Adorabull

Jun 29 2008 Liz Cowan'S Verdict

Spanish Toro Can't Resist Cute Ford Kuga

THERE is no denying my sidekick Graeme and I get our share of fancy cars to test for Mailmotors.

But for some reason he always gets his hands on the invites to international car launches.

Well not this time. When the invite landed to go to Spain to drive the allnew Ford Kuga it was me heading for the airport.

I knew this launch was going to be special the minute I boarded the private jet. Posh and Becks eat your heart out.

The Kuga is Ford's venture into the soft-roader segment. This crossover vehicle basically means that as well as negotiating the city with ease it also has plenty of off-road capabilities.

As Graeme wasn't with me I had to find a new driving partner so I teamed up with my old pal and fellow motoring journalist Stephen Park.

They say women are shallow when it comes to cars but Stephen is just as bad...if not worse. He has a strange fascination for all things red and made a beeline for a shiny new Kuga boasting this shade of paintwork.

There is something special about these launches. Being part of a same-car convoy always looks great - even if it does leave the locals looking more than a little bewildered.

But they always smile and give you a wave as you invade their picturesque towns.

On this trip not all the locals were friendly and one raging bull let us know exactly how he felt about us invading his patch.

Ford had set up an off-road course in a field and this angry beast let us know he wasn't happy. Suddenly Stephen's red car did not seem such a clever idea as this huge animal charged at our convoy.

Luckily red didn't attract this bull and it headed for a silver Kuga at the front.

Amazingly after a few charges the car wasn't too badly damaged. I wondered if Ford planned the attack to show us how robust their new vehicle was. Now back to our rain-soaked roads.

Those sunny Spanish days are a distant memory but once again I am in possession of the keys to a Kuga. Whatever the weather it handles well.

The 2-litre diesel engine is more than powerful enough to deliver a comfortable and swift ride. Even country roads with poor conditions are no challenge.

This crossover might not have hot hatch credentials but hit the gas and you will be travelling at 62mph in just over 10 seconds.

Safety is high on the agenda and the Kuga has just been awarded a fivestar Euro NCAP rating which places it at the top of the small off-road sector.

Inside there is plenty of space for five adults and the interior has been well thought out.

The panoramic sunroof was perfect for the Spanish sunshine while the allwheel drive system helps take the hazard out of our poor weather.

Equipment levels are high and you get everything from electric windows and mirrors to air-conditioning and an mp3 socket on the entry-level Zetec.

Step up to the Titanium model and you will get part-leather upholstery, cruise control and tinted windows.

All in all I reckon Ford is on to another winner. And if it can cope with a raging bull then I think it will cope with just about anything.

++TECH SPEC++

Ford Kuga range costs from £20,495

Performance: 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds.

Fuel: 44.1mpg.

Equipment: electric windows and mirrors, CD, air-con, alloy wheels, keyless start.

I loved: comfort and safety.

I hated: the raging bull attack.