If your idea of an SUV is a big hulking beast, think again.

There is crop of compact SUVs just the right size.

One of best vehicles for you either as a young single or a mom with kids is the Ford Escape, a popular small SUV that has received a few upgrades for 2006.

Featuring a nicely styled, friendly looking exterior, the Ford is non-threatening and won’t scare people or other road users like some SUVs.

Interior wise, new safety features include curtain airbags, three-point seatbelts and head restraints in all five seating positions, and improved offset crash protection.

"The Ford Escape is the best selling compact SUV in North America."   Carlos Carvalho, Sales manager, Richmond Auto Mall

He adds: "There are different trim levels to suit every pocketbook and it sells to people from 25 to 50.

"It’s a great package, small fuel efficient and we have a hybrid engine version which is also very attractive."

Dave Knustler, a self employed plumber and heating contractor, has just bought a Ford and says the interior was a major selling factor.

"I took a lot of time deciding on the vehicle and kept coming back to the interior. It’s so nice," he says.

"I took a lot of time deciding on the vehicle and kept coming back tothe interior. It's so nice."   Dave Knustler, Self employed plumber and heating contractor

With the leather seats and interior on our V6 tester, the cabin looked very classy.

Rear passengers have generous legroom - the front seats are raised for increased legroom and their own twin flip-out rear upholders in the centre console.

At the rear, the hatch also includes a neat separate rear opening window.

To open the rear window, you pull on a lever just above the license plate - another lever opens the hatch.

New looks in the body department and well thought-out changes and improvements in the interior mechanics and safety will no doubt help keep the Escape very popular.