|
|
CAP Blog > CAP Blog > Martin's Blog
|
|
Jun
11
Written by:
Martin Ward
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Ford has deliberately kept the Kuga model and engine line-up nice and simple - two models and one engine. The Zetec will account for around 60% of sales and the Titanium 40%. Both are fitted with a 2.0 litre TDCi diesel engine that produces 136ps and goes from 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds.
 The Kuga is Ford’s first serious attempt into the Small SUV 4x4 segment and it joins other vehicles such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V and Land Rover Freelander. We only drove the Kuga on normal roads in Sussex but we were told the Haldex intelligent AWD drive system has exceptional off-road capabilities. On the country roads and motorways it proved to handle like any Saloon car and it did not give the impression it was a 4x4. The Kuga shares much of the chassis with the well proven Focus so it was no surprise just how well the car performed on all road surfaces and conditions. Ford started with a clean sheet of paper when designing this car with regards to both exterior and interior and it has certainly paid off for them. They have created a well balanced and modern looking vehicle that should look fresh for many years.
 The interior is well laid out with all the controls being easy to use and all are in the right place. The seats are comfortable and the whole of the interior is of a high quality. This is something Ford are getting good at in all their new products. The boot is not huge but it is adequate for the size of the car. There is also a split tailgate to make it easy to put articles into the cargo area. Ford have entered into a very competitive sector with much choice from other manufacturers and with most of it at a high quality and style but Ford have taken it one level higher and designed a great looking car with a sensible engine at very competitive prices. Ford expect to sell all their allocation of around 7,000 units per year which is limited by production capacity at their plant in Saarlouis. A 2.5 litre petrol engine may be introduced later this year. Prices for the Kuga 2.0 diesel are: Zetec - £20,500 and £22,500 for a Titanium.
Tags:
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
