Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Zetec

What is it?

A 4×4 that’s part of the Ford Focus family – but the Ford Kuga is even later to market than the VW Tiguan, one of its closest rivals.

Class-beating looks but with production-restricted supply Ford is aiming the Kuga upmarket: Zetec is £20,500 and Titanium £2000 more.

Both versions of the Ford Kuga get 136PS Duratorq diesel and six-speed manuals, with 200PS 2.5 5cyl Focus ST engine (manual or auto) due for the Kuga at the end of the year.

What’s hot?

• Those looks. Makes Tiguan look bland – and others like the Honda CR-V just a bit, well, odd
• CO2 of 169g/km is lowest in the class; combined mpg is 44.1
• Ride and handling are typically Ford poised but it’s no sports car
• There’s noticeable body roll but payoff is first-rate ride
• Great driving position and very supportive seats
• Neat two-piece tailgate works well
• Good residuals: Ford quotes CAP 3yr/60k retained value of 47%

What’s not?

• Not exactly a ball of fire; all rivals have more powerful diesel engines
• No automatic diesel will rule it out for some
• Adequate passenger/luggage room only, not as roomy as CR-V
• Not as versatile as some, no trick folding/sliding rear seats
• Blue or orange trim in Zetec an acquired taste
• Option of reversing camera comes later in year – it needs it

Business Car Manager road test verdict

The Ford Kuga is one of the best of its type. It’s dynamic looking, rewarding to drive and impresses for quality finish inside and out. It’s not the fastest or the most practical but with its gimmick-free real-world approach the Ford Kuga promises to be eminently ownable.

What you need to Know?