That’ll also help reduce monthly payment for those buying on finance. Ford is renowned for producing some of the finest-driving cars of their type, and when compared with other compact SUVs, the Kuga is no different. The Titanium rectifies this, though it kicks off just shy of $45K before on-roads. Used Ford Kuga 2013-2020 review. It takes some time to get a sense of where all the controls are. 3 Feb 2017. New Ford Kuga 2017 review We hit British roads to see whether a refresh has brought the Ford Kuga SUV back into contention. That was then… In the ensuing time, the Kuga has struggled to get traction in the sales race against rivals such as the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and Nissan X-Trail. Disappointingly to some, yours truly included, the Kuga retains the same dash design as before, rather than getting the improved interface on the (as-yet-unreleased), The base Ambiente features a rather busy and basic interface with a tiny 3.5-inch blue-lit screen and a basic trip computer display that resembles a, The full list of standard equipment by variant, Ford Kuga ST and Vignale variants a possibility - report. The Sync system pairs your Bluetooth fast and the voice control is relatively efficient, and the seating position is commanding while remaining car-like. The Ford Kuga is a compact SUV, and as such, competes in one of the most hard-fought sectors of the car market. 2015 Ford Kuga Review. The new unit may be suitable for lightweight caravans, but the 2.0-litre diesel 180PS engine in our test car can handle heavier tourers.. Infotainment is less user-friendly than many. That said, all three engines are rated to tow the same 1500kg braked or 750kg unbraked. You don’t get autonomous emergency braking (a system that applies the brakes automatically if the car senses an imminent low-speed impact) as standard, where most rivals do, but it is an affordable option. Torque stands at 295lb ft, arriving with a muscular waft at just 2000rpm.But power is nothing without restraint, and Ford claims 54.3mpg on the combined cycle and 135g/km of CO2. The Ford Kuga range may be broadened with the introduction of a performance ST model and a high-luxury Vignale variant. 09 Dec 2014. The cabin itself, bar the disappointing interface and overly small screen, is generally pleasant enough and spacious. Ford Kuga Trend 2.0 EcoBoost (petrol) Road Test. Thank you for choosing Ford. That said, if a car handles, responds and engages with the driver, then it is all the safer for it. As the figures suggest, it has a meaty low end that makes it nippy around town, which is where it will spend most of its time. The Kuga’s standard safety equipment includes stability control and seven airbags, including one to protect the driver’s knees. All models deliver a good mix of comfort and control, but the ST-Line models feel especially polished. With the revised range the Kuga automatic petrol Ambiente starts at $28,990 plus on-road costs, which is $2500 less than before and only $1500 dearer than the manual. WARNING Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, crash and injury. Although the back seats fold down smartly enough to allow you to extend the load area, you are left with a slightly sloped load floor when they are folded, which only gets steeper in the Vignale models thanks to the extra padding stuffed into their leather seats. In the blink of an eye the Ford is doing 80km/h. Drop the 60:40 rear row and cargo space grows from 406L to a voluminous 1603L, abetted by the low loading lip (and space-saver spare). Retrouvez les infos sur les équipements de série de la fiche technique FORD KUGA 2015. Mike Costello Contributor - Review Gallery Price & Specs $ 27,490 – $ 46,990 Mrlp. As such, the revised range comes with three specification levels, front- or all-wheel-drive configurations, and one of a trio of turbocharged petrol or diesel engines, matched in all but the very base model to a six-speed automatic transmissions. It’ll be available with a choice of petrol, diesel or hybrid power. We tested the Ford Kuga last year, but Ford has already updated the car. You also get automatic reverse parking for tight spots and front parking sensors. Overall Auto Express Rating. The list prices are $27,490 and $28,990 apiece, which is sharp for the class. It’s a great match, relatively responsive and immediate off the mark, linear in its delivery and much more meaty across the rev range. The base Ambiente features a rather busy and basic interface with a tiny 3.5-inch blue-lit screen and a basic trip computer display that resembles a Fiesta. Given the CarAdvice consensus already had the Kuga as one of the better offerings out there, and given the new engines and the generally reduced prices, it’s a better bet again. Additional words by: Ivan Aistrop. 