Ford develops sports suspension for Kuga

Ford Europe has announced that it has developed a new ST-Line trim for its mid-size Kuga SUV that introduces chassis tweaks that aim to improve handling without sacrificing comfort.

The Kuga is already one of the favourite mid-size SUV's among the staff at motoring.com.au, and comes standard with what we've described as, "excellent dynamics", but the new changes to the suspension and steering aim to make the small Ford more engaging to drive.

The new ST-Line trim is said to introduce a new tune for the suspension that involves a 10mm lower suspension, thicker anti-roll bar, stiffer bushes and new spring and damper rates that are claimed to improve performance and comfort.

Combined with either 18-inch or 19-inch alloys, plus a retuned electronic power steering system, the new ST-Line also introduces more supportive sport seats inside and a sportier black finish for the grille and roof rails.

Completing the ST-Line look the Kuga ST-Line sports a pair of darkened front and rear lamps.

The Kuga ST-Line in Europe will be offered on all the current engines in the mid-size SUV's line-up, with prices soon to be announced.

Sadly, for those yearning for a sportier Kuga it's not guaranteed the ST-Line will be offered as trim Down Under.

In Europe, the sportier trim has already been introduced on the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo but has not been welcome here by Ford Australia, which means it will be very unlikely the Kuga will receive special treatment.