Ford hints at new Kuga 10 | 01 | 2011

THIS IS the first hint at of how the next generation Ford Kuga will look. Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, the Vertrek concept is based on the Focus platform and is clearly intended to show how Ford’s small SUV could become another ‘global’ model.

Ford's blurb says the Vertrek combines "European kinetic design and driving quality” with “cargo space, trailer-tow and off-road capability for North America”. Personally, it sounds as though the marketing people have swallowed the gobbledegook book.

Furnished with an Audi Q7-like nose, the Vertrek is believed to be around 5% more aerodynamically efficient than that of the current Kuga. Ford haven't released any dimensions of the concept, though the increased overhangs beyond the Focus platform would indicate it is larger than the current Kuga.

“The Vertrek is inspired by contemporary compact sport utility customers,” J Mays, Ford’s vice-president of design and its chief creative officer, said today. “It unites stylish design, world-class craftsmanship and outstanding capability to present a fresh vision we believe will resonate globally.”

The concept, powered by a 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine with stop-start technology, boasts a cabin which has a large central ‘floating tunnel’, underlit to brighten the rear area, and a fascia that builds on the current Fiesta and latest Focus.

It's expected the most popular choice for Europe would still be a 2.0-litre turbodiesel; 96% of Kugas sold are diesels. Frankfurt in the autumn is expected to see the production version of the new Kuga unveiled before it enters Scottish showrooms in 2012.

And whisper it, but you should also expect a Fiesta-based 'baby SUV', baby brother crossover to follow shortly afterwards.

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Jim McGill