Ford has launched a new version of its big-selling Kuga SUV. There are three spec levels (although the mid-ranger will hog 50% of sales, we’re told) and three engine options, all of which are cheaper than their equivalent outgoing models.

We tried the biggest – a two-litre, 163hp turbodiesel – which was lively (there’s also a perfectly adequate 140hp version). Four-wheel-drive models deliver consumption figures that hover around the 47mpg mark. There’s a 1.6-litre petrol, too, but it’s only available on front-wheel-drive cars.

The diesel engine stays fairly hushed during day-to-day driving, although there’s a fair bit of wind noise. Gearshifts in the six-speed auto box are notchy at high revs and can be controlled by powershift buttons on the stick – a rather cheap (and awkward) replacement for flappy paddles behind the steering wheel. The ride is about as sporty as a 4×4 can get.

A mechanical handbrake gets the nod over an electric one (a big plus point for us), and you can also have a handsfree boot mechanism – just swing a foot under the rear bumper when you have the key in your pocket and it should pop open. At £700 it’s a bit of a luxury, though.

Despite the lofty driving position and four-wheel drive, the Kuga is nothing like as adept off-road as its jungle-dwelling namesake. There are no off-road controls, although the transmission does adjust the drive to the wheels depending on which has the most grip.

Farmers Weekly verdict

A firm ride and a reluctant off-roader, but the Kuga starts at a competitive £20,895 and could be good for shuffling the kids to school.