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Back to February 2012 Motorsports News Archive
| 20-02-2012 at 10:00: Ford Kuga | |
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“With the Ford Kuga we are delivering to customers a highly capable, expressive and charismatic vehicle,” said Brad Brownell, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford Australia. “The Ford Kuga will appeal to those customers looking for something a bit different and help extend Ford Australia’s model range. “Its distinctive design DNA – shared with other Ford products in our portfolio - Ford’s acclaimed on-road vehicle dynamics and premium-like product quality are just some of the highlights Ford Kuga will deliver to customers in this competitive market segment.” Importantly, the Ford Kuga customers will have peace of mind as the compact SUV will be available with myFord Capped Price servicing. Based on Ford’s acclaimed C-car architecture, already well proven in the Ford Focus, the designers and engineers have successfully integrated key driver and passenger requirements for a compact SUV into the distinctive design. The exterior is handsome and sporty; demonstrating how the company’s flexible design form language can be applied successfully to the crossover genre. Well-balanced and with good proportions, the dynamic Ford Kuga provides spacious accommodation for driver and passengers despite being based on a compact footprint. The Ford Kuga comes with full-time, ‘intelligent’ All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) and will be The engine is perfectly suited to the Ford Kuga – delivering 147 kW at 6,000 rpm and 320 Nm between 1,600 and 4,000 rpm. The Duratec engine delivers a fuel economy figure of 10.3 litres/100km (combined cycle: ADR81/02) and a CO2 output of 244 g/km. A high level of standard equipment includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with combined Anti Rollover Mitigation (ARM), and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), both significant driver assistance technologies, plus Ford Kuga models are equipped with a ‘Ford Power’ start button. The Ford Kuga also gains a strong safety structure that makes extensive use of high-strength steels, which helps contribute to a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. An Anti Rollover Mitigation (ARM) system is integrated into the DSC system to further increase driving safety. While ARM is braking the front wheels the engine torque is reduced to zero. These combined actions generate understeer and reduces the Ford Kuga’s road speed in order to reduce the lateral acceleration and minimise the possibility of a rollover. As soon as the potential rollover situation has passed ARM stops the braking and engine intervention for normal driving to resume. The DSC, and therefore its integrated systems, can be switched off by the driver via the info display screen in the driver’s console. However, for maximum safety, the ARM system will always remain active. The Ford Kuga has been styled and finished with a high level of attention to detail. Every aspect of the car has been designed and manufactured to promote positive emotional responses from the driver and passengers. Ford Kuga also demonstrates Ford’s acclaimed driving dynamics, a strong and competent safety pedigree, high levels of quality and craftsmanship and a competitive crossover package. A high seating position, ‘intelligent’ AWD and sensible stowage areas also make the SUV a very attractive proposition. “We’re confident that the Ford Kuga’s arrival will raise the bar in the hotly contested crossover segment,” Bob Graziano, President and CEO, Ford Australia, said. “The vehicle’s styling and a long list of features will appeal to customers across a number of segments.” The Ford Kuga adopts a bold face, with bold upper and lower trapezoid grilles and dramatic, swept-back headlamps. Below the lower trapezoid is a purposeful skid plate which further signals the car’s tough, off-road capability. Circular fog lamps situated either side of the lower grille are standard equipment on both series. The sculpted, muscular bonnet features distinctive power blisters which also strengthen the structural rigidity of the pressing. Underlying the Ford Kuga’s stylish exterior is an incredibly strong safety structure, which makes extensive use of high-strength steels that provide the SUV with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. When viewed in profile, the Ford Kuga is as athletic as a modern running shoe. Bold graphics are evident from front to rear, with a rising belt-line and kick-up at the rear window. Bold wheelarches are filled with standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the Trend with 18-inch alloy wheels available as standard on the Titanium. The bold wheelarches are linked by integrated rocker mouldings, which extend along both side doors and run parallel with the high, pronounced shoulder line. The side ‘undercut’ further highlights the dynamic intent. Collectively, these elements make the vehicle look muscular and strong. The unique door mirrors have integrated side indicators and the design has been optimised to deliver exceptionally good levels of Sound Quality and Vibration (SQ&V) as free airspace is created