Ford Kuga

Ford Kuga Overview

The Ford Kuga is a 5-door compact crossover SUV designed and built in Europe under the American automaker’s subsidiary, Ford of Europe GmbH. Based on the Ford Global C-car platform that also underpins the Ford Focus, the second-generation Ford Kuga made its debut in Malaysia back in 2013 and has since gone through a couple of update and iterations.

The most recent update sees the introduction of the sole 1.5 litre EcoBoost variant, replacing the outgoing 1.6 litre model. Fully imported from Romania in CBU form, the 2017 Ford Kuga is priced at RM 164,888 when new, available with 5-year warranty (3 years manufacturer + 2 years extended third party). Competition in the segment includes the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and the Peugeot 3008.

Ford Kuga Design

Designed and developed by Ford of Europe under the ‘One Ford’ policy, the Ford Kuga is manufactured and sold as a single common model globally. Based heavily on the Ford Vertrek concept car from Ford’s Cologne design studio, the compact SUV adopts Ford’s Kinetic Design that features lower trapezoidal grille and stretched back headlights.

The front fascia retains the more conventional look as opposed to the Aston Martin inspired grille as seen on other facelifted Ford model. The lower trapezoidal grille features a lower air intake with Active Grille Shutter, flanked by two triangular shaped air vents with integrated fog lights. A single chrome strip extends horizontally outwards from the blue oval badge.

Black plastic cladding on the wheel arches and the doors ensures durability for a more adventurous driving. A clean shoulder line coupled with the chrome beltline and a slopping roofline gives the Ford Kuga a sleek side profile, unlike the more conventional boxy design commonly found in SUVs.

The roof rails, plastic claddings as well as the front and rear skid plate subtly highlights the utilitarian side of the compact SUV. The rear also features twin exhaust pipe with chrome finisher. Frozen White is the sole colour option available for the updated model.

Ford Kuga Dimension

Compared to its Japanese counterparts in the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and especially the Honda CR-V, the Ford Kuga certainly lose out in terms of outright size and space, though only marginally. But at 1,682 kg, it is one of the heaviest amongst its competition in the segment despite its rather compact size.

Ford Kuga Interior

Anti-allergy interior constructed only using materials that will pose minimum allergy risk. Combination of hard plastics and soft touch materials is used across the dashboard and door panels accented by satin chrome finish and gloss black inserts. Driver gets leather wrapped multi-function four-spoke steering wheel and gear knob while the seats are covered in partial leather.

The internal layout is largely similar to the Ford Focus with a 4.2-inch TFT multifunction display sitting on top of the dashboard. The instrument cluster features ice blue colour analog dials and a central multi-info display.

Driver sits further away in relation to the dashboard due to the slopping A-pillar design, and the thickness of the pillars does not help in terms of forward visibility especially in the corners. Apart from that, all-round visibility is excellent partly thanks to the wide rear quarter window.  

Interior storage is generous but the same cannot be said about the cargo space. At 406 litres, it is among the smallest compared to its competition. It is however rather versatile thanks to the adjustable two-level floorboard.

Ford Kuga Features

Standard feature includes keyless entry with push-button start, automatic dual-zone climate control, a nine-speaker Sony high series audio system, 4.2-inch colour multifunction display with Ford SYNC, Bluetooth connectivity with voice control, and 10-way power adjustable seat for the driver.

Exterior feature includes bi-xenon HID automatic headlamps, electric folding side mirrors, active grille shutter, hands-free power liftgate and 17-inch alloy wheels with front and rear disc brakes.

In terms of safety, the Ford Kuga comes equipped with 7 airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). Structurally, the SUV features ultra-rigid safety cell and crash crumple zone with front and side collision protection beams.

Ford Kuga Driving Performance

Engine

Under the bonnet is Ford’s award winning 1.5 litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine with Ti-VCT, developing a respectable 180 PS at 5700 RPM and 240 NM of torque from 2500 RPM. 0-100km/h is achieved in 11.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 200 km/h.

The downsized 1.5 L engine made its first debut in the Ford Mondeo. It produces the same amount of power as the 1.6 litre engine it replaces with a few improvements, among others include a revised integrated exhaust manifold and a computer-controlled water pump clutch to decrease warm up time.

The engine benefits from Ford’s signature EcoBoost turbocharging technology, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, promising better fuel efficiency and improved refinement, quietness and performance.

Transmission

The EcoBoost engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. Power is sent to all four wheels with the available Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD).

The shifting characteristic may not be as ‘authentic’ as Ford’s own notorious dual clutch transmission, the conventional torque converter is certainly smoother and more reliable.  

Ford Kuga Ride Comfort

Ford often punches above its weight when it comes to ride and handling and the Ford Kuga is no exception. Based on the Ford C-car Platform, it is fitted with an independent suspension with MacPherson strut at the front, coupled with an independent rear suspension control blade.

The suspension is tuned to be more plaint, where it deals with potholes and road imperfection with high level of sophistication. Of course, being a high riding compact SUV, it too suffers from the common inherent handling characteristic known as body roll but only minimal.

The available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system allows increased traction under slippery road condition while offering superior agility in the corner. Torque Vectoring Control system monitors the wheels 100 times every second and distributes drive to each wheel independently to ensure optimum traction and steering control.

Ford Kuga Fuel Consumption

No official rated fuel economy.

Ford Kuga Conclusion

The Ford Kuga may not be the most spacious compact SUV out there, but for what it lacks in practicality, it makes up for in excellent ride and handling. It is also one of the safest cars in the segment with class leading safety features and it should not come as a surprise to know that the Ford Kuga is the best-selling SUV in Europe. With Ford’s commitment to electrifying their vehicle line up, the new and much improved third generation Ford Kuga is now available with hybrid powertrain. But it is such a shame that due to low demand, we will not be seeing the updated model on this side of our shore any time soon.