In fact the strong line down it's flanks, the general proportions and it's most un-Ford-like nose are positively handsome. The interior is still a little odd with the gearstick pushed forwards towards the dashboard but not so odd as to be a put-off.
Elsewhere the wraparound head and tail-lights integrate nicely with the rest of the body, the plastics are used well to disguise the Kuga's size, the rear window tapers towards the C pillar but not too drastically - as it does in the Mercedes CLS, and wing mirrors aren't massive - as they are in the Evoque.
Prices are generally £1,000 down on previous Kugas, which is a good thing because Fords are overpriced at the moment. The starting price is £20,895 for a two wheel drive, 1.6 litre Ecoboost.
Engines are 1.6 litre petrol with either 148bhp or 178bhp, or a 138bhp or 161bhp diesel. It also comes with two or four wheel drive and a six speed manual or automatic gearbox.
Trim levels will be Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X (which in 80s Ford speak is L, GL and Ghia). Orders are being taken now and deliveries will start in spring 2013.
Ford disliked the original design of the Kuga so they crashed it into a brick wall |