A great escape

The Ford Escape comes in five 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.