At the end of the year, however, Kuga’s minimalist Zetec/Titanium range will be supplemented by a 2.5-litre, 200PS, five-cylinder petrol range-topper with manual and five-speed automatic gearboxes.
We majored on the £20,500 entry Zetec version, £2000 down from the Titanium and boasting high levels of standard equipment, from 17-inch alloys and trip computer to sports front seats and heated windscreen.
Our example also incorporated orange trim finish, applied to seat inlays and central console. It’s something of an acquired taste.
The cabin, particularly bright with the optional full-length sunroof, owes much to the new generation Focus, and the broader-shouldered frame provides ample interior space.
The effective handbrake lever resembles a modern crossbow trigger grip and there’s a tiny central fascia-mounted ignition button. The car also features a neat split-rear tailgate.
Despite its higher centre of gravity the Kuga maintains the balance and feedback inherent in the Focus-based family’s DNA. Noise levels are impressively low, too (although one car we drove had a mildly intrusive engine threshing sound at lower speeds) while gear change quality varies from car to car.
With one-third of the limited UK quota heading to business drivers, user choosers should form an orderly queue for a premium compact crossover in all but brand perception and badge.