If you want a small SUV for the city then buying the Ford Hybrid, the Escape, with its relatively low starting price and improved fuel economy will pay off in the long run. It uses the 2.3-litre with electric motor and nickel-metal-hydride battery, and a continuously variable transmission.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is a “full hybrid”, the electric motor teams with the engine for better performance on acceleration, while enabling the vehicle to run on its battery for short periods and shut off at idle. Features on the Hybrid include 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, tire pressure monitoring system, premium cloth seats with six-way power driver’s adjustment, six-CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack, fog lamps, privacy glass, roof rack side rails and chrome grille.