FORD'S smallest SUV - the EcoSport - has a wide range of abilities and it's good fun to drive despite fairly lowly power in some models.

And like the majority of other models in the class, almost all come with two wheel drive not four wheel drive.

There is just one exception, which was added to the range about four years ago and that's the EcoBlue TDCI 125bhp diesel.Its capable of decent off-road performance where all the others would flounder.

Of course, the EcoSport is up against some very stiff competition from the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and SEAT Arona, but I've found that it matches them in almost every way.

There was a major update in 2017 with a revised front end and extra tech to bring it more up to date.

The 1.5-litre diesel is available in both 100 and 125bhp power outputs, and the 100 reaches 60 from rest in 12.3 seconds while rated at an excellent 68 miles per gallon.

But the 125 2WD is still capble of 62mpg and it brings the sprint down to a much more sprightly 10.4 seconds.

Petrol engines are all Ford EcoBoost 1.0-litre turbos. The lowest output has 100bhp and this gets to 60 in 11.5 seconds while rated at 53mpg.

Next up is a 125bhp version that has almost the same economy but reaches the benchmark in 10.6.And the quickest, with 140bhp, is the only model to break the 10 seconds to 60 barrier, covering it in 9.9 seconds with economy of 51mpg.

All apart from the 4WD drive the front wheels through a standard slick changing six speed gearbox, but an automatic is available on some models.

One of the reasons many people buy an SUV is the usually high level of comfort.

But some EcoSports have stiffened sports suspension with bigger wheels and tyres and in these, the ride is compromised somewhat.

Generally though they all drive beautifully in just about every way. The engines are not the most powerful, but they suit the car, and pull well in the low to mid-range once on the move.

They are also smooth and quiet, dropping down to under 1,500 revs and pulling away again without a murmer of complaint, in the way that the vast majority of engines seem to do these days.

The roadholding and handling are very good, and certainly ahead of some of the competition, with strong grip and good balance, plus excellently tactile and informative steering.

Zetec spec includes a good range of kit such as electronic stability control, alarm, excellent seat and column adjustment, air conditioning, loads of airbags and other built-in safety, and audio remote control.Further up the range you get parking sensors, sat nav, cruise, part leather seats and heated mirrors.

The EcoSport is a great all rounder and the 4WD option adds to its capabilities for those who regularly see serious winter conditions or tow a trailer.

Pay about £9,100 for a '17 17-reg 100bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost Zetec, or £17,100 for a '19 19-reg 125bhp 1.5 TDCI Titanium.