FORD Australia executives hardly blink an eyelid when they state that the Escape is the company’s most important launch of the year.

Never mind that there is a new Fiesta available overseas, or a duo of twin-turbo V6 models in the global stable – the Mondeo-based US Fusion and the Australian-engineered China Taurus. No matter, also, that Focus small-car sales are flagging. The SUV boom has absorbed Ford’s focus.

Although merely a light facelift of the Kuga, signified by new headlight, grille and tail-light treatments, an additional model grade and a new name, huge growth in the medium-SUV class has pushed through an increased marketing spend for this $28,490-to-$47,490 plus on-road costs range.

But has Ford really made a great Escape?

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