Revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the refreshed styling brings it in line with the updated Ecosport and the forthcoming Edge large SUV, as previewed by the Kuga’s U.S. counterpart, the Escape, late last year.

It’s the first European model with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, with conversational voice commands and a much larger display than in the outgoing car. This will offer smartphone-like pinch and swipe gestures, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

An enhanced package of driver assistance systems will include Perpendicular Parking, Active City Stop which works at up to 31mph, the Adaptive Front Lighting System and a Cross Traffic Alert.

In Europe, a new 120hp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine replaces the outgoing 2.0-litre TDCi. Offered with front-wheel drive, Ford is targeting a fuel efficiency improvement for the new engine of about 5% to 4.4 l/100 km and 115 g/km CO2 while producing the same power.

Also available will be a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with 150hp in front-wheel drive and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive versions that achieve from 4.7 l/100 km and 122g/km CO2 and a 180hp Intelligent All Wheel Drive version that delivers from 5.2l/100 km and 135g/km CO2.

Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in 120hp or 150hp front-wheel drive form achieves 6.2l/100 km and 143g/km CO2 and a 182hp Intelligent All Wheel Drive version delivers from 7.4l/100 km and 171g/km CO2.