THE Kuga is one of the ‘other’ cars that Ford produces.

It doesn’t maybe get the same attention as the ever-popular Fiesta and Focus, but it’s rather good.

And now it comes with the latest version of Ford’s excellent Ecoboost petrol engine, a 1.5-litre lump that manages 45 to the gallon.

But it seems to me that the Kuga is most at home with diesel power under the bonnet and it was the 2.0-litre diesel that I drove.

It comes in 150 or 180ps versions and CO2 gets as low as 122g/km, trumping the 143g/km of the Ecoboost, while combined mpg is around 50 – I managed high-30s on a long-haul motorway journey.

The drive is very satisfying, with the six-speed manual that I tried out a nice gearbox to operate – light and direct.

The diesel has the sort of grunt that you want in a car like this, with smooth and progressive power delivery again adding to a satisfying experience behind the wheel – and a bit of the rough stuff won’t be a problem either, especially for the all-wheel-drive variant.

And elsewhere the Kuga fills the brief for a family off on holiday, for example, with lots of boot space, plenty of room in the rear and, on higher-end Titanium X spec like I tested, lots of comfort features, including seat trays in the back, a cracking panoramic sunroof, a mightily useful power tailgate (think six bags of shopping or a suitcase in hand) and heated seats.

There’s digital radio and USB connection, as well as Bluetooth, but the Kuga has yet to be given Ford’s much improved and updated infotainment system, instead having to settle for its out-of-date offering.

But the entertainment system still does its job, even if it is lagging behind competitors.

All trims get decent spec, with the base Zetec giving you alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes, hill hold and cruise control among its features, while inside you’ve got DAB radio, Ford Sync voice control and air con.

Mid-range Titanium, which adds flashier alloys, auto lights and wipers, an uprated Sony stereo system, hi-res displays, dual-zone air con and part-leather trim.

On Top-spec X Sport there’s a body-styling kit that adds to the rugged looks, as well as active park assist and roof rails.

Whichever way you go you’ll get a well-specced and highly capable car that’s good on and off the road – a great family lugger for sure.

Prices start at £20,995, with the Titanium X tested here from £25,395.

Top-end X Sport starts from £28,345.

Find out more at foraymotorgroup.co.uk.