The new generation Ford Kuga (Escape in America) makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The all-new Kuga has an interesting enough design to compete in Europe’s fierce crossover market, but it relies mainly on its technological features to beat the rivals.

The new model comes with a range of seemingly simple but useful features, such as a hands-free automatic tailgate which can be opened and closed simply by kicking a foot under the rear bumper, parallel parking aid Active Park Assist, and sensor-based Blind Spot Information System.

If you look at it from a family car perspective, the 2013 Kuga does well with 442 litres of boot space (82 litres more than the current model), while the rear seats that fold flat at the touch of a button.

The engine lineup include 140PS and 163PS versions of Ford’s popular 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine, with Ford Powershift automatic gearbox an option, as well as the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. A sophisticated AWD system with Torque Vectoring Control is also available.