Ford is playing things very coyly at the moment. A few weeks ago we previewed design sketches of the facelifted Ford Territory that’s due to go on sale in Australia within months.

Now Ford has shown the motoring media concept drawings of an SUV that’s smaller than the Territory and which will presumably replace the long-running Ford Escape.

Ford’s Vertrek concept has a large grille area similar to that of the updated Territory so it looks as though the new chief of Ford international, Alan Mulally, is going for the global theme. Mulally was recruited by Ford after spending some 45 years at Boeing, so obviously is very much tuned into global integration.

The main sections of the Vertrek’s grille are complemented by large air intakes in the lower sections of the guards, resulting in a macho look over the complete front end.

While stylish it looks terribly vulnerable for off-road conditions where it seems as though the slightest nudge would make a big hole in your bank account. Then again, few SUVs ever go off-road these days.

The rear end treatment is interesting thanks to the use of concealed handles on the rear doors that give the Ford Vertrek a coupe like appearance with a partial chop-top look thanks to the swooping roofline and the rising waist. There are even traces of the big BMW X6 when the Ford is viewed from some angles. Interesting.

Panoramic sunroofs are all the rage in Europe at the moment and the Ford designers’ rendition of the large glass panel is one of the best we have seen.

Inside the Vertrek concept uses a fascinating wing type design that swoops up from the centre console in a most dramatic fashion and has some interesting shapes in the ventilations ducts.

Will the Ford Vertrek concept reach the road and if so will it come to Australia? Our feeling is yes to both questions. Just how much the shape will be toned down only time will tell. We love the bold shapes both inside and out and it would be great to see them retained in a production version.