Just weeks after the local arrival of the brilliant Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost, the all-new Ford Kuga debuts in South Africa with a range of high-tech, capable and exceptional EcoBoost engines at its disposal. We drove the previous 2.5-litre turbo Kuga and are happy to hear a more efficient engine has arrived to sharpen up the SUV’s game.
The launch of the all-new Kuga sees the introduction of a new range of engines including a turbocharged 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is available with a two power output levels. The 110 kW version is available in FWD and is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This equated to impressive fuel consumption figures of just 6.6 L/100 km on a combined cycle run while emitting just 154 g/km CO2.
The 134 kW derivatives is available in AWD and is paired with 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. This version uses 7.7 L/100 km of fuel on combined cycle while emitting 179 g/km CO2 with both variants producing 240 Nm of torque.
The all-new Kuga is also available with a 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine producing 120 kW and 340 Nm of torque. It features AWD and features Ford’s 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission with SelectShift. It uses 6.2 L/100 km and emits 162 g/km CO2. Ford’s low emission ECOnetic Technology features available across the line-up includes Eco Mode, Gear Shift Indicator and Active Grille Shutter that reduces drag and reduces fuel consumption.
A new safety feature is ‘Ford Curve Control’, which acts as a safeguard for drivers who have entered a bend with too much speed. The system mitigates against severe understeer by braking in a controlled manner and can, if the driver is still pushing their foot down on the accelerator, also reduce engine torque.
Dynamics and cornering control are improved by the introduction of the enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system developed with the Focus. This helps to deliver Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA by applying a small amount of braking to the inside wheels to assist drivers through sharp bends.
The all-new Kuga was also awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP after achieving an overall protection score of 88%, the highest-ever for a mid-sized SUV. Further driver assistance technologies offered as optional extras with the all-new Kuga include Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Active City Stop, Lane Keeping Aid, and Lane Departure Warning.
All models in the line-up feature seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat attachments, Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP).
Six derivatives make up the all-new Kuga range with three spec levels on offer. The entry level Ambiente features power heated side mirrors, front and rear fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, Auto-Start-Stop (FWD models only) , Ford Keyless push button start, EcoMode, SYNC with Bluetooth and Voice Control, steering wheel audio controls and cruise control to name just a few.
Over and above those features the Trend models adopt auto folding mirrors with puddle lamps, rear parking sensors, leather sports seats, Sony Audio system with nine speakers, 4.2” TFT (Thin-Film Transitor) screen and Dual Electronic Air Temperature Control.
The Titanium models are sumptuously equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, BiXenon headlamps, including auto headlamps with auto high beam, auto headlamp levelling, static cornering lights and Daytime Running Lights, rear LED tail lamps, rain sensing wipers, Roll Stability Control with Curve Control and smart keyless entry with handsfree ‘open sesame’ tailgate.
Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost Ambiente FWD R289 900
Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost Trend FWD R324 900
Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost Trend Auto AWD R364 900
Kuga 1.6 EcoBoost Titanium Auto AWD R398 900
Kuga 2.0 TDCi Trend Powershift AWD R384 900
Kuga 2.0 TDCi Trend Powershift AWD R418 900
The all-new Kuga comes with a 4-year / 120 000 km comprehensive warranty, a 4-year / 80 000km service plan on petrol derivatives and a 4 year /90 000 km service plan on diesel derivatives.
