MORE imposing, more sophisticated and even a little more aggressive… the new Ford Kuga is shaping up rather nicely in the battle of the family-sized SUVs.

It says a lot about the world we now live in when the headlines from Ford about its big-selling SUV lead off on voice-activated apps from smartphones, hands-free parking and collision-avoiding technology.

In other words, Ford is aiming fairly and squarely at customers who value being able to make a call or listen to a message while on the move, get the car to park itself and save on the neck-turning when reversing out of a space.

The new Kuga will do all that very well, but there’s a lot more to this latest incarnation. Especially it’s ability to tackle a bit of rough.

For starters, there’s a new trapezoidal grille, new headlights incorporating LED daytime running lights and a couple of new colours in grey and copper.

The clever SYNC 3 system enables drivers to control audio and navigation functions plus connected smartphones using simple voice commands.

For instance, by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need petrol,” and “I need to park,” drivers can locate nearby cafés, petrol stations or car parks, and find train stations, airports, and hotels.

And as the all-wheel drive system enhances grip, especially in slippery conditions, you can enjoy the comforts and benefits of adaptive front lighting, a heated steering wheel and eight-inch touchscreen.

The Kuga is a big vehicle, and it comes as no surprise to learn that almost half of customers last year opted for the semi-autonomous active park assist technology.

Now you can add perpendicular parking technology, which enables drivers to locate parking spaces alongside other cars as well as parallel to the road and steers the vehicle into them while the driver controls the accelerator and brake. In addition, cross traffic alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space that a vehicle is approaching from behind and there’s even a system to help drivers exit a tight parallel parking spot.

Perhaps more importantly, the active city stop collision avoidance system now operates at speeds up to 31mph rather than the previous 19mph.

The large upper trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille are flanked by sleek new headlamps incorporating LED daytime running lights and complemented by fog lamps.

Restyled taillights complete the sporty look, while a new range of 17,18 and 19-inch alloy wheel designs also are available. A power-operated retractable tow bar automatically stores itself out of sight below the rear bumper when not in use.

The performance-inspired Kuga ST-Line and luxurious Kuga Vignale are available for the first time, offering customers greater choice of styling and specification as part of the most comprehensive Kuga line-up ever.

There’s also a strong mix of petrol and diesel engines.

Ford’s 120 PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive delivers a five per cent fuel efficiency improvement compared with the outgoing 120 PS 2.0-litre TDCi. The auto version records 58.8mpg. The 150 PS 2.0-litre TDCi 6-speed manual delivers 60.1 mpg, while the all-wheel drive version still offers 54.3mpg in both manual and automatic forms. And you will get the same fuel economy from the 180 PS 2.0-litre TDCi 6-speed manual or auto.

Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost 1.5-litre petrol engines come with either120 PS or 150 PS and return 44.8 mpg, while the 182 PS all-wheel drive unit returns 37.7 mpg.

There’s something for everyone, whether it’s engine choice, sportiness, luxury or all-wheel drive capability. This Kuga is a winner.