In the latest phase of Euro NCAP safety tests the all-new Ford Kuga compact crossover has achieved the best combination of star ratings, placing the car at the top of the table in the Euro NCAP Small Off-road 4x4 group. Awarded the maximum five stars for Adult Occupant Protection, this rating is enhanced by four stars for Child Occupant Protection and three stars for Pedestrian Protection.

The launch of Ford's new crossover, the Kuga, will strengthen the appeal of the blue oval, which has seen popularity rise by over six per cent with private car buyers.

The all-new Ford Kuga is the latest Ford vehicle to gain the German TUV Rheinland Group's "Allergy Tested Interior" Seal of Approval.

Production of the all-new Ford Kuga, Ford of Europe's first entry into the highly competitive crossover market, began today at the Ford plant in Saarlouis, Germany.

Ford of Europe joins the hot crossover trend with the debut of the new Ford Kuga. Based on the iosis X Concept car shown last year at the Paris Motor Show, the new 4WD Kuga is being previewed in near-production form at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.