The Ford Kuga is a fresh addition to the fleet

Ford’s Kuga is a popular compact SUV option. We’ve got it for a long-term test to see what it’s like to live with day-to-day

The SUV segment is currently undergoing something of a boom. Nearly every manufacturer is getting one to market, and even companies that you’d never think of when it comes to large four-wheel-drives – we’re looking at you Lamborghini – are making the most of current consumer enthusiasm for sitting up high and having a commanding view of the road ahead.

The Titanium X trim line includes all manner of standard equipment — (PA)

So what have we got then? Well, this particular Kuga is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine mated to Ford’s Powershift automatic gearbox. It’s also – as tends to be the case with these beefed-up yet compact SUVs – actually front-wheel-drive, though four-wheel-drive is available on cars fitted with the larger 2.0-litre diesel engine.

The Kuga's high riding position gives a commanding view of the road ahead — (PA)

The Kuga should return excellent economy figures — (PA)

So what’s the damage? Well, the base price for the Kuga ST Line is £30,345. However, with options such as white paint (£280), Premium navigation system (£500) and the previously mentioned 19-inch wheels (£500) among others, the price ramps up to £32,750. That said, this isn’t half bad considering the amount of equipment on board.

So far, it’s doing well. On a recent run to the New Forest, it provided more than enough space for the family, and proved to be just as adept at navigating country lanes as it was at cruising down the motorway. In short, just as you’d want an SUV to be.

However, it’s only one niggle in what is a vast sea of positives. We’ll have to see how things progress over out period with the car but for now, everything’s looking pretty rosy with the Ford Kuga.