What's all this about?
Ford has added its mid-sized Kuga SUV to the expanding ST-Line portfolio of cars.
Can you just explain ST-Line to me, please?
We talked about it recently, as you can opt to have it on Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo models too. Essentially, these are regular vehicles in the line-up that look like Ford's performance ST versions - so they get body kits, big alloys and interior updates, without all of the mechanical upgrades of a full ST.
There isn't an ST Kuga that I've missed, though, is there?
No, fear not. However, the Kuga ST-Line is not the only new version of Ford's crossover, as there's an ultra-luxury Vignale variant also in the mix.
Shall we stick with the ST-Line for now?
OK, can do. With the new Kuga range (it has been facelifted) starting from £20,845, the ST-Line begins at £25,845, with first deliveries due before the year is out. To spot one, you need to look for Ebony Black front grilles, the lower item also featuring a honeycomb design, as well as matching sports mesh finish on the fog lamp bezels. All the lower trimmings of the Kuga - plus its door handles, mirror caps and rear roof spoiler - are body-coloured, there's an Ebony Black rear skid plate, the roof rails are also black and the lights/windows are tinted. ST-Line badging can be seen on the front wings and the alloys (black, obviously) are either 18-inch glossy items with a bright machined surface or larger 19-inch rims.
What does the interior look like?
Sports seats with part-leather trim and contrast stitching (which continues on the gear lever gaiter and steering wheel), two-layer metallic-effect 'Deep Space' paint on the centre console and black headlining are all hallmarks of the ST-Line.
Does it really have no mechanical edge on the normal Kuga models?
Ah, there are one or two tweaks - it gets thicker anti-roll bars and a 10mm reduction in ride height to make it feel a little sharper than lesser-spec Kugas, bolstered by stiffer suspension bushes, specific spring/damper rates and a revised calibration setting for Ford's electronic power-assisted steering system. Other than that, it's a regular Kuga SUV.
Have we got a variety of engine choices?
Indeed so. The 120hp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel replaces the old 2.0-litre diesel that made the same power, with the new, smaller lump said to be capable of 64.2mpg and 115g/km. The other two diesels are the 150hp 2.0 TDCi - available with front-wheel drive or 'Ford Intelligent AWD', with best eco-stats of 60.1mpg and 122g/km - or the 180hp version of the same unit, exclusively coupled to all-wheel drive and capable of 54.3mpg and 134g/km.
How about the petrol options?
Just a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-pot, which comes in three power trims. The first two, of 120- or 150hp, a front-wheel drive only and can achieve up to 45.6mpg and 143g/km. The top-spec version, though, is an all-wheel drive Kuga with 182hp, returning 38.2mpg and 171g/km.
Anything else?
SYNC 3, the latest version of Ford's communications and entertainment software, is coming on-stream in Europe later this year.
Matt Robinson - 2 Aug 2016