The name might sound familiar, but this car is unlike anything Ford has brought to the UK before.
Ford's previous Kuga - albeit spelt Cougar - was a big coupe, too cramped to be a family cruiser and too soft to be a driver's car.
But its namesake is an altogether different machine; focused in its strengths and big on space.
Inspired by the iosis X concept which wowed the crowds at the Paris motor show in 2006, the Ford Kuga has gone from initial sketches to a production reality in just three years.
That has a lot to do with borrowing some of its underpinnings from the Ford Focus and Ford C-Max models; and raiding the engine shop for its punchy 2-litre diesel engine and slick six-speed gearbox.
But this is no parts bin bodge-job. The Ford Kuga is a thoughtfully-designed, competent compact SUV, with plenty of features to make it an appealing prospect.
Ford has tried to make choosing options easier, with a range of accessory packs - Appearance, Convenience and Titanium X
Ford is proud of its tailgate, which will give owners the choice of opening the whole bootlid, or just the upper half allowing access in confined spaces; and storage facility under the floor behind the front seats.
There's plenty of space in the cabin, which should allow five adults to travel in comfort. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat to create up to 1,355 litres of space.
And during our several hundred mile test route, it became apparent the Ford Kuga should be an easy car to live with.
Useful options include a 230-watt socket in the rear to power portable DVD players or laptops, and tables which fold out from the front seat backs.
Just two models are available when the Kuga goes on sale in June; Zetec and Titanium.
Zetec is expected to make up around 60 per cent of sales and the car's sober interior can be jazzed up with blue or orange inserts in the centre console between the seats, highlights on the door cards and seat backs.
The range-topping Titanium features classy silver inserts and half-leather upholstery.
Both models are well equipped, with alloy wheels, Ford's 'Power' start button, air-con, heated windscreen, electric door mirrors and front and rear windows and Ford Easyfuel - which prevents filling up with the wrong fuel - as standard.
The Titanium adds leather trims, cruise control, automatic headlamps and wipers, blue tinted glass and dual-zone climate control.
And Ford has tried to make choosing options easier, with a range of accessory packs - Appearance, Convenience and Titanium X.
Just one engine is available from launch - a refined and gutsy 2-litre diesel unit, which produces 133bhp and a useful 320nm of pulling power at just 2,000rpm.
That meant the Kuga could pull itself up steep hills at low speeds without the need for constant gear changes; and should make an impressive tow car.
The Ford Kuga will reach 62mph from rest in 10.7 seconds, before hitting its 112mph top speed.
Ford say a 200bhp version of the 2.5 turbocharged engine found in the Ford Focus ST will be available towards the end of 2008, and this engine will be offered with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.
Power is transmitted to the wheels via a Haldex intelligent four-wheel drive system, which powers just the front wheels under normal driving conditions but can shift power rearwards seamlessly when required.
On our slippery test route - and mild, muddy off-road course - the Haldex system worked in the background without any input from the driver.
And that means the Ford Kuga feels sure-footed on the road, with direct steering - when the Sport mode is selected via the trip computer, Normal and Comfort modes left the steering slightly vague and woolly - and minimal body roll.
On the smooth Spanish tarmac, the Kuga was quiet and refined and even when the road surface became rougher, it still acquitted itself well.
Running costs should be reasonable, with the lowest CO2 emissions of any 2-litre four-wheel drive SUV and an average consumption figure of more than 44mpg. Ford says the front wings are constructed from plastic to save weight and reduce repair costs, and service intervals are every 12,500 miles.
So Ford may have been a latecomer to the compact SUV party, but its Kuga is an excellent effort, and with its low running costs and good driving dynamics should soon make it a familiar sight on British roads.
The Technicals
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Zetec, Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi TitaniumPrice as tested: £20,250, £22,500
Insurance group as tested: TBC
CO2 emissions as tested: 169g/km (Band D, £145)
Average range CO2 emissions: 169g/km
EuroNCAP result: TBC
On sale date: June 2008
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