Ford Kuga Estate (2008 - 2012) practicality

The Ford Kuga safety score was excellent in official European crash tests with maximum stars for adult and child occupant safety and a high score - three stars out of four - for pedestrian protection. Safety equipment includes six airbags, ABS, traction control, ESP with anti-rollover control and electronic brake assist. The Kuga is also fitted with an alarm as standard.

Although the 360-litre boot is a decent size, it actually carries less than a Focus and is much smaller than other 4x4s like the Honda CR-V. The split tailgate is handy though - the glass can be opened rather than the whole boot, which is ideal if you only have a small bag of shopping to drop in. What is a surprise is that the Kuga doesn't feature any clever seat folding system like the S-MAX or Galaxy people carriers.

Instead the seats only fold down - and you have to flip up the bases first to get a flat floor. On the plus side rear passengers can plug-in gadgets or recharge mobile phones using the conventional three-pin power socket between the front seats – an excellent feature. There are hidey holes in the front for keeping belongings safe, including a fair-sized glovebox and a deep compartment in the centre-console but the absence of rear cubbies for the kids’ stuff is disappointing.