First Drive: Ford Kuga

Ford Kuga. Pic ©Brian Byrne/CarAndTravel.ie

The new Ford Kuga has recently landed in Ireland, and first impressions suggest a vehicle that provides a bit more visual impact than the outgoing version, writes Brian Byrne. And underneath, enough improvement to keep it close to the top of the class in compact SUV land.

The new Kuga is longer, lower, and narrower than the first generation, which looks a little dumpy beside it. That, of course, doesn’t diminish the very good performance of the older car, which has sold in excess of 300,000 copies for the blue oval brand across Europe.

The new one has a more in your face front, reflecting the evolution of Ford’s ’kinetic’ design theme. Focus, revised Fiesta, and the Custom Transit have all shown us the direction. The profile view shows off new character lines and a little more muscle over the wheelarches. At the back the new tailgate opens up to a larger boot space, with no cill to impede easy loading.

That same tailgate has an optional gimmick that Ford makes much of, a sensor under the bumper which opens or closes the door when you swing a foot under it. Ideal, they say, for a packages-laden owner who doesn’t want to fumble for keys.

Ford Kuga. Pic ©Brian Byrne/CarAndTravel.ie

Apart from the styling and extra space, work has been done on the underpinnings. A stronger structure, better brakes and steering, some weight saving so that the larger car didn’t put on the pounds. The new Kuga also has better soundproofing, keeping both road and engine noise out.

For Ireland there is only diesel power; the company isn’t considering the new and frugal 1.6 Ecoboost petrol which has been developed on-campus at the factory in Valencia, Spain, where Kuga is built.

As is usual, on the international launch there were only higher spec cars available, the 163hp version of the 2.0 diesel. We were also driving the 4WD version, but most sales in Ireland will be FWD and the 140hp diesel.

Ford Kuga. Pic ©Brian Byrne/CarAndTravel.ie

That said, a couple of days spent driving the new Kuga in the pleasant hills around Valencia did show off a car that is very comfortable in its space. Keeping it a 5-seater does provide lots of room for the full set of occupants, and this time around there’s the capability of moving the rear seat backwards to provide extra legroom. From the driver’s place there’s a good high view, while the overall ergonomic connection with controls and switchgear is well planned. Even though the external of the car is narrower, there’s more shoulder, leg and knee room here.

There’s a strong emphasis on technology, from that previously-mentioned tailgate opening system through to the wide range of safety systems that have been entering the Ford lineup for some years now. Particular to Kuga there’s a so-called ’Curve Control’ which can save a too-enthusiastic driver embarrassment and worse if he or she goes into a bend far too fast.

Without doing that last, I gave the overall handling a decent workout on the drive, and tweaks to the suspension and steering have made a good model even nicer to drive. The AWD system is ’intelligent’ and brings in the rear wheels as needed and in the proportion of drive required by conditions. It’s seamless, and apparently effective, I’d say really coming into its own on wet slippy surfaces. Kuga drives mountain rough trails well too.

Ford says the first Kuga was the model in their current range that owners felt best about, and I think they’ll be right pleased to convert to this one.

The overall fuel economy for the 140hp diesel has been improved some 10 percent, according to the carmaker. That’s brought the CO2 ratings down from D to B2 and C, the latter for the 4WD with the smaller output engine.

With the commercial version proving to be very popular in Ireland over the last couple of years, a commercial of this generation Kuga will arrive here during the year.

Prices begin at €33,450. There are two grades, the two power options, and a choice between 6-speed manual or automatic. That entry is no budget-spec car, with 17” alloys, dual zone air, part leather seats, cruise control, and a high-end Sony sound system. Ford’s SYNC connectivity package, which includes the ability to read you your text messages and an automatic call to emergency services in the case of a timpist, is standard too. The 4WD entry level is €37,950.