Ford has announced that the facelifted version of its popular Kuga mid-size SUV will get the option of a sporty new trim.
The ST-Line trim, which is also available on the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo, was previously known as Zetec S and offers sportier styling and driving dynamics combined with powerful but efficient engines.
Prices for the new Kuga start from £20,845, while the ST-Line version will be priced from £25,845 with order books open now and first deliveries expected to begin by the end of the year.
Compared to the regular Kuga, the ST-Line will get a black honeycomb grille, plus a sporty body kit that includes the addition of wider side skirts and door cladding, plus a rear roof spoiler.
The ST-Line Kuga also benefits from various blacked-out details like black roof rails, along with a choice of either 18-inch or 19-inch black alloy wheels.
Priced from £25,845
Inside, it gets sports seats with part-leather upholstery and contrasting stitching on the steering wheel and gear gaiter, plus a special metallic finish for the car’s centre console.
It's not all for show either, as Ford claims that the Kuga ST-Line will be the sportiest version of the Kuga yet, with stiffer suspension and lower ride height to improve on-road responsiveness.
From launch, three engines will be available, starting with an entry-level 1.5-litre diesel engine, which produces 118bhp and can deliver up to 64.2mpg with 115g/km of CO2.
A larger 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel is also available in conjunction with four-wheel drive, and can reportedly deliver up to 54.3mpg with 134g/km of CO2 with all four wheels driven.
The 1.5-litre version of Ford’s award-winning Ecoboost petrol engine will also be available, with a choice of either 118bhp or 148bhp, and which is expected to be able to deliver up to 45.6mpg.
