Ford Kuga was presented to the general public at the Geneva Motor Show. This is the first mid-size crossover from Ford. The platform for it was the time-tested chassis from the Focus-II. The appearance of Kuga is the embodiment of Ford's kinetic design. Modern exterior is one of the competitive advantages of this model.
The car is in many ways similar to the Iosis-X concept car, shown in 2006 at an exhibition in Paris. Kuga has kept the proportions and expressive details of the Iosis X design: the same rims and spectacular wheel arches. Sharp elements and rapid profile make a sporty note in the design of the crossover. When creating a production car, the Iosis X concept car’s roof profile was modified to create a higher silhouette and comfortable accommodation for five people. The interior of the Ford Kuga creates a feeling of spaciousness. In the options there is even a large panoramic glass roof.
The ergonomic design of the dashboard and the central rack go into a three-dimensional center console with a large storage space. These interior components create a comfortable environment for the driver and front passenger. The high seats and the position of the waist line of the doors provide the maximum glass area to create a bright interior and visibility for the driver. Passengers in the back row will find plenty of space above their heads and legs, but the three of them will require restraining the passengers. The front seats for the driver and passenger are quite solid and have a good profile.
Easy transformation of the rear seat in the ratio of 60:40 allows you to quickly increase the luggage compartment. With all-wheel drive transmission helped partners in the concern. Volvo has kindly provided the Haldex all-wheel drive system.
It can send up to 50% of the torque to the rear axle of the car when necessary, but most of the time Kuga drives like a front wheel drive car. High ground clearance in combination with an entry angle of 21 degrees and a 25 degree exit angle ensures a very decent maneuverability. There are three choices for steering settings.
You cannot change the settings on the go, you must stop to adjust the steering for a specific traffic situation. By shifting the steering adjustment to the sport position, you will get even more feedback on the steering wheel and precision control. It is noteworthy that Ford engineers managed to achieve such controllability without adding stiffness to the suspension.
In the line of power units, so far only one diesel engine with Common Rail technology - 2.0 l / 136 hp Dynamics of acceleration from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 10.7 seconds. It is expected that the gamma of engines will be supplemented by a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 197 hp. Transmission - 6-speed manual transmission Durashift. High security goals were a top priority for Ford Kuga developers. The Kuga’s security is based on the Ford Intelligent Protection System (IPS), which contains a body frame with increased strength and resistance to collisions, driver assistance functions that help maintain control of the car, as well as features that reduce the likelihood of injury.
The Ford IPS system used in the Kuga contains six airbags. Front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as curtain-type side airbags to protect the head and shoulders, are complemented by seats that prevent the driver and passengers from slipping out from under the seat belts and are equipped with head restraints that are height-adjustable. Also, the front seats are equipped with pyrotechnic seat belt pretensioners and load limiters. On the Euro NCAP safety tests, the Ford Kuga received the best combination of ratings, which provided the car with a place at the highest level of the pedestal in the group of compact all-wheel-drive off-road vehicles.
The high three-star rating for pedestrian protection has been achieved thanks to a number of special features and solutions originally introduced in Ford Kuga. These solutions include the use of soft material in the bumper design, the creation of an energy-absorbing zone between the bumper, the front panel and the radiator, the introduction of detachable headlights and front fenders made of plastic, as well as the optimal shape of the bonnet. Ford Kuga has already managed to go into the hands of the tuning studio Delta4 × 4, which specializes in finalizing all-wheel drive cars. First of all, the masters increased the clearance of the car to 550 mm and installed new rims.
For special lovers of tuning will be offered a huge 22-inch wheels, shod in ultra low profile tires. Not left unattended and the motor. After the work, the capacity of the serial 2.0-liter turbodiesel rose to 162 hp. and 380 Nm. Interestingly, Ford will not offer the Kuga in the US market.
Ford Kuga 2nd generation 2013 model year, was officially introduced to Russian motorists in 2012 at the MIAS. The crossover has acquired a new look. The main features and lines remained unchanged, but the design itself was made more modern. Immediately striking new narrowed expressive headlights that look great with a large massive bumper and the entire front part as a whole. Kuga began to look more solid and fast, unlike its predecessor. The car has added 81 mm in length, this change has increased the volume of the luggage compartment by 82 liters.
Other dimensions remained unchanged: width - 1842 mm, height - 1710 mm, wheelbase - 2690 mm, ground clearance 175 mm. Salon Ford Kuga 2013 almost completely copies the interior decoration Focus. Already familiar and convenient steering wheel with control buttons, dashboard of indicators of control characteristics, the center console, the main control buttons functions and options, and, of course, the on-board computer. Noise isolation at a high level, so extraneous sounds practically do not penetrate.
In the first row there are very comfortable seats with good adjustment in different directions, the back rows of seats can also be adjusted for the greatest comfort, they can accommodate two or even three passengers. The build quality of the cabin is at a high level, like the materials used, the plastic is soft and pleasant to the touch. The trunk has a volume of 450 liters, and with the seats folded down, the volume increases to 1928 liters. And now the tailgate opens now completely, you can also install an electric drive for the tailgate, then you can open and close it without using your hands by running your foot under the rear bumper.
The range of engines has changed dramatically in comparison with the previous generation Kuga, now it includes gasoline engines EcoBoost. There are two petrol engines of 1.6 liters, developing 150 and 182 horsepower. With these units, the Kuga is available with six-speed “automatic” and “mechanics”, with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Diesel engines of two liters develop 140 and 163 hp. respectively. As a result, up to the first "hundred" Kuga with the most modest diesel engine accelerates in 10.6 seconds. And the overclocking of the 163-strong Kuga is another 0.7 seconds faster.
Indicators of fuel efficiency for the new model demonstrate a reduction in the consumption of gasoline fuel by 25%, and diesel - by 10%. For the first time in Europe, the model will be equipped with a global intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) system with a trajectory control system developed by Ford. An advanced cornering control system will also be introduced, providing best-in-class handling. The basic Kuga version will include air conditioning, an MP3 audio system, a stabilization system, seven airbags, and power windows for the front and rear doors.
The equipment of the top crossover includes: 18-inch light-alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, panoramic roof, active parking assistance, navigation, rear-view camera, electrically adjustable driver's seat, leather upholstery, SYNC multimedia system with voice control in Russian and climate control.
