Grand Motors gave domestic journalists a short promotional drive of the redesigned Ford Kuga. The third generation has been on the market since 2019, and now it’s time to refresh the design and update the technique.
The most visible changes are in the front part. The headlights are completely new. In addition to projector LED technology, they also have a matrix variant. A big novelty is the introduction of an LED strip in higher equipment packages that connects the headlights and contributes to a more attractive appearance.
The equipment packages are configured so that the basis is Titanium, in the middle is ST-Line, and the highlight of the offer is the Active package. Also new is the “X” marking for the second and third packages, which indicates that the cars have even more equipment. Otherwise, the Active can boast of the most pronounced OffRoad appearance, with different bumpers and wing edges.
In accordance with the trends, the interior received a much larger multimedia display. It now has a diagonal of as much as 13.2 inches and the latest operating system that includes wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity. The graphics of digital instruments of the same diagonal are also different, with the possibility of choosing several different visual solutions for displaying instruments and other information.
Ford Kuga is still one of the largest models in its class, primarily thanks to its longest wheelbase. This frees up more space for passengers, especially on the rear seats that slide to provide either additional legroom or more space in the trunk with a volume of up to 536 liters. An extension of the lower part of the front seats with better support along the entire length of the thigh is also provided.
Another important feature that sets the Kuga apart from its competitors is towing capacity. It can tow a trailer weighing up to 2,100 kilograms. This value refers to the version with a hybrid drive.
The choice of engines is reduced to petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Diesel is gone. The basis is a three-cylinder 1.5 turbo-petrol with 150 hp that can be ordered with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Kuga with this engine and Titanium equipment package costs 30,990 euros. You get a lot of gear for that amount. We highlight automatic braking, recognition of traffic signs, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, navigation, multimedia and digital instruments with a diagonal of 13.2 inches, contactless unlocking and starting, wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, two-zone automatic “climate”, electric folding mirrors, LED headlights and 17-inch diameter alloy wheels.
It is interesting that the Kuga with a 1.5 gasoline engine and an automatic transmission has 186 instead of 150 “horses” as it has with a manual one. The price difference is only 1,500 euros. In addition to this engine, customers can opt for a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Both are a combination of a 2.5 petrol and an electric motor, with the former having 180bhp with front-wheel drive and 183bhp with four-wheel drive, while the latter is available exclusively with front-wheel drive and delivers 243bhp. It can travel about 70 kilometers on electricity alone.
The price of a hybrid with front-wheel drive starts at 35,990 euros, while for 4×4 you need to pay another 3,000 euros. The plug-in hybrid has a higher price because of the larger battery. For its purchase, you need to set aside 43,990 euros with Titanium equipment, while the most expensive Active X package costs 49,990 euros.
Source: www.magazinauto.com