between the mirror housing and the door. Brushed aluminium-effect roof rails neatly top off the profile view and add symmetry to the chrome used on the waistline. A standard fixed panoramic glass roof section on the Titanium further adds a premium touch. With a wheelbase of 2690mm the overall footprint of the Ford Kuga is compact and its proportions are balanced by relatively short front and rear body overhangs. The rear design is equally purposeful and gives the vehicle a solid stance, and incorporates distinctive design signatures that make it instantly recognisable as a Ford. A rear diffuser-like skid plate extends visibly from beneath the rear bumper and houses the sporty-looking twin exhaust pipes, which are standard on both the Trend and Titanium. The lower skid plate also houses the low-slung fog lamps. The large, split rear lamps are a dominant horizontal feature of the rear end. Other neat details include a third LED brake light integrated into the body coloured rear spoiler and rear parking sensors blended into the painted bumper on Titanium models. Surfaces are kept clean and clear with the pair of large Ford ovals being supplemented only on the metalwork of the tailgate with distinctive badging. A carefully selected palette of eight exterior body colours has been chosen to complement the charismatic nature of the Ford Kuga. The exterior design features naturally incorporate a wealth of practicality that provides much more than first meets the eye. The ‘liftgate in liftgate’ tailgate offers maximum flexibility and convenience with separate access via micro switches to either the upper tailgate section only or both sections simultaneously. The size of the open upper section has been engineered to allow convenient access to the luggage compartment. When the upper section is opened access can be gained to the luggage area without having to move the standard tonneau cover, enabling smaller items to be placed in the luggage compartment quickly and easily. The quick-release tonneau cover can also be completely removed. The high ride height, large surface bumpers and tailgate design help avoid damage to the sheet metal during a low-speed rear impact. Ease of repair is also helped at the front by the use of plastic front mudguards. Not only does the use of plastic mudguards aid in overall vehicle weight saving, they also provide greater resistance to dents. A lower finishing panel in matt anthracite hugs the lower edges of the entire car, offering resistance to long-term dirt accumulation and providing a degree of protection against flying debris. It also visually enhances the off-road styling. The interior has a spacious feel, with or without the large panoramic glass roof fitted as standard on the Titanium model. The clean, ergonomic design of the instrument panel and centre stack converge into a large centre console for maximum accessible storage. All interior components contribute to a comfortable surrounding for the driver and front seat passenger. The high seat position contributes to the light and airy environment for front and rear passengers and provides the driver a commanding view of their surroundings. The bonnet is visible to the seated driver and front seat passenger and enhances the ‘on top of the road’ feeling. “With the Ford Kuga we wanted to give the driver and their passengers an ‘affordable yet premium’ finish with a range of complementary interior colours and high-quality finishes,” Smith said. The eye-catching interior incorporates fine leathers on the Titanium as well as the use of high-quality fabrics and gloss finishes on key areas in the Trend. Colour-matched details and integrated colours highlight the instrument panel and door trims, creating a complete, unified look of design-led quality and sportiness. Each of the two available series represents distinct choices for customers. Both the Trend and Titanium models offer ergonomically optimised cockpit layouts to make life behind the wheel as enjoyable as possible. On the Titanium, a highly contemporary ‘techno’ feel matches the vehicle’s top-of-the-range credentials, and is synonymous with the positioning of Titanium series on other recent Ford products. Black leather trim is offered on the Titanium as standard. The interior styling is perfectly complemented by attention to detail and the ergonomics of the primary controls; steering wheel, pedal positions and gear shifter as well as multiple seating positions, switches, in-car entertainment and infotainment features. All are carefully situated and all have their own special attention to detail. Everything from the amount of pressure that is necessary to activate the ‘Ford Power’ start button to the thumb indents on the steering wheel are all carefully considered to offer the most inviting and satisfying experience to both the driver and passengers. Other thoughtful additions include additional stowage areas for small items plus dedicated areas for drinks, sunglasses, coins, pens and three 12-volt power outlets for additional electrical devices. Supporting the car’s ‘cockpit’ feel driving position is a 6-way power adjustable seat for the driver in the Titanium that provides effortless adjustments for fore/aft, seating height and backrest recline. The foam used in the seats