The new Ford EcoSport mini SUV is quite intimidating, despite its small size — for a start, it’s hi-tech Microsoft-based SYNC system can speak 19 languages.

That’s 18 more than me, although some might say I still struggle a bit with English.

The new-style SYNC system, the first Ford from Island dealers Bermuda Motors to support the latest generation information and entertainment system, allows drivers to keep in touch and use audio systems without their hands leaving the steering wheel.

Bermuda Motors’ Andre Rochester said: “Everything is sync’d — it has a USB port and iPod and iPad port, so you can access your favourite sounds in the car.

“This is the first car we’ve sold like this — everything else has been Bluetooth technology.”

In addition to music, mobile devices can be linked to the system and contacts lists can be downloaded, giving safe, hands-free and legal calling capability.

Mr Rochester said: “You have to speak clearly but it does recognise your voice. It’s pretty good. You can’t complain. You can also use the media player on your phone to play it through your car’s sound system.”

He added: “It’s very hands-free — you don’t have to touch your phone and the car lifts your phone book once you link it. All you have to say is ‘call home’, ‘call work’, or whatever. It’s a great step forward for Ford.”

The SYNC system even has the capability to transfer text messages into speech and play them through the car speakers.

On the top-of-the range Titanium version of the EcoSport, the SYNC system even knows when the parking sensors kick in when you’re reversing and turns the sound down so you can hear it.

Mr Rochester said: “The SYNC system is cleverer than most drivers. Apart from convenience, it adds to road safety because you don’t have to take your hands off the steering wheel. Everything is at your fingertips with the controls on the steering wheel.”

The system comes with the chunky EcoSport — the blue oval’s bid to take a slice of the lucrative global market for smaller-sized vehicles with SUV styling.

The Sport and Titanium versions of the EcoSport, designed and built for the global market by Ford’s Brazil and India arms — come with the same punchy 1500cc engine, but with differing levels of trim.

On a quick test drive, the SYNC system, despite being programmed for UK English, American English and Australian English among other languages, appeared to have no difficulties with Scottish English.

After Andre connected his phone, I was able to use the names as listed in his phone directory to make calls using voice commands and change albums and tracks saved on his phone through the audio system without having to push buttons on the dashboard.

On the road, the mini-SUV handles well and its height, but small size, makes it ideal for Bermuda’s narrow and winding roads.

Its handling comes as no surprise because, despite its chunky body and truck-style grille, it’s based on the Ford Fiesta, widely acknowledged as one of the best-handling cars in its class.

And Mr Rochester said the G class Fiesta on steroids and with a ‘mind’ of its own had already proved a hit with buyers.

He added: “People have been very impressed with it — we’ve sold seven of them already and there’s another two going out this week.”