Ford plans to follow up the US Edge SUV launch in China with the 2012 European Kuga next year to rival Chinese-made compact SUVs, with an estimated price between CNY200,000-300,000 (US$30,000-$45,000), local media reports said.

The model was recently updated with styling changes, a new two-litre Duratorq diesel engine in two states of tune and a six-speed Powershift twin-clutch automated transmission.

A new EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine is also offered.