Updated Kuga coming this month

Ford's heavily revised Kuga is arriving in the brand's Irish dealer showrooms in the coming weeks, in time for the 171 sales period, writes Brian Byrne. Prices start at €33,345.

With styling cues taken from the US-built Edge large SUV, introduced to Europe earlier this year, the Kuga, Ecosport and Edge all now share a rugged family SUV look and give the blue oval brand a range of vehicles to compete in each of the crossover growth segments.

The car is also gaining new engines, including a 120hp 1.5 diesel and 1.5 EcoBoost petrol units in 120/150hp variants. There are FWD and AWD versions, and automatic transmission is available.

Interior changes include a new large touchscreen in the centre dash, and there are fewer switches and buttons. The third generation of Ford's SYNC connectivity and entertainment system is part of the package, and owners of both Apple and Android system phones can access internet and use selected apps.

Other technologies on the revised Kuga include hands-free perpendicular parking, and a cross-traffic alert system for safer reversing out of a parking space. Ford's active city stop now operates at higher speeds.

Kuga now also offers new grades — ST-Line and Vignale. The model was first produced in 2008.