FORD KUGA

OVERVIEW

Manufacturer: Ford

Also called: Ford Escape (2012–present)

Production: 2008–present

• Body and Chassis

Class: Compact crossover SUV (C)

Body style: 5-door SUV

Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive

HISTORY

The Ford Kuga is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Ford since 2008. It is based on the C1 platform, which also forms the underpinnings of the Ford Focus and Ford C-Max. Both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are offered.

The Kuga was originally European-designed and sold in Europe and a few other markets, but beginning in 2012 for the 2013 model year, it was marketed in North America as the Ford Escape.

The vehicle name, Kuga, is reminiscent of the cougar, which was the name of another Ford division’s automobile, the Cougar. The final Mercury Cougar from 1998 to 2002 was sold outside of the United States as the Ford Cougar.

Kuga means plague in Serbo-Croatian and Slovenian. Its sales are reportedly lower in the region due to the unfortunate naming choice.

DESIGN

HELPING YOU STAY IN YOUR LANE

The Lane Keeping System uses a forward-looking camera to detect if you’re unintentionally drifting out of lane. Lane Keeping Aid provides gentle steering torque assistance to help guide you back into your lane. If your wheel touches the line or edge of the road, Lane Keeping Alert vibrates the steering wheel and displays a visual warning. The technology automatically deactivates at speeds below 40mph, or can be turned off manually.

LET KUGA DO THE PARKING

Parking in a busy street or a tight space can be tricky. But with Enhanced Active Park Assist, the New Ford Kuga makes it easier than ever. Available on models with automatic transmission, the system can identify a suitable parking space, and then automatically perform the entire parking and exit manoveres for you.

SEE WHAT’S COMING FROM EITHER SIDE

A small panoramic camera on the front of the Kuga relays a split-screen image to your SYNC 3 display so you can see vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians coming from either side. This front wide-view camera is invaluable if you’re edging out of a narrow parking space, or in a busy road where your view is obstructed.

EASIER REVERSING

Bollards, bicycles, low walls… The rear-view camera activates automatically when you select reverse gear and shows whatever’s behind you on your SYNC 3 display. As well as revealing objects you might miss, the system displays virtual lines that show your current path and help you park into the smallest of spaces. You can also switch to split-screen image that shows you what’s coming from either side of your SUV, making it easier to reverse out of tight spaces.

SPOTS THE ROAD SIGNS YOU MIGHT MISS

Whether the signs are at the side of the road or above it, permanent or temporary, Traffic Sign Recognition can identify them. Icons for speed limits and no-overtaking signs are displayed on the instrument cluster, alerting you to changing restrictions.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE KUGA

On the face of it, the Ford Kuga is bang on trend. Not only is it a large SUV with a hint of sportiness, it’s also available in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form to keep your running costs low and your green credentials high.

The plug-in hybrid version has a relatively long electric-only range between charges, and will be particularly tempting to company car drivers looking for cheap monthly benefit-in-kind tax bills. However, there’s also a range of petrol and diesel engines to suit most lifestyles, no matter whether your adventures top out at popping to the shops or towing a caravan from one end of the country to the other. And with several trim levels offered in the Ford Kuga’s line-up, you can balance value for money, luxury equipment and sportiness, too.

Of course, the large SUV class is crowded and competitive. If you’re looking for something with a regular petrol or diesel engine, the Mazda CX-5 and Peugeot 5008 might also be on your radar. Or, if you’re after something electrified, the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV all fit within the Kuga’s price range. You might even be considering something with a premium badge, like the Volvo XC40.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR KUGA?

• Maintain your engine

Maintaining your vehicle properly helps it lasts longer and run more efficiently. An oil and filter change is important, and should be done frequently.

Learn more about the benefits of scheduling maintenance at your dealership.

• Repair your exterior

If you are in an accident, promptly file an insurance claim and use the claim money to repair the damage as soon as possible. Waiting can allow rust to set in, leading to other more serious problems.

• Drive smart

Avoid aggressive driving, which can damage your vehicle and may decrease its resale value. Refrain from jackrabbit starts, fast stops, speeding and weaving through traffic, as well. Following these recommendations can help keep your brakes, engine, tires and suspension from wearing prematurely – and even help improve your fuel economy.

• Keep complete service records

Keep complete service and maintenance records, along with any other receipts for parts and accessories, so you can show prospective buyers that your vehicle is well cared for.

Source: wikipedia, ford.co, whatcar.