Category: Small 4x4s 
Price Range: £20,500 to £22,500
Great to drive, practical interior, class-leading emissions, fine residuals.
Bland looks, rear headroom tight with panoramic roof.
Kuga may not be the most visually appealing 4x4, but under the skin it's one of the best.
Ford has yet to put the Kuga forward for the voluntary Euro NCAP testing, but if it did, we expect the Kuga to be the safest vehicles in its class, based on the already fine performance of other Ford models.
As Kugas come with twin front and side-airbags, with curtain airbags, ESP and hazard warning lights that illuminate under heavy braking.
As well as the airbags, the Kuga boasts an innovation that drags the steering wheel horizontally away from a driver on impact reducing the chances of an impact and injury from contact with the airbag.
Other active safety features, although these are optional, include tyre pressure sensors, voice-recognition for some controls, and Bluetooth handsfree.
The brand also claims the Kuga exceeds the latest pedestrian protection requirements and has fitted the 4x4 with absorbent front bumpers.
All cars come with a Thatcham category 1 approved alarm and immobiliser.
