Kuga Hybrid expands Ford’s electrifying line-up
FORD has further expanded its line-up of electrified all-new Kuga SUVs with the new Ford Kuga Hybrid – able to deliver over 900 miles of petrol-electric and pure-electric driving between fillups and without ever having to plug in to recharge.
Effortless to own, the self-charging Kuga Hybrid’s 1.1 kWh battery is automatically replenished both by the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and using regenerative charging when coasting or braking. Stored energy powers an electric motor to enhance performance, support petrol engine fuel efficiency, or deliver pure-electric driving. Kuga Hybrid automatically switches seamlessly between power configurations according to the driving scenario.
The new model’s full hybrid powertrain is unique in the Ford Kuga line-up – delivering the ultimate efficiency and refinement of pure-electric power with no need to charge from an external power source, alongside the diesel-rivalling convenience of over 900 miles total driving range.
“Each of our electrified Kuga models brings a unique set of benefits. For our new Kuga Hybrid that includes fuel efficiency and driving range to rival diesel, and the effortless refinement of charging cable-free, pure-electric driving,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “Ford is committed to offering a choice of electrified vehicles so that every customer can find the perfect solution to fit seamlessly into their life. No model demonstrates that better than Kuga”.
Kuga Hybrid completes the most electrified line-up for a single nameplate ever offered by Ford, and joins Kuga Plug-In Hybrid and EcoBlue Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid variants, alongside traditional petrol and diesel engines for a comprehensive range of powertrain options.
The new Ford Kuga was developed from the ground up to incorporate a petrol-electric full hybrid powertrain, using efficient packaging to maximise SUV spaciousness and practicality, and support driving refinement.
Silent key start capability enables the Kuga Hybrid to pull away from a standstill using electric power alone for a truly relaxing driving experience, particularly in city and stop-start driving scenarios.
With no need for customers to use an external power source to charge the battery, Kuga Hybrid offers an attractive choice for customers desiring an electrified powertrain, but who have limited access to external charging solutions at home or places of work.
The Kuga Hybrid powertrain delivers a smooth, linear response to acceleration demand while automatically switching between pure-electric, hybrid and petrol power, supported by a redesigned motor-generator controller. The latest generation of Ford’s power-split transmission is designed specifically to work with the 2.5-litre petrol engine – seamlessly adjusting ratios for optimum performance and fuel efficiency across a range of driving conditions. 0-100 kph acceleration takes 9.1 seconds.
“We’ve listened hard to customers to make sure the Kuga Hybrid really delivers when it comes to driving appeal,” said Glen Goold, Kuga chief programme engineer. “The simulated gear-shift function makes the SUV more engaging to drive with the familiarity of traditional ‘cog swaps’, plus the added benefit of limiting engine noise.”
Kuga Hybrid is available to order in ST Line Edition, ST Line X Edition and Vignale variants, offering a wide range of driver assistance, comfort and convenience technologies.
A standard FordPass Connect modem allows drivers to plan faster, less stressful journeys with Live Traffic updates and enables a range of features for a more convenient ownership experience via the FordPass mobile app, including Door Lock Unlock, Remote Start 7 and Vehicle Locator.
A wireless charging pad is also standard, and further sophisticated optional features include Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system 8 supported by an 8-inch central touchscreen, and a premium B&O sound system.
Available driver assistance technologies designed to deliver greater confidence make driving less demanding and enhance safety include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centring 2 for effortlessly negotiating stopstart and highway traffic. Active Park Assist enables fully automated parking manoeuvres at the push of a button.
New Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist makes its global debut on Kuga. The optional technology monitors the driver’s blind spot for vehicles approaching from behind and can apply counter-steering to warn the driver and discourage a lane change manoeuvre if a potential collision is detected.
Also making its global debut on the new Ford Kuga, optional Intersection Assist technology monitors for potential collisions with oncoming vehicles in parallel lanes and can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate the effects of accidents in scenarios where a driver is turning across traffic.