Express & Star

Ford Kuga road test: Upping the bar

Published
Last updated

Sales of such vehicles were up by 25 per cent in the first quarter of the year, way above the industry average.

Ford got into the race early, with the first Kuga almost a decade ago, and with many more, and newer rivals, now was a good time to update an improve the car.

Like most of the competition, there are front wheel and four wheel drive options and a range of petrol and diesel options at prices from just under £20,000, which does put them at something of a disadvantage to the private buyer at least.

The new car is distinguished by its front end, with a more steeply sloping bonnet (to increase its pedestrian safety rating), new lights and a lot of new technology inside.

Also new to the line up is the entry level Zetec model with the fuel and tax saving 120PS version of Ford's now familiar 1.5-litre 'Ecoboost' turbocharged petrol engine.

The test car was fitted with the 148bhp 'Ecoboost' (there's also a 178bhp version) and this comes with front wheel drive only - only the top-rated petrol and diesel units are fitted to all-wheel drive examples.

Of course, many of the compact SUV's you see on the roads are two-wheel drive: many owners don't want or need a fully-fledged 4x4 with the extra expense that involves.

But they like the style, image, tall 'command' driving position, ease of access (due to higher seats) and practicality.

That said, even the front wheel drive Kuga has some limited off-road (or rough track at any rate) ability as it shares the same high ground clearance, with skid plates to protect the underside, and long travel suspension as its more expensive siblings.

The use of a relatively small capacity engine with turbocharging is a feature gaining ground across the motor industry. Used carefully, it saves fuel while still having the power to respond, for overtaking for example when necessary: it's 0 to 62mph sprint takes under ten seconds, impressive for a car of this size with just 1,500ccs under the bonnet.

The turbo also gives it more torque, more 'grunt' at lower engines speeds like a modern diesel, so that it cruises quietly and smoothly at motorway speeds.

Indeed, the Kuga is an excellent, refined motorway cruiser: the engine is barely breathing heavily and is so quiet you're more conscious of the slipstream being deflected by the big off-roader style door mirrors. It feels a very grown up sort of car.

It drives just how you would expect from a Ford: the gearshift is slick, the steering nicely weighted and despite its height the body is well controlled so it's happy to hustle along twisty b-roads without upsetting passengers.

High mileage or business users may prefer the more expensive to buy but cheaper to tax and run 2.0 litre diesel – the 148bhp version returns around 60mpg with a CO2 rating several tax bands lower at 122g/km.

Inside, the Kuga matches up to the opposition for space and particularly headroom. The rear bench has two large outer seats (which can be reclined individually) with a central cushion perhaps best suited to a younger member of the family.

Oddly, the Zetec model as tested has a much different instrunment layout to the higher grade Titanium. The centre console is topped by a control screen for stereo, phone and other functions.

[taboola]

The test car was also fitted with the optional satnav, which for £650 gets you a slightly larger screen plus a basic repeater function between the speedo and tachometer.

The Kuga now has Ford's sophisticated SYNC system, which allows the driver to use voice commands for a range of functions as well as features such as audible text messaging and instant access to emergency assistance. Cruise control with speed limiter, Ford's excellent Quickclear windscreen, front fog lamps, twin chromed exhausts, manual air conditioning and electrically operated and heated door mirrors are all included in basic specification.

Boot space is among the best in class, with 406 litres which can be increased to 1,603 if the rear seats are folded down.

The Kuga has a lot of competition these days, but this latest makeover – coupled with a cheaper and more economical entry level version – looks like keeping its place in the scramble for compact SUV sales.

By John Griffiths

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.