Ford Kuga review
by Jim McCauley (30 April 2008)
Ford can call its latest design language by any name it likes, but its strength is in getting the balance of the key features just right. The trapezoid under-grille has been emerging in the latest cohort of new models and the balance is perfect - stunning, even - when applied to the new Kuga SUV. It is a design that was begging for realisation from the original sketches and that strength of line and individuality has been successfully transferred to the production vehicle.
This is Ford's first foray into the expanding and lucrative market where nearly every other major manufacturer has an SUV as an alternative to the traditional family hatchback. Underneath there is the supporting architecture of the Ford Focus, which remains the best in class, and for the choice of power units there are no complications - just Ford's proven 2.0 Duratorq TDCi diesel unit mated to a manual six-speed gearbox with drive to all four wheels. It may be available in colours other than black, but there is just the one drivetrain.
Climb on board and things get even better with a fresh interior specifically developed for the vehicle which further adds to its individuality. This may be a Ford, but certainly not as we know it.
The engine is fired up using the central starter button located under the hazard warning switch. Unlike other push-button starters which latch on when touched briefly, the Kuga unit is held until the engine starts. It is also fitted with a timed safety device which prevents it from cutting power if accidentally touched when the vehicle is running.
It doesn't take long to realise that the quality of finish is more than skin deep as you appreciate the quietness and solid feel of the vehicle on the road. The overall refinement elevates the car and it comes together as a very well designed entity where interior and exterior design are complemented by the engineering.
The two-litre direct injection turbo unit produces 134bhp with 236lb/ft of torque available from 2000rpm. This returns a 0-62mph time of 10.7 seconds and a potential top speed of 112mph. Mid-range lift is excellent and, with the underpinning Focus chassis and four-wheel drive, handling is superb with the suspension fine-tuned to take account of the vehicle's higher centre of gravity.
The all-wheel drive is an electronically "on demand" system featuring a Haldex coupling which transmits the appropriate torque to the rear wheels as required, the maximum distribution being 50:50. Electronic handling support packages include Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Anti-Rollover Mitigation, highlighting its serious off-road potential as well as on-road excellence.
Electro-hydraulic power steering is speed-dependent with very good feedback, and the driver can select a preference for "feel" with a choice of three settings - Standard, Comfort or Sport.
Off-road, on a mildly challenging track that might be encountered when engaging in "lifestyle" activities, the Kuga proved extremely surefooted and stable, and for more challenging terrain short axle overhangs front and rear provide a maximum approach angle of 21 degrees and a departure angle of 25 degrees.
Cabin layout is spacious and practical, offering good room for five adults while a wide tailgate and flat floor in the luggage area provide easy access for large objects. The rear seatbacks fold 60:40 in two simple operations to extend the flat floor of the load area, and for placing smaller items in the boot, the rear window can be opened separately without the need to lift the entire tailgate. There is also the option of a 230-volt socket which powers electrical appliances up to a capacity of 150 Watts.
Cabin detailing includes the use of matt colour finishes on the central console and door insets which match similar coloured insets on the upholstery. Trim-wise the base specification is Zetec, and standard across the range are a dash-mounted starter button, manual air-conditioning, sports front seats, a leather steering wheel, electric front windows, Quickclear heated windscreen, front foglights, 17" alloy wheels and twin exhausts.
Titanium level adds partial leather, cruise control and automatic operation of the headlights and wipers as well as a self-dimming rear view mirror. In addition, personalisation packs are on offer which include full leather upgrades, parking sensors, panoramic roof, bi-xenon headlights and privacy glass.
Safety provision on all models includes twin front, side and curtain airbags as well as a "horizontal stroking steering column" which, in the event of a serious frontal impact, moves sideways away form the driver to further reduce loads to the head and chest.
The Kuga has a combined fuel consumption of 44.1mpg and a CO2 emissions level of 169 gms/km, the lowest in class for a 4x4 vehicle. It goes on sale in June, priced at £20,500 in Zetec trim and £22,500 for the Titanium. Later in the year a 198bhp 2.5-litre petrol model will provide a sporting alternative.
Ford's debut appearance in the compact SUV market is not a late catch-up entry but more a dominating arrival with a serious contender that will maintain its desirability through careful marketing. Production at the Saarlouis plant is limited and right-hand drive models for the UK are estimated to be between 6000 and 7000 units for this year which will mean that the market will not be flooded. Already the residual value experts CAP expect a 47% value after three years/60,000 miles, bettering the current class leader, the Honda CR-V.
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