Ford Kuga ST-Line: everything you need to know

Ford has introduced a sporty ST-Line trim for the Kuga SUV. It’ll join the rest of the facelifted Kuga range arriving in September 2016 as an answer to the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line and Kia Sportage GT-Line.

It’s the fourth in the ST-Line trim level, joining the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo. Like those models, the Kuga ST-Line gains sporty cosmetic tweaks and lower, sportier suspension to make it look more special and help it feel more fun to drive. Read on for everything you need to know…

Ford Kuga ST-Line styling

The Kuga ST-Line’s exterior tweaks echo the adjustments made to those found on the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo. That means the front it loses its chrome flashes in favour of a black finish, which is also applied to the rear skid plate and roof rails. Separating it further from the rest of the range are the body coloured finishes for the plastic cladding around the wheel arches, front skid plate and door sills.

The Kuga ST-Line rides on one of two alloy wheel designs – buyers get a choice of either 18 or 19-inch units, both painted black. Adding to the moody look are the lights – now featuring smoked lenses – and rear privacy glass. Paired with a dark colour, the ST-Line Kuga certainly looks the most menacing of the range.

Ford Kuga ST-Line interior

The Kuga ST-Line cabin gains a couple of sporty flourishes to distinguish it from other Kugas – most obviously the part-leather sports seats. Those seats also get contrasting stitching along with the gear lever gaiter and steering wheel, while black headlining and a special dark metallic finish on the dashboard complete the sporty additions.

Ford Kuga ST-Line driving and engines

Ford has treated the Kuga to a reworked suspension setup. The car sits 10mm closer to the ground, while body roll is reduced through the corners thanks to thicker anti-roll bars. The power steering system has also received attention, which Ford says should help deliver “a tighter, more responsive and sporty feel”.

The ST-Line trim is offered with any of the Kuga’s existing petrol and diesel engine range. The most frugal choice is the 1.5-litre diesel which achieves a claimed 64.2mpg, while the most potent comes in the form of the 180hp 2.0-litre turbocharged unit which sits at the top of a three-strong petrol range. There’s a choice of fuel-efficient front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive on the more powerful engines.

Ford Kuga ST-Line prices and release date

The new Kuga ST-Line costs from £25,845. The new model will go on sale, along with the rest of the facelifted Kuga range, on 1 September 2016.