The 2011 Ford KUGA

November 4, 2010 - Flair and pomp marked the start of the bi-annual CMC Autorama, an event specifically showcasing their fledging line up; from the ultra luxury range rover SUV to the humongous earth movers : All were in display for enthusiasts and fans alike.

However CMC took this opportunity to launch Ford’s latest entry into the competitive compact SUV market, the Ford Kuga.

The Ford Kuga is potentially a best-seller for the Blue Oval brand. The compact SUV is thoroughly modern and trend-setting compared to its rivals and simply raises the bar in terms of its design, capability and utility.

As we, the media, eagerly awaited the official launch of the Kuga, we couldn’t help but to predict its looks, performance and ability to woo your driving instincts. We were not wrong!  Smashing through the paper wall in to the pavilion where anxious Ford executives sat and keenly observed the crowd response. Quite overwhelming I must say, made evident by the numerous flashing lights triggered from our cameras we clicked away and rolled film to Ford’s brand new baby.

EXTERIOR

Bearing Ford’s new design theme, the Kuga is a beautiful car, bold and smooth lines grace its streamlined body contours giving it an ‘in motion look’. The headlamps bears some resemblance to Kuga’s ultra fast sibling; the focus RS. Its trick opening tail gate is a wonder to behold as you can easily open the rear glass window without opening the gate which is relatively useful for one who would want to carry long cargo like planks and long pipes.

INTERIOR

Inside the Kuga’s reveals a spacious cabin which is airy and provides a feeling of comfort. The dashboard is simple and well laid out. Instruments and controls are well placed for ease of readability and use not forgetting being well within reach. Despite the extensive use of plastic, it still is very practical.

The seats are supportive and easily accommodate 5 passengers in relative comfort. Front and rear headroom are both adequate for tall a driver and co-driver. Ford claims front-seat headroom of 1008mm and 987mm in the rear. Legroom is also adequate for adults too. As if the front seats aren't already set too far back, Ford decided to shower the Kuga with gifts from their electrical department ; cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, auto on-off headlights, electro-chromatic rear view mirror, dual-zone climate control and Blue-tinted glass.

According to Ford's specs, the Kuga will hold 360 liters of luggage with the 60/40 split-fold rear seat upright, but with the rear seat folded flat, the luggage capacity expands to 1355 liters.
There's under floor storage in the luggage area that will swallow the storage blind and features numerous cubbies in the polystyrene foam template for stowing away smaller items. The polyfoam can be removed altogether for larger items to be stored under the car floor. Picnic tables in the rear fold up from behind the front seats and have a hole in each to hold a cup.
ENGINE

Under the hood lies an all too familiar engine block; fords ultra reliable straight five strapped to a low pressure turbo to give it that extra ‘oomph’. It churns out a steady 200bhp and wheel twisting torque of 320Nm which puts it at par with Subaru’s class leading rabid Forester XT at 320Nm and Land Rover’s rugged Freelander at 317Nm.

Mated to this advanced engine is a five speed triptronic auto box that does the work with ease, and just incase your younger self rears its ugly head, the triptronic facility enables you to unleash the Kuga’s devilish side, enabling you to wrestle control of all the gears to your preference, milking every existing power from the salient 5 cylinder engine.
Its all wheel drive system is reliable, fitted with a viscous coupling LSD (limited slip differential),power is split on a 50:50 basis to ensure maximum traction, with the Limited Slip Differential kicks in to intervene on very slippery surfaces.
SAFETY
On the safety front, the Kuga is fitted as standard with intelligent dual airbags, thorax-protecting side-impact bags, side curtains for the head protection of front and rear-seat passengers, break-away pedals, ABS, stability control, three point seatbelts and height-adjustable headrests for all seats.


VERDICT




A solid alternative to the established marques, good build quality, strong after sales service and impressive performance makes it a worthy alternative to the Subaru Forester and retails locally anywhere from 4.03 million bob, the Kuga offers more car for your money. Enough said.