2013 - 2020 review. Share review . See used car deals. Take a look at the original version of this second generation Kuga, produced between 2012 and 2015. View gallery Words by: Pete Tullin. It does a great job of treading the fine line between comfort and engagement, especially when specified on the ST-Line chassis, maing it the perfect tool for even the bleakest Monday morning school run. There is a flat floor and a flush loading lip, however, so it’s a reasonably simple task to slide larger items in and out. Indubitably so. If you have a Titanium, you get a standard electric tailgate that opens if you swing your foot under the rear bumper and have the key fob in your pocket. Its annual sales, despite big growth this year, are barely one-quarter that of the Mazda, and it sits eighth in segment. Review Ford Kuga SUV (2015 - ) review. A big part of the Kuga’s appeal is its commanding SUV driving position. Ford Kuga SUV (2015 - ) review Auto Trader U . This review of the new Ford Kuga (2016-2019) contains photos, videos and expert opinion to help you choose the right car. Ford has completely overhauled the Kuga, its mid-size SUV. That said, you can’t drop the rear row from the cargo area, meaning you have to walk around to the side of the car. Ford Kuga SUV (2015 - ) review. Read new review . Room in the rear row is excellent, with plenty of headroom and shoulder room, as well as plenty of room for feet under the seats. Ford has today unveiled what is likely to debut in Australia no sooner than late next year as the 2017 Ford Kuga, in keeping with the mid-sized SUV’s local scheduling cycle. Inside the cabin things are almost entirely familiar, hence our focus on the powertrains so far. The overly small screens (4.2-inch or 5.0-inches respectively) remain buried way back in the fascia, and the button-operated (not rotary dial or touch) system is clunky at best. In its current form, the Kuga made its Australian debut in early 2013, more than a year after it first debuted in US-market Escape form at the 2011 LA auto show. Cabin storage is decent, and you get cupholders and pockets in both rows. Rivals such as the CX-5, Honda CR-V and X-Trail — to name but a random few — all offer cameras across the range, and the Mazda and Nissan have standard sat-nav from mid-range. The AWD model weighs about 1650kg, which is heavy for the class. Great to drive as well as being affordable to buy and run. And being 'bland' is an inexcusable fault in today's highly fashion-conscious Crossover segment. It’s worth trying to find a model with the 8-inch touchscreen SYNC3 infotainment system. Fuel Economy. 2015 Ford Kuga first drive review Blue oval hopes some small tweaks will lead to bigger sales of its compact SUV. The most powerful version is linked to a standard six-speed automatic gearbox and a weight-inducing four-wheel-drive system, so despite its more-than-respectable-on-paper power output, it never feels like it’s about to win any traffic light sprint races. As you’d expect from a modern SUV, the ride is comfortable, and the Kuga can hold its own in most scenarios. Willing turbocharged 1.5-litre engine Lovely ride comfort and adequate handling The Titanium has satnav and reversing camera as standard equipment, unlike cheaper models in the range, where a reversing camera (incorporated into the satnav) is a $1088 option. All the better, then, to capitalise on the Kuga’s familiar car-like driving dynamics which, alongside the CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan, feel sharper than most. 2015 Ford Kuga – Engine and Mileage Details. As for the boot, it’s a decent size but not as big as many newer rivals, so you might have to fiddle around a bit to get a baby buggy to fit. Check out the Ford Kuga (2016-2019) review from carwow. First and foremost, there is an overhauled trio of engines (two petrol and one revised diesel), yielding either more power, better economy, or both. It's a bit bland compared to this revised version. News. The Trend and Titanium are better, with the familiar glossy black backing behind the audio buttons, of which there are too many. Unless otherwise stated, all prices are shown as Manufacturer's Feature. The view over the bonnet is a bonus, although the chunky windscreen-pillar mounted mirrors do tend to obscure traffic approaching from the right, so an extra degree of care is required when arriving at roundabouts. The petrol models, incidentally, need at least 95 RON premium juice. The revised Ford Kuga gets some potent new engines and reduced entry pricing, putting compact SUV rivals on notice, Modern Classic review: 2016 Land Rover Defender Heritage. 2016 Ford Kuga 1.5 Ecoboost 182 ST-Line review The Kuga ST-Line is enjoyable to drive, but this version of the 1.5-litre Ecoboost engine doesn't suit Ford's SUV Buyers also have a choice of a 2.0-litre diesel engine that’s available with 150- or 180 horsepower and four-wheel drive. Completing the engine triumvirate is the uprated 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 132kW at 3500rpm and 400Nm between 2000 and 2500rpm. The new 178bhp engine gives it even more punch. By and large, fuel economy and CO2 emissions are pretty competitive as well, although some rivals - like the Nissan Qashqai - are considerably cleaner. With claimed combined cycle fuel use of 5.5L/100km, it costs an extra $2000 over the 2.0 petrol on the Trend and Titanium. The mid-range Trend now costs $36,490 in entry petrol form, while the AWD diesel auto is an extra $2000 at $38,490. 