Ford finally launches into small SUV market
07/08/08 19:04 Filed in: Road
tests
Imagine a Ford Focus on stilts and you
get the basic idea of the Ford Kuga, the blue oval's belated entry
in to the small sports utility vehicle (SUV) market. Ford say it
combines element os an estate car, an SUV (so far so good) and a
coupé (umm, let me think about that last one.
The name does sound not unlike Ford's sporty coupe, the Ford Cougar. But do not be confused, this is a completely different beast.
The Kuga has just gone on sale in the UK and, for those of us used to the almost bewildering range of models, engine sizes and trim levels for models like the Focus, the Kuga comes as something of a surprise. For the moment, at least, there is just one engine option (although a bigger 2.5-litre diesel is expected).
To modify Henry Ford's famous quote more than a little – you can have any engine you want, as long as it is the 2.0 TDCi. Then you have the bewildering choice of two versions. The base model at £20,495 or the Titanium at £22,495.
The latter adds more toys to the already well equipped base model, for the extra £2,000 you get a list of additional equipment.
So how plausible is the Kuga off-road? For claim its off-road ability to be "substantial". For starters it is four-wheel-drive, but not full time. Normally it is front wheel drive, but up to half the power can be sent to the rear wheels when the clever sensors recognise the need.
Clearly you would not be likely to contemplate traversing boggy moorland, or fording deep streams. But, the ground clearance is considerably higher than the Focus it is loosely based on. With that and short front and rear overhangs, it will take tackle reasonable use off the blackstuff.
As you would imagine for a vehicle that is based on the Ford Focus it is very much at home on road. I must have sensitive ears, but I did find the diesel drone, every time you accelerate hard, a little tiresome and there is also a modicum of diesel vibration fed through the pedals. If you can put up with this, however, you will be rewarded with good economy.
The official combined figure is 44 mpg and, even driving it reasonably hard on my daily commute, it was consistently returning 35 mpg. CO2 output is also not too hefty at 169 g/km.
The performance is as you would expect for a diesel. It takes a bit of work if you want to keep up the pace. Acceleration 0-60 is quoted at 10.7 seconds.
When you take to twisty side roads, you do have to use the gears to keep up the speed. The Kuga turns in very eagerly and as you tug the steering round tighter corners you are aware that this is a tall vehicle with a high centre of gravity. But lean is well controlled and the Kuga inspires confidence with its good road manners.
Where the Kuga scores strongly is on practicality. There is generous room for driver and passenger in the front and with the upright tall stance of the car, the rear seats are also very comfortable and easily accessible for adults. It is also a safe place. Euro NCAP awarded the Kuga five stars for adult occupant safety, four stars for child occupants.
Now to the estate car bit of Ford's description. There is a big (and quite heavy) tailgate which, for the first time on a Ford, gives you the option of opening the whole tailgate, or just lifting the back window. The load space is good and flat, if a little higher because of the need a rear differential.
For every day family use, with the ability to tackle occasional off-road conditions or winter snow, the appeal of the Kuga is obvious. The current lack of a petrol version will, however, limit its appeal – especially with the current high diesel prices.
The name does sound not unlike Ford's sporty coupe, the Ford Cougar. But do not be confused, this is a completely different beast.
The Kuga has just gone on sale in the UK and, for those of us used to the almost bewildering range of models, engine sizes and trim levels for models like the Focus, the Kuga comes as something of a surprise. For the moment, at least, there is just one engine option (although a bigger 2.5-litre diesel is expected).
To modify Henry Ford's famous quote more than a little – you can have any engine you want, as long as it is the 2.0 TDCi. Then you have the bewildering choice of two versions. The base model at £20,495 or the Titanium at £22,495.
The latter adds more toys to the already well equipped base model, for the extra £2,000 you get a list of additional equipment.
So how plausible is the Kuga off-road? For claim its off-road ability to be "substantial". For starters it is four-wheel-drive, but not full time. Normally it is front wheel drive, but up to half the power can be sent to the rear wheels when the clever sensors recognise the need.
Clearly you would not be likely to contemplate traversing boggy moorland, or fording deep streams. But, the ground clearance is considerably higher than the Focus it is loosely based on. With that and short front and rear overhangs, it will take tackle reasonable use off the blackstuff.
As you would imagine for a vehicle that is based on the Ford Focus it is very much at home on road. I must have sensitive ears, but I did find the diesel drone, every time you accelerate hard, a little tiresome and there is also a modicum of diesel vibration fed through the pedals. If you can put up with this, however, you will be rewarded with good economy.
The official combined figure is 44 mpg and, even driving it reasonably hard on my daily commute, it was consistently returning 35 mpg. CO2 output is also not too hefty at 169 g/km.
The performance is as you would expect for a diesel. It takes a bit of work if you want to keep up the pace. Acceleration 0-60 is quoted at 10.7 seconds.
When you take to twisty side roads, you do have to use the gears to keep up the speed. The Kuga turns in very eagerly and as you tug the steering round tighter corners you are aware that this is a tall vehicle with a high centre of gravity. But lean is well controlled and the Kuga inspires confidence with its good road manners.
Where the Kuga scores strongly is on practicality. There is generous room for driver and passenger in the front and with the upright tall stance of the car, the rear seats are also very comfortable and easily accessible for adults. It is also a safe place. Euro NCAP awarded the Kuga five stars for adult occupant safety, four stars for child occupants.
Now to the estate car bit of Ford's description. There is a big (and quite heavy) tailgate which, for the first time on a Ford, gives you the option of opening the whole tailgate, or just lifting the back window. The load space is good and flat, if a little higher because of the need a rear differential.
For every day family use, with the ability to tackle occasional off-road conditions or winter snow, the appeal of the Kuga is obvious. The current lack of a petrol version will, however, limit its appeal – especially with the current high diesel prices.