FORD'S all-American off-roader, the Explorer, will be available in the UK next month. The huge 4.0-litre 4x4 is expected to retail at around £25,000 for which customers will get an all-new five speed autobox and a high level of standard specification.

Key features include a 206 PS V6 engine, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, self-levelling rear suspension and a free three-year/60,000 'Extracover' extended warranty. Creature comforts fitted as standard include air conditioning, power windows, electric seat adjustment, sunroof and cruise control.

The Control Trac adaptive four wheel drive system automatically adjusts torque to the front wheels to minimise slip without the need for any manual input. Although, capable of sprinting from 0-60 in just under 11secs and topping 105mph, the Explorer is quite frugal compared with the competition. Fuel consumption works out at 15.5mpg in town and 25.4 mpg out of town, giving a combined figure of 20.6 - significantly better than the Vauxhall Monterey (17.7) and Jeep Grand Cherokee (18.2).