8. The car features lots of parts carried over from countless other Ford models, so they are tried and tested. team. Here, we're looking at the original 2013 to 2016 version of the MK2 model. When we first drove the second-generation, Never-before-seen Porsche 550one 'Lil' Bastard' concept revealed, Flashback: Holden dealership goes retro as stripped signage reveals past – UPDATE, 2016 Ford Kuga pricing and specifications, All the better, then, to capitalise on the Kuga’s familiar car-like driving dynamics which, alongside the CX-5 and, Inside the cabin things are almost entirely familiar, hence our focus on the powertrains so far. Ford facelifted its Kuga SUV last year, with new looks, a new 1.5-litre diesel engine, and an updated infotainment system.. Page 1 FORD KUGA Quick Reference Guide...; Page 2 The more that you know about your vehicle, the greater the safety and pleasure you will get from driving it. Even more encouragingly, Ford currently sits near the top of Warranty Direct’s manufacturer standings, and performed well ahead of the industry average in the 2019 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study. Disappointingly to some, yours truly included, the Kuga retains the same dash design as before, rather than getting the improved interface on the (as-yet-unreleased) 2015 Focus. At the base of the variety of engines accessible in Kuga is Ambiente, by a 1.5 liter four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine by an output of 134 kW / 240 Nm, joint with a six speed automatic transmission. We strongly recommend that you use extreme caution when using any device that may take your focus off the road. But this week, Ford launched a MkII version with the aim of improving this, and appears to have gone the right way about it — by addressing those areas most needing improvement. The view out front is commanding thanks to the high driving position. The back seats also have decent under-thigh support and tilt back, though don’t slide. The updated, 2016 Ford Kuga will arrive in Australian showrooms next month with a reverse-view camera standard across all variants and Sync 2 in mid- and high-grade models. The flagship Titanium costs $44,990 as a petrol, while the diesel is $46,990. Finally, there’s the option of a 1.5-litre petrol engine that comes in three states of tune, including 120-, 150- and 182 horsepower versions. Recommended List Price (MRLP) inclusive of GST, exclusive of options and on road costs. Although not the plushest SUV, the Kuga still feels very solidly assembled, which gives you confidence over how well it’ll stand the test of time. This engine comes on the mid-range Trend and flagship Titanium AWD models with a six-speed auto. Tweet. Ford Kuga … No matter which Kuga you go for, you’ll be getting a robust, comfortable and very usable compact family car. In urban duties, we stress, it’s a fine little unit. Ford Kuga 2015 review Previously the cheapest ticket into an automatic petrol model was $31,490 plus on-road costs because it was paired with all-wheel drive. 7.2 L. Engine Power. All Kugas also come with a system that can use your Bluetooth-paired smartphone to automatically dial 000 and provide GPS co-ordinates for emergency services in the event of an accident. The omission of sat-nav even as an option at Trend level, and the fact you have to pay a dealer (an undisclosed sum for now, as deliveries don’t begin until January 2) to put a reversing camera into the car (and into the rear-view mirror at that) is a fail. (0) Comments; 2015 Ford Kuga first drive review. Ford has also trimmed the pricing on a number of variants, most notably on the entry-level Ambiente, on which it also finally offers an automatic front-drive variant. Coming soon: 2020 Ford Kuga. Ford Kuga 2015 Review With so much choice in the SUV segment, can the Kuga stand out? Four-wheel-drive traction and generous kit. Better is the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo option - with 178kW (at 5500rpm) and 345Nm (2000-4500rpm), which not only thumps the old 1.6-litre unit into the stands but also shades the Subaru Forester XT as the most powerful compact SUV at the mainstream end of the market. The range includes both front- and four-wheel-drive models – ours is a 4×4. Matt Campbell finds out how it stacks up. That said, the Kuga is not the quietest of SUVs and no matter which model you choose, you’ll notice a fair bit of wind- and road noise at motorway speeds. And if you’d like to maximise safety, you can also specify a pack that includes that, plus a lane-keeping aid, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beam headlights, a blind spot information system and active cruise control. However, we reckon it’s worth the upgrade to Titanium as you get climate control, automatic lights and wipers, part-leather seats, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 2017 Ford Kuga revealed as facelifted Escape: New looks, new Sync 3 Connect. Words by: The steering is very sharp, delivering excellent feel and there’s loads of grip and solid body control. Standard automatic, AWD and loads of bling, but crazy expensive. Equally, a small rear screen and large rear pillars tend to make reverse parking a little tricky.The Kuga is first and foremost a family car, so we don’t expect it to be flung around with unbridled abandon. You get more power and performance for sure, but neither are quite as sweet as this little 1.5-litre. At the same time, while the cabin is as spacious as it needs to be (excluding the colossal Honda CR-V), the general presentation and multimedia systems fall short of the class leaders, and the lack of a reversing camera below the Titanium seems cheap. With so many rivals, does it stand out. Although the rear bench doesn’t slide back and forth like in the Volkswagen Tiguan, you do get a reclining backrest to help ease your passengers’ neck muscles, should they fancy a bit of shut-eye. Some versions get a powered tailgate, which will no doubt come in handy if you regularly struggle with arms full of shopping and fractious toddlers.The cabin doesn’t have the sophistication or quality of a Volkswagen Tiguan or Peugeot 3008, but the infotainment system features rapid responses for both voice and touch commands, while the sharp graphics do help you feel like you are piloting a contemporary vehicle. 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