It’s been a tough final month for our Kuga – racking up miles, mud, and experiencing a little bump.

In the month I’ve had the keys, I’ve added over 2000 to the odometer, taking the total to just shy of 14,000.

The Kuga has been a comfortable mile muncher – if expensive – averaging around 39mpg, though my right foot is a little heavy, and this is the AWD specification car. The high seating position has given a great view of the road, and meant my time spent on Britain’s motorways with the Kuga has generally been pain free.

The same can’t be said for the car’s recent experience in Peterborough city centre, where a learner driver – on their mock test – didn’t quite apply the brake in time, and decided to use the back of our long termer as a buffer zone.

Thankfully, the raised ride height of the Kuga, and slow impact speed, meant the damage was confined to a plastic bumper panel below the boot hatch – but it was a close call.

I’ve also moved in the last month – onto a currently incomplete housing estate – so the Kuga has had to contend with sand and mud from the construction site. However, the metallic brown ‘burnished glow’ paint finish does an excellent job of hiding mud, grime and dirt – it actually makes it look more rugged.

It’s also now due it’s first oil change service, but that’s something else Ford will take care of now it has returned ‘home’. After an eventful month to end its year with Fleet News, I’m sure it’s very much looking forward to a bit of TLC before it makes its way to its next owner.