Ford has announced a new ST-Line version of its Kuga mid-size SUV.

On sale later this year, the new trim offers sporty styling inspired by Ford Performance models, alongside powerful and efficient EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines - as well as sports-tuned driving dynamics.

The Kuga ST-Line features 'bold' exterior and interior styling with unique alloy wheels, sport seat designs, and powertrain options including Ford’s 182PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Further Ford Performance-inspired styling includes an upper grille finished in high-gloss Ebony Black with honeycomb design for the lower front grille also in high-gloss Ebony Black and matching sports mesh finish on the fog lamp bezels. The front skid plate, side-skirts, mirror caps, door handles, door cladding, rear roof spoiler and wheel arches are all finished in body colour while a high-gloss Ebony Black rear skid plate black roof rails, tinted front and rear lights and privacy glass continues the sporty styling. 

The Kuga ST-Line comes with a choice of unique new 18-inch high-gloss black alloys wheels with a bright machined surface or 19-inch alloy wheels in Ebony Black, while on the inside, unique sport seat design in partial leather feature contrasting stitching on the seats, gear lever gaiter and steering wheel along with a special two-layer metallic-effect Deep Space paint on the centre console.

With the sportiest Kuga driving dynamics yet, the chassis enhancements include thicker anti-roll bars and a 10mm lower ride height for reduced body roll and sharper responses. Stiffer suspension bushes help to reduce unwanted movement in the suspension system, while spring and damper rates are 'fine-tuned' to deliver comfort and performance. The Electronic Power Assisted Steering system also features a revised calibration to deliver a tighter, more responsive and sporty feel, says Ford.

The full range of Kuga powertrains will be offered, including Ford’s 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine that replaces the outgoing 120PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel – expected to enhance fuel efficiency to 64.2mpg and deliver up to 115g/km CO2, according to Ford.

Also available will be a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with 150PS and either front-wheel drive or Ford Intelligent AWD, offering from 60.1 mpg and 122g/km CO2 and 180PS with Intelligent AWD homologated to 54.3mpg and 134g/km CO2.

Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in 120PS or 150PS front-wheel drive form is expected to achieve from 45.6mpg and 143g/km CO2 and a 182PS Intelligent AWD version - from 38.2mpg and 171g/km CO2.

A new range-topping Kuga Vignale will also be offered for the first time. The production version was recently was revealed in pearlescent-metallic Vignale Milano Grigio exterior colour with Cashmere leather interior trim as part of an exclusive specification.

Prices for the new Ford Kuga will start from £20,845 OTR, with the Kuga ST-Line starting from £25,845 OTR. First customer deliveries are expected by the end of this year.