2 months ago 16th May 15:12
Fords New Compact SUV
The name might sound familiar, but this car is unlike anything Ford has brought to the UK before.
Ford's previous Kuga - albeit spelt Cougar - was a big coupe, too cramped to be a family cruiser and too soft to be a driver's car.
But its namesake is an altogether different machine; focused in its strengths and big on space.
Inspired by the iosis X concept which wowed the crowds at the Paris motor show in 2006, the Ford Kuga has gone from initial sketches to a production reality in just three years.
That has a lot to do with borrowing some of its underpinnings from the Ford Focus and Ford C-Max models; and raiding the engine shop for its punchy 2-litre diesel engine and slick six-speed gearbox.
But this is no parts bin bodge-job. The Ford Kuga is a thoughtfully-designed, competent compact SUV, with plenty of features to make it an appealing prospect.
Ford has tried to make choosing options easier, with a range of accessory packs - Appearance, Convenience and Titanium XAutoTrader
Ford is proud of its tailgate, which will give owners the choice of opening the whole bootlid, or just the upper half allowing access in confined spaces; and storage facility under the floor behind the front seats.
There's plenty of space in the cabin, which should allow five adults to travel in comfort. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold flat to create up to 1,355 litres of space.
And during our several hundred mile test route, it became apparent the Ford Kuga should be an easy car to live with.
Useful options include a 230-watt socket in the rear to power portable DVD players or laptops, and tables which fold out from the front seat backs.
Just two models are available when the Kuga goes on sale in June; Zetec and Titanium.
Zetec is expected to make up around 60 per cent of sales and the car's sober interior can be jazzed up with blue or orange inserts in the centre console between the seats, highlights on the door cards and seat backs.
The range-topping Titanium features classy silver inserts and half-leather upholstery.
Your Comments:
by Jim - 18:42:45 27th Jun 2008
The old cougar "too soft to be a drivers car", what are you getting at? The new Kuga is a BMW 4x4 rip off by the looks of it, the old cougar was/is... READ MORE