CHANGING VROOMS Ford give their Kuga a makeover. And it could mean your wallet looks better too

Even a winning formula needs a helping hand and sometimes a face lift is all that is needed to enhance an already popular car.

That’s exactly what Ford have done to the Kuga, their compact SUV.

While the facelift model, which has been inspired by the new Ford Edge, is now in showrooms, the good news for canny Scots is there are great deals to be had on pre-facelift models.

You can expect to easily get about 10 per cent off list price on a new pre-face lift model but, if your haggling skills are good and you are willing to take a pre- registered model, who knows what discount you will be able to negotiate?

If you have your sights set on a Kuga, the question you need to ask is whether you want to bag a bargain or pay full whack for the new one.

The recent improvements have given the Kuga a boost across the board and, if you want to maximise on economy, the introduction of a 1.5-litre diesel engine will appeal to you. That model will deliver 64.2mpg and pumps out just 115g/km of CO2.

There is a good range of engines to choose from and the option of two or four wheel drive.

Other changes include a new front grille which is larger and bolder than before, a redesigned tailgate and new front and rear lights.

Inside, the changes are minor but one of the biggest is the introduction of a new infotainment system that uses the latest Ford SYNC 3 technology, which is an intuitive way to stay connected to everything from your phone to music and sat nav.

The changes have improved this car but the previous model is great too. I took one for a spin to refresh my memory of what I loved about it.

I can’t deny it is still a brilliant car and, if aesthetics aren’t that important to you, you should take one for a spin too.

I drove a 2-litre TDCi Titanium X Kuga and it packed a punch on the road. This engine is available in the new version and the exiting model.

Hit the gas and the needle was sitting at 62mph in just 10 seconds.

While fuel economy can’t compete with the new 1.5-litre engine, I was impressed by the 52.3mpg on offer.

On the road, this car handles well and soaked up bumps with ease as you would expect from a big brute of a car. But don’t be put off by its size as it is a breeze to manoeuvre.

My model was packed with parking aids so getting into even the tightest parking spot was easy.

The interior is roomy and will accommodate four adults with ease. The boot is large and the cabin is cleverly designed for storage.

The facelift model’s dash is a step up but the old one doesn’t look dated.

And if new technology isn’t high on your requirement list, you won’t be disappointed by layout or design.

If you can’t make up your mind which model to go for, I suggest you drive both back to back and decide what’s more important to you… design or dosh.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” has always been my motto… but in an ultra-competitive SUV market, no car maker can rest on their laurels.