BUYER’S GUIDE: Ford Kuga Mk1

FROM £5,000 We raved about SUV when new. Is it just as good used?

BY the time Ford launched its first compact SUV, the Kuga, many rivals were on their second or even third-generation models; the Toyota RAV4 that invented this market had arrived 12 years earlier.

When it hit dealers in 2008, the Kuga was one of the best-driving models in its class, typically for Ford, with good build quality and reliability, plus strong value for money.

As with many rivals, the Kuga was mainly designed for road use, despite being related to the contemporary Land Rover Freelander 2. You can now buy a Kuga Mk1 from just £5,000 – but should you take the plunge?

History

THE Kuga reached the UK in June 2008, in 2.0 TDCI form and with a choice of Zetec or Titanium trims. The first cars had intelligent all-wheel drive, but from December 2008 there was a 134bhp front-wheel-drive 2.0 TDCI, with lower CO2 emissions.

At the same time a 197bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol model was introduced, with 4WD and six-speed manual or fivespeed automatic transmissions.

For June 2010 there was a new high-spec trim level called Individual, with 19-inch alloys, roof rails, privacy glass and extra bodywork detailing. A new 160bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine also arrived, with the 134bhp unit boosted to 138bhp. Ford’s Powershift six-speed dual-clutch transmission became an option with the 2.0 TDCI engine.

Which one?

IF you’re not bothered about having fourwheel drive you’ll have to buy a 2.0 TDCI 134/138 which was available in frontwheel-drive form; the 2.5T and 2.0 TDCI 163 came with four-wheel drive only.

While the front-wheel-drive models don’t tend to be cheaper to run than the four-wheel-drive editions, they’re generally more reliable – but they’re not as good for towing or dealing with slippery roads.

Zetec trim features alloy wheels, airconditioning, MP3 connectivity and keyless go, while Titanium adds automatic lights and wipers, cruise and climate control plus part-leather trim. The Titanium X brings a glass roof and heated front seats, along with electric adjustment of the driver’s seat.

Alternatives

IF you’re buying an older small SUV we’d recommend shortlisting a few Japanese models for their reliability. They’re not the cheapest alternatives, but if you buy a Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V you’ll be rewarded with a car that should be cheap to run and very practical.

Also more costly is the BMW X3 Mk2, which impresses for its build quality and driving experience – traits that are shared with the Mazda CX-5. The VW Tiguan is worth a look, too, but the best all-rounder according to our Driver Power satisfaction survey results is the Skoda Yeti, which offers a brilliant blend of reliability, versatility, build quality and efficient engines.

Verdict

WHEN we first drove the Kuga almost a decade ago we were bowled over by its brilliant dynamics and gave it a five-star review. We reckoned its cabin quality was on par with the Tiguan’s, while space and versatility inside were good, too. As a family car the Kuga also hits the spot; when it first arrived it was the safest compact SUV that had ever been crash tested by Euro NCAP.

Since then the Kuga’s reliability record has proven disappointing with some faults costly to fix, so you must buy with care.

Perhaps the most surprising thing for a Ford is how small the model range is, but the 2.0 TDCI diesel unit in most Kugas is all you need; it’s frugal, torquey and durable.

“When we first drove the Kuga almost a decade ago we were bowled over by its brilliant dynamics”