FORD heads off-road in the June when the all-new Kuga, the brand's first entry into the growing crossover segment, goes on sale in the UK.

Kuga is based on Ford's C-car architecture that already underpins both the = Focus and C-MAX.

Powered by a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 136bhp diesel engine with standard particulate filter and six-speed manual transmission, Kuga comes with full-time Haldex intelligent AWD system.

It claims a combined fuel consumption of 44.1mpg and class-leading levels of CO2 - at 169 g/km.

Kuga will be available in two specifications, Zetec and Titanium.

Standard features include: keyless start, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Ford Easy fuel, Thatcham category 1 alarm and MP3 connector. Titanium adds rain sensing wipers, blue tinted glass, partial leather trim, cruise control, automatic headlights and dual electronic air temperature control. Additional premium options available include, rear facing camera, panoramic roof, USB connectivity and DAB radio.

New features to the segment and to Ford include a dual split-tailgate design, offering flexibility and convenience with separate access to either the glass upper tailgate section only or both sections simultaneously.

Offering seating for five, the second row can fold completely flat to give a generous luggage capacity of 1,355 litres when in two-seat mode, while the enclosed luggage compartment provides 410 litres.

Prices for the new Kuga start from £20,495 for the Zetec and £22,495 for the Titanium.

"I'm really excited about moving into this growing segment with such a stylish and capable vehicle. I'm confident that Kuga is going to give the competition a run for their money!" said Roelant de Waard, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain.