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Car
Review
I
t
looks like it’s “game on” for the
local compact SUV segment with
almost every marque offering one
from their stable. And it looks like a
hotly contested one too; just picking
one out on looks alone will give you
a headache. Joining the melee is the
Ford Kuga, which is taking the local reins
from the Escape.
LOOKS
This is the second generation Kuga and
is a visual upgrade from the first. Based
very closely on the mildly aggressive
looking Vertrek concept, it’s now 81mm
longer, 8mm lower and 4mm narrower
than the superseded model, but still
shares the same wheelbase length. This
C1 platform is also used for the Focus and
C-Max, as well as the previous Mazda 3
and Volvo S40.
Class Act
The all newFORDKuga leads the pack in the battle of the local compact SUV.
POWER
The Kuga is shod with one of Ford’s new
engines from the EcoBoost family. It’s a
turbocharged 1.6 liter chunk that pushes
180ps and 240Nm of torque. These num-
bers undoubtedly look good for its class
and engine size, but feel somewhat disap-
pointing in reality. Maximum torque is
available from 2,500rpm, which is a little
higher than expected and when coupled
with the turbo lag, make the Kuga feel less
enthusiastic. But as a vehicle for young
families, there’s enough juice to do what’s
required. The gentler power delivery will
also help it sip less fuel.
DRIVE
Those familiar with Ford will be fa-
miliar with the dual clutch PowerShift
transmission. Here’s news – you won’t
get it. Instead it’s equipped with Selec-
I m a g e s :
Z a c h a r y H o