Ford has jumped into the SUV market with the new Kuga that is set to impress. The new model offers a high specification level, with good economy and keen pricing. And, with a low CO2 rating, the Kuga is a new mid-size SUV contender. Michael Moroney reports.

Ford's new SUV contender, the Kuga comes into the market with high ambitions based on performance, economy and price. Ford believes the Kuga will take the market by storm and it arrived on the Irish market for the July VRT changes with a signal of its ambitions based around its low CO2 exhaust emission rating.

Ford has launched its new Kuga SUV on the market with impressive features, a superb engine and modern styling. Pricing is keen, with the entry price starting at €32,565 plus delivery charges for the two wheel drive version.

Kuga may not be hugely different than the large number of mid-range SUVs on the market on face value, but it is. The Kuga design is strong and distinctive and, while it's modern, it also brings an impression of style that's classically modern Ford. I have to say, I liked the new Kuga style. That good feeling towards the Kuga was further confirmed by the performance of the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. This engine delivers the goods in more ways than one.

It has a relatively high power output, at 136bhp, coupled with good torque levels, at 320Nm, to give it a good acceleration performance for the all wheel drive version of 10.7 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr race. That compares well with the competition, where the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 are at the top in terms of acceleration performance from bigger 2.2-litre engines. The much more expensive BMW X3 is the only other performance rival of note.

The Kuga makes a big impression when it comes to economy. This new Ford diesel engine is no slouch in the performance stakes, while at the same time it excels in economy. The official rating for the Kuga is 6.4 litres/100km (44.1mpg) and that was noticeable during my test drive. That economy level is ahead of nearest rivals in the form of the popular Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the thrifty entry model Mitsubishi Outlander.

Low fuel usage delivers a low CO2 rating and the Kuga comes with the lowest CO2 figure in the bulging mid-range SUV sector. The Kuga has a CO2 figure of just 169g/km, bringing it into the Band D for car tax with a low annual tax rate of just €430. All of the other SUV competition models are in the higher bands, with some, such as the Suzuki Vitara, creeping into the Band F with annual road bills of €1,000.

This improved Ford diesel engine has the potential to deliver in running costs as well as servicing costs. Ford recommend a 20,000 km service interval, which is once a year for most drivers and that's for a diesel engine.

The other compelling reason the Kuga is a real SUV contender is price. Ford has pitched the Kuga price at a level where it leaves others embarrassed. The entry level Kuga all wheel drive (AWD) model comes with a starting price of €34,400 before delivery charges. That's just marginally more expensive than the entry level Jeep Compass and better value than everything else on the market. Ford offers a two wheel drive version of the Kuga at even keener pricing, starting at €32,565 before delivery charges. And, as there are no distinctive 4x4 badges to spot the difference, this option will attract drivers who want to stay on the tarmac.

That value is not just skin deep. Ford offers an impressive safety package in the Kuga and that was confirmed by its high rating in the recent EuroNCAP test. The standard features on the Zetec models included Electronic Stability Programme, six airbags as part of Ford's Intelligent Protection System, air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, six-speaker remote radio CD, electric heated door mirrors, front fogs, trip computer, keyless start with Ford Power button, body colour rear spoiler and leather steering wheel.