It's the one!

I have come across the perfect family car for the UAE – unless you insist on running two cars, you will find the Ford Explorer hard to beat as the quintessential all-purpose family get-around.

Throughout its life, the Ford Explorer has promised to deliver versatility, excellent driving comfort, affordability and, perhaps most importantly, more safety than a sedan or minivan.
Since its introduction in 1990, the Ford Explorer was instrumental in turning the SUV from a special-interest vehicle into one of the most popular vehicle types on the road, and the latest evolution, the fourth generation, is a solid truck in every way.

As a mid-size SUV built on an advanced ladder-frame chassis with an independent rear suspension, the four-door Explorer can seat up to seven people or carry a maximum of 85 cubic feet of cargo. It's called "mid-size" but it's actually big enough to seat even large families in daily comfort.

It struck me as being a workhorse. The sort of car that gets driven constantly, and yet faithfully carries out its duties regardless of milk shakes spilling in the back, your eldest just getting his licence, getting bashed by shopping trolleys, a big hairy Golden Retriever jumping around in the back – you name it, the Explorer will tolerate it!

Four-wheel independent suspension gives the Ford Explorer a smooth ride with respectable handling, especially when compared to some other rougher-riding truck-based models.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake distribution and electronic brake assist are standard for sure-stopping abilities. Ford's AdvanceTrak stability control system with Roll Stability Control is standard, and provides added road-holding abilities, especially around sharp curves. Front, front-side, and Safety Canopy head-curtain airbags that cover all rows of seats are likewise standard.

It's not expensive, it's rugged, and I really felt that if I had to buy one car for the family, this would be at the top of the list: it is a perfect all-rounder.

The V6 4-litre engine is capable of an output of 230 bhp @ 5,000 rpm and 373 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm, which is sufficient to drive along happily in traffic and to cruise the highway smoothly, and the transmission is a 5-speed automatic.

Not really an advanced set-up making the most of the latest innovation, but more of a traditional tried-and-tested design of functionality.

It is well-appointed, with cruise control and other upmarket features, and it comes with a full range of optional features, including a power-folding third-row seat, power-deploying running boards, and a rear DVD entertainment system.

Also available is the Sync entertainment control system that was developed in conjunction with Microsoft making it possible to operate multiple devices, from cellphones to an iPod, on a hands-free basis; external devices can be connected either via a standard audio input, USB port, or Bluetooth wireless interface.

Therefore, an overall brilliant family SUV, a seriously competitive package that delivers where it counts. If you need a family car, consider the Ford Explorer.

Paolo Rossetti is a freelance writer based in Al Ain