NEW FORD CROSSOVER SUV
14 April 2008 - Ford

The overall impression is of a smooth riding, low rolling and sharp handling vehicle.

The five-seat Ford Kuga is described as a crossover SUV model closely based on the medium sized C-Max MPV and the new Focus Hatchbacks. It follows Ford’s latest ‘kinetic design’ programme which provides for sharper, edgy styling.
It is Ford’s first crossover model and has the looks of an elongated and lofty five-door hatchback but with the powertrain of an intelligent four-wheel-drive SUV.
Ford of Britain chairman and managing director Roelant de Waard said they expected the best selling Kuga model to be the 2.0 TDCi in Zetec specification and that 66 per cent of UK customers would be private buyers.

In a full year Ford expect to sell around 7,000 Kugas, representing about 12 per cent of the crossover sector. Initial indications from CAP analysts suggest the model would hold 83 per cent of its value after 12 months and 47 per cent over three years, on paper the best in its class.

The Kuga range will initially be launched with a 136ps 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It will be joined later this year by a 200PS five-cylinder petrol derivative.

The diesels’ prices will start at £20,495 for the entry level Zetec and £22,495 for the Titanium, but no prices are yet available for the hotter petrol models, or for the automatics which will join the range at the same time.

Added height for the Kuga’s suspension gives reasonable ground clearance and a taller silhouette. The vehicle has a longer wheelbase with wider track than its Ford C-Max and Focus stablemates and boasts a dual split tailgate.

Individually 60-40 split back seats can be folded flat to raise capacity from 410 to 1,355 litres and customers can order a 230v power socket for the rear passengers to run laptops or games machines.

Ford has been keen to ensure the Kuga sets class leading driving dynamics and based its suspension on the latest system found under the Focus and Mondeo, but uprated for its off-road ability.

The 2.0-litre TDCi engine is straight from Ford’s car and MPV models and it’s matched to the familiar Durashift 6-speed manual gearbox. Drive to the four wheels is through a Haldex AWD (all wheel drive) system which automatically senses wheel-spin and accordingly adjusts the power distribution to the wheels with the most grip.
The 2.0-litre TDCi engine has maximum power of 136PS produced at 4,000rpm but 320Nm of torque is available at half that speed with a further 20Nm available as overboost. The Kuga with this engine, the most popular in the full line up, reaches 62mph in 10.7sec and 112mph maximum with a claimed 44mpg overall and CO2 emissions of 169g/km. Petrol models will be quicker for less fuel efficient.
Ford of Britain will launch Kuga with two trim levels. Zetec models get a “Ford power” starter button with keyless ignition, air conditioning and quick clear windows, easy fuel protection system, sports seats and powered windows and mirrors as well as extensive safety and stability systems.

Titanium versions get partial leather and upgraded trim, enhanced sound system, cruise control, intelligent lights, wipers and dual zone air conditioning.
In addition, owners can specify Appearance and Convenience packs and the full X Pack comes with full leather, panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon lights and solar reflecting windscreen. There are ten colour choices.

Views
Arriving in UK showrooms in June, the new Ford Kuga five-door, five-seat crossover, all wheel drive model combines the dynamic and sharp responses of the latest Focus and S-Max models and the seating flexibility of the C-Max mid sized MPV.

Prices start at £20,495 for the 2.0-litre TDCi Zetec variant.
The Kuga looks tall but not particularly wide or long and the overhangs are short. It actually feels very agile and manoeuvrable and provides excellent sight lines to the front and sides. Over the shoulder and reversing vision is not particularly good and parking sensors are a must.

The 2.0-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine provides good pull in the mid range although it is sluggish accelerating from standstill. However it cruises with composure and very little noise at motorway maximum.

The gearchanges were positive and slick, the weight-selectable steering was precise with good feedback and the braking was progressive. During a brief off-road section on the test route the Kuga proved to be capable enough at tackling muddy hills and descents with small ridges or potholes sprinkled along the track.

Bad holes, off or on road, will jar and unsettle the suspension, but generally it copes very well. The overall impression is of a smooth riding, low rolling and sharp handling vehicle with enough room for five passengers and useful load and luggage area.

Joining the ranks of the Honda CR-V, Land Rover Freelander and VW Tiguan to name just a few, the Kuga faces still opposition in a sector under pressure from the anti 4x4 or SUV lobby, high fuel prices and higher road taxes.

But Ford needs a crossover or SUV vehicle in its line-up to keep customers loyal to the brand. In reality fleet users will be high on the sales agenda I’m sure and the Kuga could become a popular vehicle for users such as the Police. Whoever ends up buying and using the Ford Kuga will enjoy the sharp and distinctive styling, the body height advantage and capacity of a traditional 4x4 without the high running costs.
The new Kuga will make a sales impact in its sector but to some extent its own stablemates, the C-Max, S-Max and Focus will be its strongest competition. For quite a while existing Ford users have not had an opportunity to own or run a Ford branded SUV or crossover vehicle so expect some substitutional sales to occur.

MILESTONES. Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Zetec. Price: 20,495. Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel, 136PS, 320Nm from 2,000rpm, 6-speed manual gearbox with intelligent full-time four wheel drive. Performance: 112mph, 0-62mph 10.7 seconds, 44mpg, CO2 169g/km, VED Band E £170. Dimensions: 4,443mm long, 1,842mm wide, 1,710mm high. For: Ford’s first crossover SUV, sharp design, capable on and off road, practical interior, competitive price. Against: Limited rear and rear quarter visibility, deep potholes unsettle the ride and suspension, sluggish acceleration from a standing start.

http://www.ford.com

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