Ford’s Kuga SUV has been a big hit with customers since it was first launched in 2008. This practical car remains a family favourite with some 513 units already sold this year vis a vis the 565 sold for the whole of 2023. And that’s before the 2024 revised Kuga arrives here around mid-May which will have a fresh look, a refreshed model line-up and four powertrains that include two hybrids and a plug- in hybrid.
The PHEV version has been a best-seller in Europe for some years now and Ford
say it will continue to play a key role inspiring drivers to embrace the company’s
electric future. The car looks well from every angle, especially from the side view.
Size-wise, it is longer and higher than key competitors Kia Sportage and a tad
longer and lower than Toyota’s RAV4.
Also available in a 1.5 EcoBoost petrol engine, and a self-charge hybrid petrol that can travel for up to 900kms on one tank of fuel, my review car was the PHEV version, in the sporty ST-Line X grade. This included a full body styling kit with a unique front and rear fascia and bumper design, body coloured rear diffusor and front skid plate, dark mesh grille and ST-Line badges. The exterior in Solar Silver colour had contrasting black pillars and roof rails, and ST-Line badges indicating the sporty nature of the car as did the red brake callipers. There are six exterior colours to choose from.
Kuga is a tall car which makes getting in and out a lot easier than in lower styled
cars. You sit nice and high and have a good view out of the road ahead. The front
pillars are quite thick and I found this restricted forward/side view coming up to
roundabouts. The same can be said for the thick rear pillars when reversing the
car. However, Kugas come with both front and rear parking sensors and an
excellent rearview camera.
I was able to get a really comfy driving position with the 12-way power adjustments on the ST-Line sports seat. Seats were a mix of suede/leather type upholstery with lots of red stitching. The 12.3-inch digital instrument display has good graphics and shows the important driving info you need, including the state of battery charge and current speed, while the stand-alone 8-inch infotainment touchscreen works well but looks a bit dated. Apple and Android phone connectivity is standard. There are physical buttons for climate control and the circular gear shifter is located on the flat of the central console. You can charge your phone with the wireless charging pad and there are two USB ports in the driver area.
There’s space enough in the back for three average adults who will have good
head and leg room. Rear seats can slide forwards or backwards to boost legroom
or to provide additional boot space. These seats can be folded in a 60/40 split.
There’s an area below the floor for charging cables and a tyre sealant kit. The
tailgate is power operated.
Standard features are 18-inch alloys, full LED headlamps, front LED fog lights with front cornering, and B&O premium audio system with 10 speakers and subwoofer. A Driver Assistance pack includes a front camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Assist, and Active Park Assist while a Winter Pack provides heated front and rear seats and heated steering wheel.
The Kuga PHEV is powered by a 2.5 petrol engine that combines with an electric
motor to deliver up to 225hp. The engine is matched to a CVT automatic
transmission that I found to be smooth and capable which added greatly to my
enjoyment of driving the car. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds. My
average fuel consumption was 6.7 L/100kms.
The cabin was quiet as I drove main roads and motorways. The car also proved
agile enough about town with a 11.4m turning circle. I really enjoyed driving this
Kuga and would have no problems having it as my everyday car.
Charging the PHEV battery will take 3.5 hrs from a 7kW home wall-box or over
double that if you have to use a three-pin domestic plug. The hybrid battery comes
with an 8-year or 160,000km warranty.
The entry Titanium model is priced from €46,340; ST-Line X PHEV from €48,830.
Options took the price to €51,357, plus delivery and related charges.
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