is designed to offer optimum comfort, ergonomic performance and support. This is complemented by a choice of seat trims including leather on the Titanium with increased ‘plus-padding’, an additional layer of foam immediately beneath the leather trim that provides added comfort. Detailed actions taken by the Sound, Quality and Vibration (SQ&V) team mean that any wind, road and powertrain noise has been specifically addressed. The result is that front and rear passengers can easily have a conversation across the cabin’s length without the need to raise their voices. A further interior enhancement is the addition of three 12-volt outlets, positioned in the centre console, at the rear of the centre console and in the rear cargo area. The second row seating has a 60/40 split and has been designed to fold completely flat to maximise the usefulness of the available load compartment in two-seat mode. There is also storage space under the second row seats, plus under the floor in front of the second row seats. A luggage compartment sill height of 758mm aids the loading of heavy items into the car. The new Ford Kuga offers a comprehensive array of in-car entertainment and infotainment features and systems. For added connectivity, the Sony single CD facility is enhanced with Bluetooth® voice control and connectivity for portable music and USB mass storage devices, which can be connected to the separate AUX-in socket located in the centre console. The Bluetooth® handsfree and voice control system enables voice control for a mobile phone, audio system and, in the Titanium, the Dual Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) system. Features include direct access to the phone book memory through the audio system and voice-controlled dialling for safer handsfree calling. Price: $38,990* – Trend – $44,990* – Titanium *Manufacturer’s List Price: This is the manufacturer’s list price for the vehicle only. A number of other components, including a dealer delivery fee, stamp duty, registration, compulsory third party (CTP) insurance and other statutory charges may be payable by a customer in relation to the purchase of this vehicle. As a manufacturer, Ford is not able to quantify the amount of these charges as they vary depending on a range of factors and individual circumstances, including the Ford Dealer the customer purchases the vehicle from, the State or Territory where that customer purchases the vehicle and the customer’s age, driving record and other personal factors. The final transaction price for the vehicle will be as negotiated by the customer with their chosen Ford Dealer. Technical specifications ModelFord Kuga TrendFive-door, five-seat compact SUVFord Duratec 2.5-litre five-cylinder, turbocharged, petrol Five-speed automatic ‘Intelligent’ All-Wheel Drive (AWD)Ford Kuga TitaniumEngineTypeFord Duratec 2.5-litre five-cylinder, petrolInductionSingle turbochargerMaximum power147 kW @ 6000 RPMMaximum torque320 Nm @ 1600 – 4000 RPMFuel consumption10.3-litres / 100km (combined cycle; ADR81/02)CO2 output244g / km (combined cycle; ADR81/02)Emission classEU5TransmissionGearbox5-speed automatic with sport and manual modesDrive systemIntelligent all-wheel drive (Haldex)ChassisConstructionUnitaryFront suspensionIndependent with MacPherson strutsRear suspensionControl Blade independent multi-link systemSteeringElectro-hydraulic Power-Assisted SteeringTurning Circle11.5 mWheels/TyresTrend17-inch alloy (7.5×17) / 235/55 R17 VTitanium18-inch alloy (7.5×18) / 235/50 R18 VSpareSpacesaver (steel)BrakesBrakingDual circuit, diagonally split, hydraulically operated front and rear with disc brakes. Vacuum servo-assisted with electronically controlled four-channel brake distribution ABS and optimised brake assist, DSC with rollover mitigation.Dimensions300 mm diameter ventilated (front) / 302 mm diameter (rear)Towing Capacity750 kg braked / unbrakedOff-road capabilitiesFording depth (maximum)450 mmApproach / departure angle21 degrees (front) / 24 degrees (rear)Ground Clearance188 mmDimensionsLength4443 mmWidth1842 mm / 2128 mm (without mirrors / with mirrors)Height1710 mm (including roof rails)Wheelbase2690 mmKerb weight1653 kg (Trend/Titanium)Track1575 mm / 1585 mm (front / rear)Fuel capacity66 litresLuggage volume360 litres (rear seatbacks upright)1355 litres (rear seatbacks/cushions folded)Shoulder room1422 mm (front)1395 mm (rear)Headroom1018 / 1008 mm (with / without panorama roof)996 / 987 mm (with / without panorama roof)Legroom1057 mm (front)950 mm (rear)Safety inclusions5-star ANCAP ratingIntelligent Protection SystemDriver and front passenger airbagsDriver and front passenger side thorax and pelvis airbagsSide curtain airbagsAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Anti-Rollover MitigationTraction controlEmergency Brake Assist (EBA)Emergency Brake Hazard Warning systemDriver and front passenger seatbelt reminderImmobiliser (EPATS – Encrypted Passive Anti-Theft System)‘Quickclear’ Heated Windscreen (Titanium only)
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The Kuga is Ford Australia’s latest entry into the highly competitive compact SUV market and promises a blend of rewarding on-road driving quality and surprising off-road capability.
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