Ford's new Kuga, its first entry in the compact SUV segment, is set to benefit from the Government's emissions-based taxation regime starting in July.

Ford has a keen entry price for the new Kuga SUV model when it hits the market in July. The entry model Kuga in two-wheel-drive, starts at €32,565, before delivery charges.

Prices will start at €32,565, a saving of over €2,700 on the pre-July price, according to Ford in Ireland.

At just 169g/km in CO2 rating, the Kuga achieves the lowest emissions in its class. It has also claimed best-in-class NCAP safety ratings, with a 5 star rating for adult occupancy protection. This new Kuga is based on Ford's acclaimed C-car architecture, proven in both the Focus and the C-Max.

With Kuga, the designers and engineers have integrated key driver and passenger requirements for a niche model into the distinctive new design.

The Kuga is stylish, and from a brief test drive that I had is proven to be well-balanced and with good proportions.

It's going to be a new and real competitor for Toyota's RAV4.

The Kuga comes in both front wheel drive and intelligent all-wheel-drive, in both Zetec and Titanium specification series.

The 4x4 system is based on a viscous type coupling, which engages only on demand, so that for normal driving the 4x4 version is in two-wheel drive mode. The compact SUV is powered by the 2.0 TDCi Duratorq 136bhp turbo-diesel engine.

Standard on the Zetec is Electronic Stability Programme, 6 airbags as part of Ford's Intelligent Protection System, air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, 6-speaker remote radio CD, electric heated door mirrors, front fogs, trip computer, keyless start with Ford Power button, body colour rear spoiler and leather steering wheel.

The Titanium model boasts, in addition, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, cruise control, partial leather trim, tinted glass, automatic wipers and headlights and auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Among the options is a panorama roof, heated seats, deflation detection system and solar reflective windscreen.

Kuga is launched in Ireland in the same week that it has attained a best-in-class result in NCAP safety tests.

It has received a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection, 4-star for child occupant protection and 3-star for pedestrian protection. This is an unprecedented achievement in its segment.

Ford has competitive pricing for the Kuga Zetec FWD which will be available in July from €32,565 with the all wheel-drive version from €34,400, a reduction of €2,880 over the pre-July price.

Ford does not expect to sell many if any new Kuga model before July in a market segment that so far this year accounted for sales over 7,700 vehicles.

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