BACK in 2008, Ford entered the compact SUV sector with the stylish Kuga crossover.
In what was to be a new venture, it pretty much caught the market on the hop, but the end result turned out to be an immediate success story, with devotees of the Blue Oval badge now having the added choice in what was a rapidly growing sector.
Compact, trendy and extremely up-market - especially in top-notch Titanium trim - this newcomer immediately started to make inroads.
Its 130bhp two-litre Duratorq TDCi oil-burning engine, effortlessly ate up the miles on the black stuff, while returning a more-than-creditable 52.3mpg combined.
With its top speed of 112mph, and CO2 emission rating of 169g/km - which was then the lowest in the two-litre diesel all-wheel-drive class - it made the Kuga a pretty capable all rounder.
Matched to a six-speed manual gearbox and allied to an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the Kuga was more than a match for many competitors when it came to negotiating the rough stuff, for the automated drive system could seamlessly distribute the load at just the precise moment it was needed should any wheel loose grip.
Whether on a flooded city street or on a loose gravel track, the system helps keep all four wheels firmly planted.
The Kuga immediately became one of the stars in Ford's extensive line-up and is credited to being a fully paid-up member of the established off-road brigade, if only because of its multi-task capability.
The Kuga was made to appeal to keener drivers and when the diesel was joined by its 197-brake 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol-powered sibling, its appeal widened to encompass those who preferred some extra bite to their motoring.
If looks alone were to count, then the Kuga would have pretty much swept the boards. With its flowing curves and macho-looking tall stance, Ford's design team got things pretty much just right from the very off.
Using the proven Ford C-car chassis and packed with the latest technology, the crossover offered sharp handling, powerful braking and precise steering while negotiating normal roads.
Off road, its 21-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle ensured that it could tackle steep climbs and descents with utter confidence.
Safety features such as ABS, ESP, anti-rollover and brake assist, all added to the Kuga's off-roading credentials and helped give the driver the piece of mind to undertake difficult terrain with confidence.
But there was more to the Kuga than just it's offroading prowess. In normal traffic it could keep up with the flow without breaking sweat.
Being based on the Focus - one of the best small family cars around - it's wasn't hard to see why the Kuga delivered impressive performance, offering those on board a smooth, quiet ride with virtually no body roll even when when pushed on a bit.
It could also swallow up to 1,578 litres of luggage while still having more than enough room for even the longest-legged among us to get comfortable.
For those who didn't have the need to go offroad or tow a trailer, a front-wheel-drive diesel version also joined the range in late 2008, more in an effort to tempt some business users to the brand, and it too built up a decent following, making it a reliable yet cheap-to-run used car.
However, Kugas tend to hold their prices pretty well and so you'll have to fork out good money to buy one.
Expect to pay anything from £7,670 to £10,775 for a 2008 08-plate 2.0 TDCi four-wheel-drive in Titanium trim, while a similar spec two-wheel-drive model will still have a price tag of between £7,250 and £10,775.
Move on a couple of years to a 2010 10-plate and you will have to find between £9,790 and £13,260 for the four-wheel-drive version or around £9,045 and £12,240 for a front-wheel-drive model.