2016 Ford Kuga facelift unveiled, sports a much bolder look



This year at the Mobile World Congress, Ford has decided to unveil the facelifted Kuga, one that will be featuring a new diesel engine as well as an updated SYNC 3 infotainment system. Its look is also new, and is more in line with Ford’s current crop of models.

The Ford Kuga facelift, unveiled in Barcelona, now looks broadly similar to the exterior styling of the facelifted EcoSport (Malaysia has yet to receive that update), featuring a larger trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille. The front also receives new self-adjusting bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and new fog lamps. Behind, it gets updated taillights, a lightly revised boot lid and fake diffusers with twin exhausts.Ford also offers a choice of 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels, including a new Copper Pulse colour option which adds a sportier finish to the Kuga.Ford-Kuga-2016 (2)

Inside, the obvious update goes to the brand new inclusion of an 8.0-inch touchscreen with SYNC3 system, integrating both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities. Ford claims that the system recognises five languages and offers a much improved voice recognition. For example, simply say out load “I need petrol” and the system will locate all nearby petrol stations.

New to the Kuga is a 1.5-litre TDCi diesel mill that generates 120 hp. The front-wheel drive diesel variant returns an impressive 4.4 litres per 100km while emitting just 115g of carbon dioxide per kilometre. Existing engine options such as the 2.0-litre TDCi and the 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engines are available as well, and both are front-wheel drive. The optional all-wheel drive variants are available via Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.Ford-Kuga-2016 (5)

The new Kuga’s safety credentials have been boosted thanks to Ford’s semi-autonomous perpendicular parking technology, cross traffic alert and park-out assist. A new enhanced version of Ford’s Active City Stop is also onboard, where this time the system works up to 50km/h.

The facelifted Kuga will go on sale in the UK in October. In Malaysia,  Sime Darby Auto Connexion offers the 1.5-litre EcoBoost-powered Kuga at RM164,888.00.


IMAGE GALLERY