2 minute read
Kuga - a smart and smooth visual presence
Road Test
by Mark Slack
WITH ever more new models being launched the demand for SUVs continues. However, it’s easy to forget that some of the long familiar names in SUV world have also been transformed. Ford’s Kuga has been a familiar sight since 2008, indeed before that the Kuga name (spelled Cougar) was attached to a coupe, and you see many older Kugas still looking good.
The very latest Kuga has a refreshingly smart and smooth visual presence compared to many of the overly aggressive looking newer entrants. Think of the Kuga like a grown up Ford Puma, which when I tested it had many people thinking it had stylistic echoes of Porsche’s Cayenne. Praise indeed! Prices for the Ku ga start from €37,928/ £32,680 with standard equipment including auto lights, privacy glass, heated door mirrors, air conditioning, heated windscreen, keyless start, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and four drive modes.
The two engine options are a 1.5 litre EcoBoost with six speed manual gearbox or, the pick of the duo in my book, a 2.5litre petrol hybrid with CVT automatic transmission. You can
Facts at a Glance
• Model: Ford Kuga ST-Line X Edition
• Engine: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
• Gears: 7-Speed CVT automatic have either a selfcharging or plugin hybrid with 190 PS and 225 PS respectively. In plugin mode the Kuga will cover around 3035 miles (in the real world) the full hybrid can utilise electric power automatically, such as at low speed, and assist the petrol engine to avoid using excessive combustion styling adornments including red brake calipers.
On the road the Kuga is as smooth as it flowing lines, and unless pushed hard the CVT gearbox doesn’t cause much of an audible ruffle it is a trait of these boxes to raise the revs thereby increasing cabin noise and changes smoothly.
• Performance: 0-100 kmh (62 mph) 9.2 seconds/Maximum Speed 200 kmh (125 mph)
• Economy: 1.1l/100km Combined driving (WLTP)
• Emissions: 25 g/km (WLTP)
Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.
An ST Line X Edition was my test model and priced at €45,095 / £38,855, in addition to that hybrid power it gains significantly more standard equipment such as LED lights, hands free powered tailgate, power opening panoramic sunroof, heated front and rear seats plus steering wheel, parking camera, climate control, keyless entry and start along with subtle
For a large SUV the Kuga handles well despite its taller stance and weighty battery pack, thanks to a comfortably stiffened sports suspension and excellent steering feel.
Inside there is rather more ‘scratchy’ hard plastic than one would like, but a welcome presence of buttons and a logical layout with clear displays are big plus points. The driving ‘feel’ just adds further to the Kuga’s already appealing presence.
THE AA in the UK is significantly expanding its driving school tuition fleet to include multiple manufacturers, models and engine types. Fifteen new vehicles are now available to driving instructors across both driving schools owned by the AA (AA Driving School and BSM), including two new electric and two new hybrid options.
The move means franchised AA and BSM instructors can choose from four electric vehicles, two hybrids and 20 petrol engines, five of which are automatics. Different specifications of models are also available to increase instructor choice.
