it promises. FYI, Ford's "official" promise is 23 - 25 MPG in below freezing conditions, (expressed in press releases as "25% less") and 31-36 MPG in 65 degree conditions. Sounds like that is what the public is actually getting.

And I'm 100% sure Ford is loosing money on Hybrid sales. This car has many, many unique and expensive parts. The only "profit" is brand image.

-John

P.S. Even with the gas engine running, this car is the cleanest gas automobile ever produced by an American manufacturer. You're spewing (nearly) nothing... but hyperbole. And how new is it? Give it a chance. Canadian winter is no where close to "normal" or "average" driving conditions. The gas-only Escape would be getting teens for MPG in the same situation.