Covers pulled off Ford's answer to the Discovery

This is the SUV that’s set to put Ford back on the off-roader map – the Explorer America. After the sale of Land Rover is completed, the blue oval will have a Discovery-sized hole in its UK line-up, but this model promises to fill the gap.

Thanks to innovative engines and lightweight construction, it should be one of the greenest off-roaders around. Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, it will certainly stand out from the crowd. A large three-bar grille and Range Rover-style clamshell bonnet dominate the front end, while chunky wheelarches complete the imposing look.

There are neat details, too, such as the sliding rear door and full-length sunroof. Inside, the emphasis is on versatility. The rear seats can be folded away at the touch of a button, and a small table and chairs can be unfolded from the boot for open-air eating.

In an effort to make the Explorer green as well as mean, the company has
developed a new pair of ‘EcoBoost’ petrol engines.

Available as either a 275bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder or 340bhp 3.5-litre V6, they are both turbocharged and feature direct injection. Bosses claim efficiency is boosted by up to 30 per cent over the present US-market Explorer.

Further fuel-saving measures include the use of lightweight materials for the bodywork and a new electrically assisted steering system. A production version of the Explorer is set to hit the road in 2010, with the possibility of UK sales starting shortly afterwards.