Ford Motor Company anticipated the launch of its newest model for the European market, the Ford Kuga compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV). The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker released the initial details of the vehicle ahead of its official world premiere at the upcoming 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. The Ford Kuga will expand the company's product lineup in Europe by giving car fans a new and exciting model that combines the on road dynamics with the impressive off road capability.

According to Stephen Odell, Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe, "Kuga offers a rare blend of a wagon and SUV features together with coupé-like sporting qualities. 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," explained Odell. "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."

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

"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. We can't wait to see it on and off road early next year" he continued.

Under the hood of this new Ford SUV comes a highly fuel efficient 2.0-litre 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine coupled with a Durashift 6-speed manual transmission. According to Ford, more details of the Kuga's powertrain will be released in IAA Frankfurt.

Outside, the Ford Kuga features an exclusive and unique 'Ice White' exterior body color featuring some design cues from Ford's iosis X concept. Other exterior features of the Ford Kuga include dynamic lines, trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line, kick-up of the rear window graphic, swept back headlamp shapes, high mounted tail lamps, facetted rear glass, sculptured rear bumper, coupé-like roof profile, and 19-inch alloy wheel options, just to name the few. Martin Smith, Executive Design Director - Ford of Europe explains the Kuga's exterior design:

"Our kinetic design form language is very flexible and is giving an exciting look to all our new vehicles. The iosis X Concept demonstrated how kinetic design could be adapted to the C-sized crossover segment of the market. All the expressive design elements of iosis X are clearly visible in the production vehicle. The new Ford Kuga is a dramatic addition to the Ford portfolio which develops our brand significantly."

Inside, the Ford Kuga offers spacious, comfortable, and functional interior. This model also features some of the interior characteristics and materials of the iosis X concept. Notable interior highlights of the Ford Kuga include the large panoramic glass roof and the new Blaupunkt navigation system with 7-inch colour display for the rear view camera on the tailgate. This are only two of the many interior amenities found on the new Ford Kuga. Ford will release the full details of this model during or after the IAA Frankfurt. The Kuga could also feature quality cargo liner like the Lexus cargo liner found on Lexus luxury SUVs.