Ford has officially introduced the next generation of its Kuga SUV. The car has switched to a new platform, assumed Focus-like looks, and got interior tweaks and new hybrid powertrain potions. It will ship in four versions called the Trend, Titanium, S-Line, and Vignale.
From the technical point of view, the crossover vehicle now takes advantage of the C2 chassis of the Focus Mk4, making it 89 mm (3.5 inches) longer and 20 mm (0.8 inches) less tall than its predecessor. It is also marginally broader and has a larger wheelbase in comparison.
In Europe, the car will ship with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine available in two versions, one capable of 120 hp / 90 kW and the other churning out 150 hp / 112 kW. It will also be obtainable with either of the two diesel engines, 120 hp / 90 kW and 190 hp / 142 kW. Regardless of your chosen drivetrain, you are free to select between FWD and 4WD, as well as between 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic.
Should you be interested in the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid instead, consider the gas-powered version centered on a 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor connected to a 10.3 kWh battery for up to 50 km / 31 miles of all-electric range. This configuration is rated at 225 hp / 168 kW and reportedly consumes as little as 1.2 liters per 100 kilometers traveled (235 MPG-UK; 196 MPG-US).
Also available is a regular Ford Kuga Hybrid that comes with the same gasoline engine but a much smaller battery, Unlike the Plug-In Hybrid, you cannot charge it from a wall socket, and it consumes 5.6 liters of gas per 100 km (50 MPG-UK; 42 MPG-US). Finally, there is a Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid based on a 2.0-liter diesel engine rated at 150 hp / 112 kW and a 48V starter-generator. This one consumes 5 liters per 100 km on average (56.5 MPG-UK; 47 MPG-US).
The next generation ships with such standard and optional equipment as a Wi-Fi hotspot, HUD, parking assist, automatic tailgate, high-end audio system including 10 satellites and a subwoofer, adaptive cruise control, wide-angle cameras, collision avoidance, blind spot monitor, and emergency steering assist.
Photos: Ford