"When we unveiled the stunning iosis X Concept Car in 2006, I promised that in less than two years we would enter this segment with an all-new vehicle developed and built in-house," said John Fleming, president and CEO, Ford of Europe. "In delivering that promise, the commitment we also gave in Paris to add new and exciting niche vehicles to a newly energized Ford of Europe portfolio was also kept."

Niche vehicles in Europe continue to claim a growing market share.

"A major element of our strategy to return the Ford of Europe business to sustained profitability is the introduction of exciting new products - like Kuga - that attract new customers to the brand," said Stephen Odell, Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. "The S-MAX proved to us that there is demand for vehicles which offer the customer universal usability for work, leisure and family roles and where 'driving pleasure' is also very important," he added.

Ford is offering the Kuga with an intelligent four-wheel-drive, giving the vehicle both on-road driving quality and off-road abilities, as well as with front-wheel drive. Ford will release powertrain details closer to launch in early 2008, but so far the Kuga features a 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCI common-rail diesel engine mated to a Durashift 6-speed manual transmission.

On the outside, Kuga maintains the "kinetic design" elements of the concept with the same proportions and dynamic lines.

"Our new strategy is a very flexible design language which will give an exciting look to all our vehicles," said Martin Smith, director Design, Ford of Europe. "The iosis X Concept demonstrated how kinetic design can be adapted to the C-sized crossover segment. The new Ford Kuga is a dramatic addition to the Ford portfolio which develops our brand significantly."

Like many of Ford's latest models, the kinetic design elements on the Kuga aim for an athletic "energy in motion" look by utilizing dynamic lines, full surfaces and muscular presence and details like the trapezoidal front grills and dramatic swept back headlamp shapes.

For the production Ford Kuga, the coupé-like roof profile of the iosis X Concept has been adjusted to a slightly higher silhouette offering comfortable accommodation for five people.

The luggage compartment is accessed via a split tailgate and this, together with divided rear lights, ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading.

Ford will offer a large panoramic glass roof as an option on the Kuga. The high seat and shoulder line position of the doors gave designers maximum glazed areas to create a light and airy environment for passengers and provides the driver a commanding view of their surroundings.

Also new is the Blaupunkt navigation system with incorporates a 7-inch color display that also shows images from an optional rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate.

"We're very excited about Kuga, and believe that its blend of great looks, compact exterior dimensions, superb on-road driving quality, spacious and high quality interior and good off-road ability will allow it to stand out from the crowd," said Fleming. "We can't wait to see it on and off road early next year" .-Ford