IT is no secret why Ford’s first crossover vehicle in Europe handles so well.

Based on the company’s C-car chassis, so well proven in the Focus and C-Max, the Kuga has those same driving dynamics that we have come to love in its smaller siblings.

Given that the Kuga is unlikely to be taken across harsh environments, Ford biased the Kuga for on-road driving dynamics, while also offering off-road abilities.

The intention was to create a vehicle that would “satisfy keen drivers”, and it’s not far off the mark.

Immediately, the driver feels at ease with the controls layout that is the trademark of Ford’s cars.

More than just a Focus on stilts, the Kuga offered a combination of attractive styling inside and out, but it’s the car’s performance that has surprised the most. For a compact SUV, it is impressively agile.

The first generation of this ‘soft roader’ was well recieved.

With this second-generation Kuga, Ford is maintaining its high-profile presence in what’s rapidly become a fiercely competitive market. For many, the SUV has become the preferred choice over more traditional large family saloons and estate cars, and as engine technology has improved, so running costs have tumbled.

This Kuga mirrors many of Ford’s current range-wide design themes.

Certainly, it delivers a sharper-suited and more upmarket appearance.

The same is true inside, with dark materials and glossy trim helping to promote a premium ambience.

While there’s no high-low range transmission or fancy hill descent control to save your blushes on tricky terrain, an intelligent all-wheel drive system that continually monitors where power is needed and automatically applies the required torque to each wheel is being offered, alongside a frontwheel drive option.

The former works in the background and requires no extra input from the driver. By default the Kuga is a front-drive car, but when the electronics detect changes in grip levels, as much as 100 per cent of the available power can go to the appropriate axle. The only indication you have is a nifty little display showing where the power’s going.

Don’t expect Land Rover levels of competence when off-road, but slippery grassy fields and gravel tracks shouldn’t pose a problem.

Predictably, though, the Kuga performs at its best on the road.

Pitch and roll has been kept to a minimum despite the high-sided nature of the car, while ride comfort is good.

The Kuga’s lofty driving position will appeal to many buyers, while the weighty steering allows you to accurately and confidently position it on the road.

A lot of the praise for the Kuga’s performance can be directed at the engine line-up. Diesel dominates this market, and Ford’s 2.0-litre unit is available in two different states of tune: 140bhp and 163bhp.

Smooth, refined and potent, this family of engines offers a good blend of performance and refinement. As you’d expect, the latter is the one to have if you want the best of everything and, coupled with Ford’s optional direct shift six-speed semiauto gearbox, it delivers a relaxed and unhurried experience.

The low-power diesel can also be had in front-wheel drive form, as is also the case of the 1.6-litre turbo petrol option. In 150 horsepower trim, the petrol Kuga is front-drive only, while a 180 horsepower version complete with auto gearbox gets the full all-wheel drive treatment.

The Kuga can be had with varying levels of active safety kit that mirrors what’s already been seen in the Focus, such as intelligent cruise control and lane-keep assist. Life can be made more easy by opting for the superior audio, satellite navigation and Ford’s SYNC multitasking mobile phone interface.

The Kuga also proves to be a very practical vehicle, featuring standard fit fold-flat rear seats and an adjustable boot floor.

Dynamically engaging, easy on the eye and available with a wealth of value-added comfort and safety kit, Ford’s second-generation Kuga is a well-rounded evolution of its predecessor, with a greater emphasis on ride comfort.

It’s certainly a most capable cruiser, employing excellent suspension to iron out the bumps.

And armed with all the technology and comforts available with Titanium specification, it will meet most needs.

FORD KUGA 2.0-LITRE TDCi

MODEL: TITANIUM PRICE: from £27,045 (Kuga range from £20,900)
ENGINE: 2.0-litre diesel unit developing 163bhp
TRANSMISSION: powershift six-speed automatic transmission, with part-time four-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE: top speed 122mph, 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds
ECONOMY: 45.6mpg CO2
RATING: 162g/km