The Ford Kuga’s wheelbase remained unaltered. Better packaging must have been the reason for the additional cabin space that Ford had found, because the car was also slightly lower and narrower than before.
The driving position was quite recumbent for an SUV, while the fascia swelled to eat into front-row knee space slightly.
Rear passenger space was decent; it was still a way off the most practical cars in the class, but generous enough even for large adults.
A Honda CR-V or a Kia Sorento bettered the Ford on second-row legroom, but only just, while the CR-V was beaten by the Ford on rear headroom.
Boot space, too, was significantly improved. It wasn’t outstanding, but a minimum 800mm of load length with the second row in place, and 1080mm of usable width, was close enough to the 4×4 norm.
On quality and appearance, the Kuga’s cabin met Ford’s usual high standards. The fascia was designed in familiar Ford style and was made out of a mix of grained plastics, inlay trims in dark grey and matt chrome detailing.
It was much the same dashboard as you’d find in the Focus and C-Max, and there were no special 4×4 touches such as pillar-mounted handles or Neoprene seat covers.
The ambience was simpler than that – one of a modern, normal, substantial, quality car for everyday family use.
Ford was quite generous with the Kuga’s kit levels as well, with buyers having six trims to choose from, not to mention the numerous options to peruse and select.
Entry-level Zetec models got 17in alloys, a twin exhaust system, DAB radio, manual air conditioning, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows, keyless start, cruise control and Ford’s Quickclear windscreen as standard.
Mid-range Titanium models got an a part leather upholstery, auto lights and wipers, dual-zone climate zone, rear parking sensors, and Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system complete with an 8.0in touchscreen display, sat nav and DAB radio.
Upgrade to Titanium X and you’d find additions such as 18in alloy wheels, a full leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, powered tailgate, bi-xenon headlights and heated front seats included on an already generous package.
Those wanting their Kuga to adorn more sporty attire could opt for the ST-Line or ST-Line X models, which came with 18in dark alloy wheels, an aggressively-styled bodykit, active parking assist, front and rear parking sensors, sports seats, firmer suspension and black roof rails, while the latter added a panoramic roof, keyless entry, 19in alloy wheels, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, manually adjustable front passenger seat with both heated too.
Topping the range for the facelifted Kuga was Ford’s luxury trim – the Vignale – which included all the equipment on the Titanium plus a unique bodykit, LED rear lights, premium floor mats, a unique leather upholstery, a reversing camera and a nine-speaker Sony audio system.
As with the exterior, we’d argue it could have been a bit more characterful – but that was our only criticism, and it was a minor one.
