New Ford Kuga pricing and details revealed

Ford’s second generation Kuga SUV hits the UK showrooms in early 2013, and as well as promising lower list prices, they also include a higher level of standard equipment, and new options.

The 2013 Kuga range starts at £20,895, and as before, will be offered in offered in Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X variations. The car has already gone into full production in the Valencia factory, and its maker promises that it will come with segment-first features including a hands-free tailgate, intelligent wheel drive with torque vectoring control - as well as popular options such as Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Information System.

The best-selling model in the UK range is the 2.0-litre TDCi 163PS model at £25,545. It's £355 less than the outgoing model, but new additional equipment includes fold-flat seats, adjustable load floor, Ford SYNC with Audible Text Messaging and Emergency Assist, Visual AWD Monitor, Electronic Power Assisted Steering, Hill Start Assist and enhanced Cruise Control with Active Speed Limiter.

Other engines in the range include a choice of 150PS (148bhp) and 180PS (177bhp) 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engines, and 140PS (138bhp) and 163PS (160bhp) 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engines. AWD diesel models are available with Ford’s PowerShift transmission; and FWD diesel models now feature CO2 emissions from 139g/km. As before it's expected that the diesel powered Kuga models will be the biggest sellers in the UK.

The all-new Kuga spearheads a full range of new SUVs in the UK to be completed in 2014, including the EcoSport, Ford’s entry into the small SUV segment, and the Edge – a larger, more premium crossover that is a success in North America and other markets.Orders can be placed now at dealers for the Kuga, with vehicles expected to arrive in UK dealerships in early 2013.