Ford is celebrating the launch of their facelifted Kuga SUV in Europe, set to go after models like the latest VW Tiguan.

The company has refreshed the exterior of the new Kuga with a rectangular grille and redesigned lights all around among other features, bringing it in line with the bigger Ford Edge. Ford has also added two new colors, the Guard Grey and the Copper Pulse options.

There’s also a new engine option in the base diesel version, with the 118hp 1.5-litre TDCi replacing the old 118hp 2.0-litre TDCi unit. Offered only as a FWD, the Kuga 1.5 TDCi can return a combined 44.2mpg UK (4.4lt/100km) and 115g/km of CO2 when equipped with the standard six-speed manual.

Other diesel options include a 2.0-litre TDCi offered in 148hp and 177hp guises, while for those who prefer petrol, Ford offers their 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine in 118hp, 148hp and 177hp versions. AWD is available in the 2.0-litre diesel models, as well as the most potent petrol one. A six-speed dual-clutch Powershift gearbox is optional to selected versions.

The new Ford Kuga also benefits from the addition of the SYNC3 infotainment system which comes with an advanced voice recognition system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-inch touchscreen with new interface allows pinch and swipe gestures for the first time.

Other new features include a series of new driver’s assistance systems, like the Perpendicular Parking function added to the Active Park Assist, Cross Traffic Alert and Park-Out Assist. The list of the new Kuga’s active safety systems now includes an updated version of the Active City Stop system.

The cabin has been upgraded with better quality materials and more intuitive controls, with Ford decluttering the dashboard of the many buttons that were present in the previous versions. The addition of an electronic parking brake freed up space in the centre console for a bigger storage compartment while there’s also a new USB charging point.

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