Ford Kuga spied

Here are the pictures that prove the new Ford Kuga will soon to arrive in showrooms – we've caught the new VW Tiguan rival out testing.

Replacing the current Kuga SUV, the shots reveal the prototype sticks closely to the design of the Vertrek concept car, which debuted at the Detroit Motor Show in January. And the new model is set to keep the Vertrek name too. 

Through the camouflage we can see the concept's front end has made it to production. The upper grille opening looks very slim, while the rear maintains the concept's angular-looking taillights. Elaborate camouflage tries to hide the true sloping lines of the rear hatch.

Inside the Vertrek will stick closely to the overall theme of the concept, with the instrument panel resembling that of the Focus. While the concept featured a four-seat configuration, the production model will be a more practical five-seater.

Growing 100mm in length, 50mm in width and 100mm in the wheelbase, the Vertrek should go some way to resolve buyer's main criticism of the Kuga – its relative lack of legroom in the rear and overall luggage capacity. Ford says it offers up to 20 per cent extra space.

The car will be stacked with Ford's latest kit, including the SYNC package – an infotainment system featuring a music hard drive and Internet access via any mobile device such as a smartphone. There will also be active parking, a blind spot alert and traffic sign recognition.

Launching in early 2012, the Vertrek will follow the latest Fiesta, Focus and C-MAX, in being a global car. Not only will it replace the current Kuga, but also the Escape in America, while reaching markets as far afield as China too.

Under the bonnet, the Vertrek will be powered by the latest 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol turbo, with stop-start. Smart regenerative braking will feature alongside a raft of TDCi diesel units. The Vertrek is tipped to get the same part-time 4WD as the current car.

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