The Ford Kuga Takes Center Space

The all-new Ford Kuga takes centre-stage of Ford's global strategy to expand the fast-growing European SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) market and offering an array of features:

·         Ford's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, including exclusive ‘Curve Control’

·         Segment first hands-free lift gate that operates with a gentle kicking motion

·         Class-leading fuel efficiency, including optional EcoBoost petrol engine

·         Ford SYNC with Emergency Assist.

Ford plans to leverage its global leadership in the SUV sector by delivering a comprehensive line-up of smarter vehicles to Europe.

The new Ford Kuga will be followed by the modern and innovative EcoSport, Ford's entry into the small SUV segment, and the Edge - a larger, more premium crossover that is a success in North America and other markets.

Ford has said it expects to sell more than one million SUVs in Europe in the next six years with SUVs accounting for 10 per cent of all Fords sold in the region by 2016. Since launching the first generation Ford Kuga in Europe in 2008, Ford has sold more than 300,000 units.

Production of the new Kuga started in late 2012 at Ford's assembly plant in Valencia, Spain. Just six months after going on sale, the new Kuga's North American counterpart the Ford Escape, has achieved its best ever sales year.

The Blue Ford Kuga 2.5

Class-Leading Drive-Ability

The ‘Smart AWD System’ pre-empts and assesses conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, re-adjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction.

The primary goal of the AWD system at low speeds is ‘traction’; at speeds above 30 km/h the AWD system is tuned to improve driving feel, handling and responses. A unique cluster display shows drivers the torque demand of each wheel at any moment when driving.

‘Ford Curve Control’ acts as a safeguard for drivers who have entered a bend with too much speed. The system moderates against severe under steer by aggressive braking and can, if the driver is still pushing their foot down on the accelerator, also reduce engine torque.

"Curve Control can support drivers if they find themselves in a situation where they are travelling too fast for the road conditions or layout," said Michael Nentwig, assistant chief programme engineer, C Cars, Ford of Europe. "The obvious example is on a curved slip road coming off a motorway. If the driver hasn't reduced speed sufficiently this system can step in and safely slow the vehicle down by around 16 km/h per second."

Dynamics and cornering control are improved by the introduction of the enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system developed with the Focus RS. This helps to deliver Ford's fun-to-drive DNA by applying a small amount of braking to inside wheels to assist drivers through fast bends.

Innovation

·         The Ford Kuga offers space for more luggage with ease of accessed.

·         Ford's hands-free tailgate can be opened or closed simply by a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper to either open or close the powered tailgate;

·         The new Kuga offers 46-litres more luggage compartment-space than the current model, while the rear seats fold flat in one movement.

"We've evolved the vehicle to incorporate more space and a faster silhouette, a more precise execution and a higher quality feel," said Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe.

Class-Leading Fuel Economy

New Ford Kuga will deliver class-leading fuel economy through significantly improved fuel efficiency from a powertrain line-up that, for the first time, includes EcoBoost engine technology. Petrol engine fuel consumption has been reduced by 25 per cent and diesel engine fuel consumption by 10 per cent.

New Ford Kuga offers a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine available as a front-wheel drive that achieves from 6.6 l/100 kms; and an AWD version that achieves 7.7 litres /100 km.

It also offers a 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine available with 140 PS in front-wheel drive and AWD versions offering from 5.3 l/100 km; and a 163 PS version that achieves 5.9 l/100 km.

Ford's low emission ECOnetic Technology reduces drag and cuts fuel consumption. AWD models will be available with automatic transmissions

Safety Features

·         New Ford Kuga was awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP after achieving an overall protection score of 88 per cent, the highest-ever for a mid-sized SUV.

·         The independent vehicle safety organisation awarded new Kuga an Advanced reward for Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance. Upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, Emergency Assistance uses the on-board GPS locator and Bluetooth-paired device to set up an emergency call and provide GPS co-ordinates, in the local language.

Further driver assistance technologies offered with new Ford Kuga include Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Active City Stop, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam, Driver Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Ford engineers used ultra-high strength steels in the body structure of the new Ford Kuga and a specially designed ring reinforcement around the panoramic roof to ensure rigidity and strength. New Kuga also offers Roll Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control.

"This is the most technology we have ever offered with a Ford car in Europe" said Michael Nentwig, assistant chief programme engineer, C Cars, Ford of Europe. "This helps new Kuga become a better car right across the board - and delivers a smarter SUV".

Courtesy Ford Europe