Ford Kuga – Irish Press Launch
The all new Ford Kuga sees the SUV grow a little in size but also in quality and refinement. As well as improvements in fuel efficiency, Ford claim a 10% improvement, there has also been lots of new technology introduced into the Kuga. The all new design is still very familiar though it the higher ‘Titanium’ trim it does look a little more upmarket than before.
Just two choices of engine will be offered with the Kuga: a 140PS & 163PS 2.0-litre TDCi and these will be available in both front and all wheel drive although an automatic transmission will only be available in four wheel drive models. The entry level 140PS engine has CO2 emissions of just 139g/km in manual transmission which puts it into tax band B (€280).
The new Kuga feels that bit more spacious on the inside while the almost wrap-around dash and higher driving position give excellent visibility. The centre console replicates designs that have already been seen in the Focus & Fiesta though I feel it doesn’t look unique enough and certain aspects, like the handbrake and Power button, feel like a bit of an afterthought.
In the rear there is space for three adults and legroom is generous enough while the rear seats can also fold down flat to add further space to the boot which is already 46-litres bigger than before. One nifty feature than Ford have developed is the optional hands-free tailgate that enables you to open the boot lid even if your hands are full by simply waving your foot underneath the rear bumper once you have the key in your pocket. That same key technology means all you need to do once you sit into the driver’s seat is press the Power button to start the engine.
The ride in the new Ford Kuga is improved and gives a comfortable ride, particularly on bad road surfaces. Noise levels have also been reduced in the cabin all of which helps give the new Kuga that little bit more of an upmarket feeling. From a safety aspect the Ford scores a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating and achieved an overall protection score of 88% – the highest ever for a mid-sized SUV.
The Kuga will be offered in just two trim levels – Zetec and Titanium. The Kuga Zetec will come with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated windscreen, cruise contra, daytime running lights as well as some visual enhancements like body coloured mirrors and door handles. The Zetec models will start at €33,450 and go up to €39,905.
The Titanium trim level comes with all the same features as the Zetec but additionally gets upgraded alloy wheels, automatic lights & wipers, upgraded dual-zone air conditioning and half leather seats. It also comes with the Ford SYNC system as standard (optional on the Zetec trim) which includes bluetooth connectivity for calls and media streaming.
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