An SUV Sized for the Times?

Forget the rugged auto market this year; the already top selling Ford Escape has extra power, style and convenience, which the smart money bets is going to translate into plenty of extra sales.

Fans of this SUV know that it traditionally drives like a car, moves like a powerful SUV and has space and storage convenience that rival some mini vans. But while many automakers have been content to just give their 2009 models a quick touch up Ford has pulled out the stops to give the Escape just enough extras to make it feel new without erasing the beloved traditional features and style.

Let's start with the safety extra. The new model has a myriad of them including AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a Personal Safety System which includes dual-stage front air bags for the driver and front-seat passenger, side air bags, and a front passenger sensor system. A Safety Canopy side air curtain protects those in the first and second row. Those with kids will appreciate LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for children) system that keeps kids secure.

Climb behind the wheel, step on that gas, and you'll move without hesitation whether you're driving up steep hills, slick streets or highway traffic. Ford has added a new power train lineup, a more powerful engine, and a new six-speed automatic transmission that makes the drive feel powerful yet secure. The already responsive brakes have been further enhanced to ensure quick stops aren't a problem.

There's also great news for those who worry about "green issues." The comfy seats are made of 100% recycled materials that are packed with soy-based foam that conserves resources and reduced CO2 emissions. Plus the six-speed engine is more powerful but also 4 to 6 percent more fuel efficient than engines in older models. Other engine tweaks and new high-tech tires lower fuel consumption.

Now for the fun stuff - Ford has added extra chrome, larger headlights, fog lamps, and a smoother exterior. The aerodynamic shape not only shaves 1 mph off the EPA bringing it to an estimated Ford 22-city/28 highway (It hasn't been through government testing yet).

The car's interior seems to be higher quality than it was in past models. Extra lighting and conveniently placed storage areas and cup holders boost the convenience factor. Plus, the smooth surfaces would be easy to clean if coffee or soda pop dribbled on them.

It's easy to fall in love with SYNC, the in-car communication and entertainment system that let's you use hand-free voice commands for everything from the radio to dialing a mobile phone and controlling the navigation system.

The SUV is clearly more stylish than past models, but not so fussy or pretty that guys wouldn't feel comfortable behind the wheel. Its style, storage capabilities and safety technologies -- all wrapped in an SUV with an MSRP starting at just $21,310 - make it a package the smart money bets will make it a sales champion.

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