Summarize

Ford’s most recent foray into the SUV market is spearheaded by the new Kuga, which now joins the similarly priced Everest. A quick look around reveals strong elements of the Focus ST: the wheels and framing around the twin pipes are identical (where does that tow hitch go you have to wonder?)

Chunky, purposeful with a wide stance, the Kuga is the one you would instinctively prefer if the road turned to mud and sludge. Under the hood is the ballsy 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo derived from the ST with 147kW and 320Nm on tap. Handy. Thumb the starter button from its keyless start for that distinctive 5-cylinder growl, slip it into gear and discover that the Kuga makes swift progress for its large body.

It’s only available in an anachronistic five-speed auto guise, but with the large spread of torque, it is refined and keeps cog swapping to a minimum, although steering-mounted paddles can change all this if you so desire. As good as the motor-gearbox combination is, the Kuga is a one-vehicle range, offering no variety to match a budget or preference of petrol or diesel. It’s also a bit on the thirsty side and hasn’t kept up with eco measures like start/stop technology.

Climb aboard and you realise that the older layout is actually a good thing, because it’s not festooned with buttons and sharp glaring angles. More premium, logical and it feels like the money has actually gone somewhere. Seating is high, and behind the wheel you’re firmly in control – that solid outside appearance translates to the interior, and the sheer build of the Kuga is obvious, in a safe, bossy sort of way. Boot space is slightly smaller than rivals, but we did like the split tailgate function.

A bully in the urban SUV market, but rumours of a new diesel model would probably see putting off a purchasing decision a little longer. —  Andrew Leopold

LEGEND TEST: Ford Kuga 2.5T AWD Titanium

Engine: 147kW 320Nm 2498cc turbo petrolI4

Drive:   5-speed automatic AWD

TESTED (March 2015):

0-60km/h                    4.13 sec

0-100km/h:                 8.87 sec 

400m:                      16.3 sec @ 149km/h

80-120km/h:               6.82 sec

Vmax:                           205km/h

Fuel:                       10.3l/100km

CO2:                              244 g/km

NEW PRICE (2015):      R406K 

NEW MODEL TODAY: R552K (2.0 AWD ST Line)

RATED:                          70%