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.
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| Ford disliked the original design of the Kuga so they crashed it into a brick wall |