Ford Kuga
The Ford Kuga is Ford Australia’s latest entry into the highly competitive compact SUV market and promises a blend of rewarding on-road driving quality and surprising off-road capability.
“With the Ford Kuga we are delivering to customers a highly capable, expressive and charismatic vehicle,” said Brad Brownell, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford Australia.
“The Ford Kuga will appeal to those customers looking for something a bit different and help extend Ford Australia’s model range.
“Its distinctive design DNA – shared with other Ford products in our portfolio - Ford’s acclaimed on-road vehicle dynamics and premium-like product quality are just some of the highlights Ford Kuga will deliver to customers in this competitive market segment.”
Importantly, the Ford Kuga customers will have peace of mind as the compact SUV will be available with myFord Capped Price servicing.
Sound foundation
The Ford Kuga is based on Ford’s acclaimed C-car architecture – already well proven in the Ford Focus. With Ford Kuga, the designers and engineers have successfully integrated key driver and passenger requirements for a compact SUV into the distinctive design.
The exterior is handsome and sporty; demonstrating how the company’s flexible design form language can be applied successfully to the crossover genre.
Well-balanced and with good proportions, the dynamic Ford Kuga provides spacious accommodation for driver and passengers despite being based on a compact footprint.
A high-quality interior has been designed to complement the exterior to offer a highly practical and contemporary vehicle.
The Ford Kuga comes with full-time, ‘intelligent’ All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) and will be
available in a choice of two distinct series levels – Trend and Titanium. Both models are powered by Ford’s acclaimed Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
A high level of standard equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with combined Anti Rollover Mitigation (ARM), and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), both significant driver assistance technologies, plus Ford Kuga models are equipped with a ‘Ford Power’ start button. The Ford Kuga also gains a strong safety structure that makes extensive use of high-strength steels, which helps contribute to a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Ford Kuga has been styled and finished with a high level of attention to detail. Every aspect of the car has been designed and manufactured to promote positive emotional responses from the driver and passengers.
Ford Kuga also demonstrates Ford’s acclaimed driving dynamics, a strong and competent safety pedigree, high levels of quality and craftsmanship and a competitive crossover package. A high seating position, ‘intelligent’ AWD and sensible stowage areas also make the SUV a very attractive proposition.
“We’re confident that the Ford Kuga’s arrival will raise the bar in the hotly contested crossover segment,” Bob Graziano, President and CEO, Ford Australia, said. “The vehicle’s styling and a long list of features will appeal to customers across a number of segments.”
Australian model range
Customers will be able to choose from two versions of the Ford Kuga: Trend and Titanium. The Ford Kuga Trend will come comprehensively equipped with a generous array of comfort, convenience and safety features. Adding even more will be the Ford Kuga Titanium. These standard features are summarised below.
Ford Kuga Trend
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Rear tailgate with flip glass
- Bluetooth®1 connectivity
- Voice control
- Sony CD 8-speaker sound system with USB port
- Keyless start/stop button
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power adjustable heated side mirrors with puddle lamps
- Front fog lamps
- Silver roof rails
- Follow-me-home lighting
- Capless refuelling
Ford Kuga Titanium
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Fixed panorama glass roof
- Dual-zone climate control
- Leather-trimmed seats (front seats with variable heating controls)
- Leather-trimmed gear shifter
- 6-way power driver's seat
- Rear privacy glass
- Rear parking sensors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto headlamps
- Velour floor mats
- Stainless steel front scuff plates
Engine and transmission
Both the Ford Kuga Trend and Titanium will be powered by Ford's Duratec five-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Drivers will enjoy spirited performance from this efficient power unit, which produces a maximum power level of 147 kW and peak torque of 320 Nm from as low as 1600 rpm.
Both versions in the Ford Kuga range will be fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission matched to an intelligent all-wheel drive system, giving drivers sure-footed handling and practical off-road ability.
On the road, the Ford Kuga will return 10.3-litres per 100km travelled (combined cycle; according to ADR81/02).
Chassis and suspension
Customers will experience a dynamic driving experience and all-road performance thanks to the combination of a MacPherson strut front suspension and Ford's Control Blade multi-link suspension system at the rear. Electric power-assisted steering has been designed to give drivers easy maneuverability and control at speed.
Safety
Occupant safety is demonstrated by the Ford Kuga's 5-star safety rating by both ANCAP and EuroNCAP. Standard-fitment safety features are extensive and include:
- Intelligent Protection System
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Driver and front passenger side thorax and pelvis airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- ABS anti-lock brakes
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with roll-over mitigation
- Traction control
- EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) system
- Driver and front passenger beltminder
The Ford Kuga will go on sale in Australia in March 2012. Australian Manufacturer's List Prices (MLP) will be announced closer to the date of release.
1 The Bluetooth® word mark is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and is used under licence.
