Ford Kuga caught in public by Auto Trader

Ford Kuga - snapped months ahead of its June launch

Auto Trader has exclusively scooped these sensational pictures of the all-new Ford Kuga weeks ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Our snapper spotted this black Ford Kuga compact SUV just minutes from Ford's headquarters in Essex.

These exclusive pictures show the handsome Kuga sharing Ford's new corporate front end – introduced with the new Ford Mondeo – a high side shoulder line and a rear reminiscent of the stylish Ford S-Max MPV.

Our man noted some impressive touches, including silver front and rear scuff plates and chromed vents in the front wings.

View more pictures of the Ford Kuga

Based on the Ford Focus and C-Max models, the Kuga marks Ford's late entry into the competitive compact SUV market, where it will rival the Land Rover Freelander, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander and the recently-announced Renault Koleos.

The Ford Kuga will be available with a 133bhp 2-litre diesel engine, which emits just 169g/km of CO2 – the best in its class, costing £165 per year.

And Ford claim an impressive average fuel consumption of more than 44mpg.

The Ford Kuga will be available in two trims with the well-equipped entry-level Zetec at £20,495, rising to £22,495 for the Titanium model.

We'll be reporting live from next month's Geneva Motor Show, where we'll bring you the hottest pics of the Kuga.

Other models making their world debut at the Geneva Motor Show include the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe, Land Rover LRX and a special Bugatti Veyron while the Nissan GT-R will makes its official European debut.

• Spotted a car ahead of its official launch? Let us know at editorial@autotrader.co.uk