Arriving in UK showrooms in June, the new Ford Kuga five-door, five-seat crossover, all wheel drive model combines the dynamic and sharp responses of the latest Focus and S-Max models and the seating flexibility of the C-Max mid-sized MPV.
Prices start at £20,495 for the 2.0-litre TDCi Zetec variant.
The Kuga looks tall but not particularly wide or long and the overhangs are short. It actually feels very agile and manoeuvrable and provides excellent sight lines to the front and sides. Over the shoulder and reversing vision is not particularly good and parking sensors are a must.
The 2.0-litre TDCi turbo diesel engine provides good pull in the mid range although it is sluggish accelerating from standstill. However it cruises with composure and very little noise at motorway maximum.
Ford Kuga off-road capabilities
The gear changes were positive and slick, the weight-selectable steering was precise with good feedback and the braking was progressive. During a brief off-road section on the test route the Kuga proved to be capable enough at tackling muddy hills and descents with small ridges or potholes sprinkled along the track.
Bad holes - off or on road - will jar and unsettle the suspension, but generally it copes very well. The overall impression is of a smooth riding, low rolling and sharp handling vehicle with enough room for five passengers and useful load and luggage area.
Joining the ranks of the Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander and VW Tiguan to name just a few, the Kuga faces still opposition in a sector under pressure from the anti 4x4 or SUV lobby, high fuel prices and higher road taxes.
Ford Kuga - Ford's new SUV model
But Ford needs a crossover or SUV vehicle in its line-up to keep customers loyal to the brand. In reality fleet users will be high on the sales agenda I'm sure and the Kuga could become a popular vehicle for users such as the Police.
Whoever ends up buying and using the Ford Kuga will enjoy the sharp and distinctive styling, the body height advantage and capacity of a traditional 4x4 without the high running costs.
The new Kuga will make a sales impact in its sector but to some extent its own stablemates, the C-Max, S-Max and Focus will be its strongest competition.
For quite a while existing Ford users have not had an opportunity to own or run a Ford branded SUV or crossover vehicle so expect some substitutional sales to occur.
MILESTONES
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Zetec
Price: £20,495
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel, 136PS, 320Nm from 2,000rpm, 6-speed manual gearbox with intelligent full-time four wheel drive.
Performance: 112mph, 0-62mph 10.7 seconds, 44mpg
Emissions: CO2 169g/km
VED Band: E £170.
Dimensions: 4,443mm long, 1,842mm wide, 1,710mm high.
For: Ford's first crossover SUV, sharp design, capable on and off road, practical interior, competitive price.
Against: Limited rear and rear quarter visibility, deep potholes unsettle the ride and suspension, sluggish acceleration from a standing start