Ford has just pulled off the wraps of its third-generation Ford Kuga SUV, packing a distinct styling compared to the old car and host of new technologies.
The new SUV sits on Ford’s new global C2 architecture that is up to 90 kg lighter than its predecessor. The new platform also supports improved aerodynamics, better crash safety performance, 10% stiffer torsional rigidity and more interior space.
Compared to the old model, the new Kuga is 89 mm longer, 44 mm wider, 20 mm lower with a 20 mm longer wheelbase, translating to increased cabin space for all passengers. The second-row seats can slide forward or backwards to offer best-in-class rear legroom or increase the boot space.
Following the design language of modern Ford models (Fiesta and Focus in particular), the new Kuga is more sculpted with a more streamlined silhouette thanks to the extended wheelbase, longer bonnet, further reclined rear windshield angle and a lower roofline. All these make the new car appear more athletic than ever before.
Depending on the trim line selected – Titanium, Vignale or ST-Line, the Kuga can be dressed in different bumpers and wheel sizes ranging from 17- to 20-inches. The ST-Line styling package is inspired by Ford Performance that adds body-coloured bumpers and side skirts, black grille, rear diffuser and twin sports exhaust outlets.
The cabin is taken lifted from the new Focus featuring a more minimalistic styling. Inside you’ll find an 8.0-inch touchscreen floating display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 12.3-inh LCD “true colour” instrument cluster display that is supposedly more informative, intuitive and easier to read, 575-watt 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, heads up display, Qi wireless charging tray, powered tailgate, Active Noise Control and others.
At launch, the Kuga is available in a range of plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, diesel and petrol engines. The top of the range is the Kuga PHEV packing a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor with a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to deliver 225 hp with a pure electric range of up to 50 km.
Alternatively, the same 2.5-litre petrol mill can be paired to a mild-hybrid system which will be available at a later date. As for a more conventional setup, the Kuga is available with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine with 120 hp or 150 hp paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
As for diesel options, there’s the 120 hp 1.5-litre, 190 hp 2.0-litre EcoBlue turbodiesels as well as a 150 hp 2.0-litre EcoBlue mild-hybrid system for even greater fuel efficiency.
Safety system is comprehensive to say the least with Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane-Keeping System, Lane-Centring technology, Blind Spot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Evasive Steering Assist, Front and rear wide-view cameras, Adaptive Front Lighting System and Wrong Way Alert.
The Ford Kuga competes in the same space as the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V. Previously, Sime Darby Auto Connexion offered the second-gen 1.5-litre EcoBoost Ford Kuga at upwards of RM160k.
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All-new Ford Kuga
