HERE at last before the 4WD boom is over, the Escape (and its Mazda Tribute clone) have turned up with a CR-V appearance and extremely good engine performance. Though not the most refined powerplant on offer, the 3.0-litre engine has spirit and strength on its side - and a V6 tag that'll win buyers in an instant. The Blue Oval badge helps here, too, though once out of the showroom the driver will find solid on-road manners and, something of a rarity in this class, good off-road ability.