WHEN the previous-generation Ford Kuga arrived in South Africa in 2011, it didn’t make much of an impression because it was an unproven product in the market and in the twilight of its model life. This situation is now rectified with the introduction of the new range soon after its European debut.
The newcomer is built in Spain on the Focus C-segment hatchback platform and has increased in overall length compared with the previous model. This means there’s quite a bit more luggage space – a high priority when buyers of do-it-all softroaders. The stylists have managed to improve even on the great looks of the outgoing design, putting the Kuga high up in the cool fashion stakes. Oh, and even though the brake-duct inlets are faux, they still look racy.
Although four-wheel-drive models are available, our road-test unit was the 1,6 EcoBoost Trend with a front-wheel-drive setup. It also missed out on the fancy Titanium pack which, for R35 000, gives you a whole load of extra kit including a self-parking feature. Still, at a price of R324 900, this Trend package offers quite an impressive level of features, including a 230 V charging outlet, seven airbags, twin exhausts, fold-up trays for the rear passengers, leather upholstery and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Stop/start and regenerative braking is also featured on this manual version.
The Kuga has a handsomely styled interior, but there are a few ergonomic foibles. The touchscreen of the infotainment system is small and cluttered, navigation is not available and the audio system, with its plethora of small buttons spread out over the shiny black facia, is finicky to operate. There’s plenty of leg- and headroom, while the spaces under the front seats afford added foot space for rear passengers and the fold-up trays conjure thoughts of picnics in the countryside.
Families benefit from a more-than-useful 376 dm3 of luggage room and utility space balloons to 1 408 dm3 with the 60:40-split rear seats folded down. A flexible, retractable parcel shelf is fitted. To maximise the load space, Ford decided on a space-saver spare wheel that has a maximum speed rating of 80 km/h. While this might be frowned upon by owners of 4×4 models, it will probably be acceptable to 4×2 purchasers who normally do not venture too far from sealed surfaces.
Smaller engines with turbocharging are becoming very popular and Ford’s version produces 110 kW of power and 240 N.m of peak torque at a low 1 600 r/min. Turbo lag is all but absent, which should be to the liking of the majority of drivers because the power delivery is linear rather than exhibiting a surge of torque that can catch you during cornering. The degree of engine noise permeating the cabin is low and a sprint time of 10,1 seconds to 100 km/h is very good for a compact SUV.
Fuel efficiency is what all manufacturers are sweating over and Ford has chosen the 1,6-litre route with turbocharging for this very reason. The 1,6 Kuga achieves an average fuel-index figure of 7,92 litres/100 km and our fuel run returned 8,2 litres/100 km. An active grill shutter in front aids the aerodynamics, thereby also reducing consumption.
The steering is now electrically assisted, yet provides very natural weighting, making it one of the better designs of this ilk. The ride quality is firm and well controlled without ever being too harsh.
Fortunately, the Trend spec dons the standard 17-inch wheels, although some models have 18 inchers and a 19-inch set with low-profile tyres is an optional purchase. These will result in added suspension firmness. For those who wish to tow a boat or caravan, the Kuga has a respectable braked tow rating of 1 500 kg.
But wait, there’s more: the stability control system includes trailer-sway correction. The crash-safety box received a five-star tick from EuroNCAP and, of course, Isofix seat-mounting points are a standard feature.
Test Summary
“Lifestyle vehicle” is an overused description for cars that are aimed at adventurous buyers, but this perhaps best describes the front-wheel-drive 1,6 Ecoboost Ford Kuga. With more space than before, great looks and class-leading comfort, it would be difficult not to be impressed by this new Ford. Nevertheless, the 4×2 SUV/crossover segment has a number of very talented contenders. Apart from our narrowed-down choice in the Match-up section on page 86, the segment also boasts contenders from Japan (Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail), Korea (Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35), France (Peugeot 4008 and Citroën C4 Aircross) and, of course, Germany (VW Tiguan). Buyers are spoilt for choice, but the Ford Kuga is good enough to deserve a spot on any short list.