Pricing for Ford’s new Kuga has been released, with the entry level model costing $27,990 (manufacturers list price).
Ford say the new SUV is the centrepiece of their strategy to expand into one of the fastest-growing segments by offering a range of high-tech features.
These technologies include:
– Segment-first voice-activated Ford ‘sync’ connectivity with segment-first emergency assistance
– Ford’s all-wheel drive system, including torque vectoring differentials
– Hands-free tailgate
– Standard ‘ecoboost’ petrol engine and TDCi turbo-diesel
Three models are available – Ambiente, Trend and Titanium.
The powertrain choices are:
1.6-litre ‘ecoboost’ engine
2.0-litre Duratorq turbo-diesel
In the Ford Kuga, petrol engine fuel consumption has been reduced by 25% and diesel engine fuel consumption by 10%, compared to the previous-generation Ford Kuga.
The new 1.6-litre ‘ecoboost’ petrol engine is available in two states of tune – 110 kW / 240 Nm and 134 kW / 240 Nm. All petrol-engine Ford Kugas also have active grille shutters to aid fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
The Ford Kuga also introduces fuel efficient stop / start technology. This smart technology is available in the six-speed manual-only Ambiente model, with the 110 kW 1.6-litre engine.
A more powerful version of this engine, developing 134 kW, is available in all-wheel drive Ambiente, Trend and Titanium models.
The 110 kW engine is a true fuel miser, achieving a combined fuel efficiency figure of 6.7 litres / 100km (ADR 81/021).
The higher output 134 kW engine achieves a combined fuel economy figure of 7.7 litres / 100km (Ambiente AWD) and 8.0 litres / 100km (Trend and Titanium AWD).
To assist fuel efficiency on the petrol models, Ford’s active grille shutter is employed on the 1.6-litre petrol models to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency.
Apart from the 1.6-litre petrol engine, customers will also be able to specify Ford’s proven 2.0-litre Duratorq turbo-diesel, which develops 120 kW and 340 Nm.
The 2.0-litre TDCi engine delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 6.3 litres / 100km (Trend) and 6.4 litres / 100km (Titanium) and a CO2 figure of 166 g/km (Trend) and 168 g/km (Titanium).
With the arrival of the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, Ford’s proven ‘ecoboost’ technology is now available not only in the Ford Kuga, but Focus ST, Mondeo and Falcon.
“The Ford Kuga is the first Ford vehicle in Australia to feature emergency assistance across the range,” says David Katic, general manager, marketing, Ford Australia.
“This technology has already proven a life-saver in North America. It provides our Ford Kuga customers with peace of mind.”
The Ford ‘sync’-based emergency assistance system uses the driver’s own mobile phone and runs in the background once the phone is properly paired with sync.
Upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, emergency assist uses the on-board GPS locator and bluetooth-paired device to institute an emergency call and can provide GPS co-ordinates to the emergency services.
A comprehensive list of active and passive safety features are available, including seven airbags (including driver’s knee airbag), dynamic stability control with ABS, trailer stability function and hill launch assist, brake assist and rear parking sensors.
Further driver-assistance technologies are available in the Ford Kuga as part of an optional $2650 technology pack on the Trend and Titanium models. The technology pack includes:
– Active city stop
– Adaptive cruise control
– Blind spot information system
– Lane keeping aid
– Lane departure warning
– Auto high beam control
– Driver impairment monitor
MLP prices for the new Ford Kuga are as follows:
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