Ford Kuga – a fresh start for new model

FEATURES: THE IMPROVED SUV IS JAM-PACKED WITH A HOST OF IMPRESSIVE UPGRADES

The company now offers a wide range of models across all key segments.

The new Kuga has arrived in South Africa, offering one of the most technologically-advanced, smart sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with five-star safety and improved fuel efficiency, says the Ford Motor Company of SA.

As preference for SUVs continues grow around the world, so too does the demand for greater choice. The new Kuga joins the best-selling EcoSport compact SUV and the sophisticated Everest seven-seater SUV to offer a wide range of models across all key segments.

Buyers have the choice of two petrol engines in the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol units, as well as the 2.0-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine. Depending on the model, there is the option of frontwheel drive or all-wheel drive models, and manual or automatic transmissions to suit customer needs. As before, three specification levels are available, starting off with the value-oriented Ambiente, the mid-level Trend and the range-topping Titanium.

Style

The new Kuga features Ford’s latest design language for a bold, smart look that is shared with other Ford SUVs. Its large upper trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille are flanked by sleek new headlamps complemented by functional, stylish fog lamps.

At the rear, the Kuga’s smart, athletic stance is emphasized by the redesigned light clusters and new tailgate design, along with the purposeful twin exhausts. A new range of standard and optional alloy wheel designs are available, spanning 17 to 19-inch sizes, which complement the upmarket styling of the new Kuga.

Interior

Steeped in SUV expertise from around the Ford world, the new Kuga designers’ objective was to combine stylish form with everyday function for the interior of the SUV. Effort was taken to ensure the vehicle and its many different features, large and small, are smart yet provide welcome benefits to even daily routines.

From the Hands-Free Power Tailgate, Kuga drivers will find an array of useful convenience features making the vehicle very user-friendly, including Isofix anchorage-points, an electronic parking brake, improved storage in the centre console, as well as rear tray tables and rear air vents on the Trend and Titanium models, along with up to 1 603 litres of cargo space.

You also get to control audio functions plus connected smartphones using simple, more conversational voice commands, with Ford’s new Sync3 connectivity system, which is standard on the Trend and Titanium derivatives.

Sync3 with navigation is op- tional across the Kuga range, featuring embedded navigation which provides a full 3D experience with elevated map view, enhanced full colour graphics and point of interest building images.

Safety

Segment-defining driver and passenger safety remains a highlight of the new Kuga, with standard safety features across the range incorporating a total of seven airbags – including a driver’s knee airbag – as well as ABS brakes with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Trailer Stability function, Hill Launch Assist and Rollover Mitigation.

An enhanced version of Ford’s Active City Stop with low-speed collision mitigation and avoidance has been introduced, which can be specified as with the Driver Assistance Pack available as an option on the Trend and Titanium models. This pack also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid, as well as Advanced Active Park Assist.