2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The kuga shows the claws. With 200 hp, the top model is properly motorized, but also thirsty. The Ford SUV cannot do many things better than the competition, but the range of extras and accessories is enormous.
By Sebastian Viehmann
Better late than never, thought Ford - and last year sent the Kuga on the hunt to tear down as many Tiguans as possible. So far, however, Ford has not been able to hang a VW grill over the fireplace as a hunting trophy. In the first half of 2009, the Tiguan was still at the top of the food chain with around 26,000 new registrations, followed by the Audi Q5 (10,865 registrations). However, with 7085 registrations, the Kuga still comes in third and is ahead of the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK.
Very softly padded
With its dramatically swept front and chic hip swing, Ford's SUV is all about dynamism. Inside, too, the people of Cologne attach great importance to design. The Kuga cockpit looks technically cool with the large silver trim on the center console, the shift lever is slightly raised and conveniently located on the center console. Depending on the equipment, the inside of the door is provided with a leather armrest, which ensures comfort during relaxed cruising. The overly softly padded seats, which offer little lateral support, are negative. The trunk holds 410 liters and is therefore rather small compared to the class (VW Tiguan: 505 liters, Renault Koleos: 450 liters, Toyota RAV4: 469 liters, BMW X3: 480 liters, Volvo XC60: 495 liters). The space in the rear is not particularly generous for adults on the head, and practical shelves are also missing.
The 2.5-liter petrol engine with 147 kW / 200 PS is the top engine of the Kuga. The inline five-cylinder has its very own characteristics - not quite as sovereign as a six-cylinder, but less strenuous and a bit richer in sound than a four-cylinder. From 1600 tours the torque is 320 Nm. This means that the Kuga has plenty of power at its disposal even without rev orgies or frequent downshifts, and overtaking maneuvers can be completed in a relaxed manner. The cultivated five-cylinder is also perfect for fast travel. Only the six-speed manual transmission doesn't seem very crisp with its long distances. Irritating for those unfamiliar with Ford are the start button - it is located high up on the center console by the hazard warning switch - and of course the bonnet opening,which is done by turning the key behind the folding Ford logo on the hood.
14 liters in the city
The disadvantage of the powerful engine is the high consumption. In a third mix, according to the factory, 9.9 liters per 100 kilometers flow through the lines, in city traffic it is almost 14 liters. Frequent drivers should therefore be happier with the two-liter diesel engine (100 kW / 136 PS, from 26,600 euros), which consumes an average of 6.1 liters. While the Kuga 2.5 l is only available with all-wheel drive, with the diesel you can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Compared to the 4X4, the Kuga 2X4 not only saves 2000 euros, but also an average of 0.3 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. In terms of driving comfort, the Kuga is a bit more American than the Tiguan or Q5 - that is to say, it doesn't drive quite as tightly. The cornering behavior is pleasantly agile and the suspension comfort is decent.
Ford's compact SUV is available in two equipment lines. As a “trend”, the Kuga 2.5 4X4 is available from 28,600 euros (VW Tiguan 2.0 TSI / 200 PS: from 30,800 euros; Renault Koleos 2.5 / 171 PS: from 27,900 euros; Audi Q5 2.0 TSI / 211 PS: from 40,700 euros; Land Rover Freelander i6 S / 233 PS: from 38,000 euros). On board the Kuga Trend are among other things electric exterior mirrors and window lifters, air conditioning, fog lights, leather steering wheel and on-board computer. With the Titanium package, the car costs 30,600 euros (32,100 euros with automatic transmission) and offers, among other things, climate electronics, cruise control, leather-fabric upholstery, automatic light and rain sensor.
Many individual packages
Assuming the appropriate financial resources, you can design the Kuga with a variety of options inside and out. Extras are available individually or in various packages, plus Ford's individual packages with special leather upholstery and plenty of interior trim for 2500 euros. The range is rounded off by accessories such as bike, surfboard, kayak and snowboard racks.
