Ford debuts new Kuga in electrifying launch

The new generation of Ford's Kuga SUV will go on sale in Ireland near the end of the year, writes Brian Byrne from Amsterdam, initially with petrol and diesel engines and next year with three electrified options — a mild hybrid using the 1.0 EcoBoost petrol and recaptured energy, a full self-charging hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid.

The car was revealed today at a Ford 'Go Further' event in Amsterdam, and is a much sleeker car than the predecessors which have been bought by 1.1m owners over three generations since it was first launched in 2008.

The latest Kuga has a longer wheelbase, and though the roofline is lower the car has better interior space, including very generous headroom for rear seat passengers.

The car was revealed alongside a fourth addition to the Ford European range of SUVs, a new generation 7-seat Explorer, which will only be sold in LHD countries. With a 3.6 EcoBoost engine and a 100hp electric motor in parallel hybrid format, it will offer the same power as a GT Mustang.

The event also provided a teaser detail of a new all-electric SUV based on the current Mustang, which Ford promised will have a 600 kms range and retain the 'sheer joy of driving' which the Mustang provides.

Details of the upcoming Ford electrified LCV range were also revealed, starting with the Transit Custom PHEV which has been on extensive trials in London during the last year, with 20 companies who operate large fleets.

Also, in a Steve Job style 'one more thing' at the end of the event, President of Ford of Europe Stuart Rowley introduced a laser and dry ice cloud disguised drive through of the upcoming Puma compact SUV which will sit between the EcoSport and the Kuga, with a 155hp mild hybrid engine.

As well as in electrification, Ford is determined to catch up to the SUV wagon train in Europe.

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