The next-generation Kuga has been previewed in Detroit, with the debut of the all-new Vertrek SUV.
It's built on the chassis of the new Ford Focus, due to go on sale in March; like that car and the Fiesta, it's set to become another Ford model sold worldwide. In the US it will replace the Escape SUV.
The Vertrek's design has similarities to the current Kuga, but shares detailing with the new Focus, particularly the grille. As ever, some of the finer details, like the small wing mirrors, over-sized wheels and thin bucket seats, won't make production, but otherwise this is 2012's Ford Kuga.
A full length strip of glass runs centrally through the roof, flooding the futuristic cabin with light. As with the bodywork, though, simplify the cockpit's elaborate detailing and you have the basic architecture of the production Kuga. It's all directed by Ford's 'Kinetic Design' language, says the company.
The show car comes powered by a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine complete with start-stop technology. There's no word on a definite release date, though summer 2012 is likely, leaving Ford plenty of time to unveil a production-ready version. Autumn's Frankfurt show has been mooted.
