I have narrowed my choice of an SUV that I'm looking to buy.

the Ford and the Mitsu two give me the specs I want:

diesel, manual, toughness for a min 4 year use/ownership over sometimes rough roads, leather seats.

the Escape seems to have neither diesel nor manual)

Will appreciate any help to choose between the two.

Mitsubishi wins hands down. Everest rear cabin is terrible, this is the old style "pick-up with a roof welded on" model vs the reasonably priced SUV that is the Mitsubishi. Spending 6 hours in the rear of an everest made me hate this car with a passion.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the only SUV to choose these days... Its new and modern, reliable and fancy, tough and comfortable, usable and well you get my drift...

Go for the Pajero, I have been thinking of one myself for a long time (I just can't sell my new jazz yet, I love it too much).

Two of my friends drives the Pajero, one drives the 2.5 and the other the 3.2... The 3.2 is a little bit faster at top end, test drive them both before you buy one, make sure that your driving style is according to the engine choice...

The 2.5 should be enough for most people, but for me (I like speed) the 3.2 is the only option!