Kuga is starting to look like a little old-actor model than the luminous as Chair Ateca and Nissan Qashqai. No doubt, Ford expects a bold new look, more efficient engines and the latest technology will see the old boy back on top form.
Auto Trader verdict:
In terms of driving pleasure, improved chassis ST-Line locates near Kuga, maybe even above, the compact SUV class. While fresh styling has been sharpened outer appearance, change to the latest operating system SYNC3 is in a huge positive. However, the 1.5-liter Ecoboost petrol engine is no great shakes and does not need to be hampered by a four-wheel-drive and automatic gearbox rather awkward, so you would be better off with a diesel version of the front wheels. Our biggest concern is reserved for Kuga interior, though. There are several upgrade the material, but too much cheap plastic remains, and together with the lack of design flair, the cabin now feels massively outnumbered by too many similarly priced rivals.
Need to know:
- On sale now priced from £ 20 845
- New sporty ST-Line and upgrade technology
- Available as two and four-wheel-drive
It's fair to say that Ford has been rather slow in responding to the explosion in sales of SUVs, but it finally seems to be getting its act together. In recent months, we have seen little Eco Sport and Edge magnificent drawn from diverse areas of the kingdom of Ford in an effort to increase the portfolio of UK SUV.
Of course, the Kuga is built in Europe and have been sold here for donkeys years, but it has largely been overshadowed in recent times by many shiny new deals. But now, there is an all new.
Well, it was over the top and tail of work, with a new nose, revised tailgate and multiple flash lighting, all aimed to add a dash of panache, and bring it in line with the appearance of the Kuga brothers larger Edge.
To be fair, Kuga does not really require a lot of fettling in terms of the basic architecture, as the overall dimensions and interior space is generally equivalent to the class norm. It needs some clean engine and some of the latest technology, however.
To this end, Ford has added the latest SYNC3 system, which features a faster response for both voice commands and touch, along with a more intuitive menu displays sharper graphics, as well CarPlay Apple and Android integration Auto.
There are also trim line-up, including the all-singing all-dancing Vignale, featuring lots of leather and luxury seats, and the ST-Line, with kit subtle body, decrease 10mm higher ride and damper uprated, making it an option sportiest in the line-up.
The new machine includes a pair of bumps turbocharged 4-cylinder 1.5-liter - one diesel and one petrol, and the initial impetus we see we take a spin in a version without lead.
Hopefully, the Kuga is the latest sign that Ford is back to his best: building motors that drive and respond in a way that is intuitive and easy.
Kuga is first and foremost a family car, so we did not expect to toss around with unbridled abandon. However, there is no doubt that if the car handles, respond to and engage with the driver, then it is all the safer for it. In this case, Kuga ST-Line is right up there with the best.
To start, steering wheel tightly connected, giving the feel of a very good and showed a natural flow, both in turn and back to the center. Ally precision for sweet-rated suspension provides an excellent blend of comfort and control, then throw in a lot of grip, and you end up with a car that is light and easy to drive in town, but flows along the twisting country roads with ease that would put many sports cars to shame.
Praised the 1.5 Ecoboost engine is not so simple, however. Associated with the standard six-speed automatic gearbox and stimulate weight, power drain four-wheel drive system, though honorable in power output of paper, never felt like it was going to win traffic light running race. This is not altogether a bad machine, but it requires quite a stiff kick to get motivated. Once the revs climb introduced many boomy resonance into the cabin.
Not the sharpest automatic gearbox: it managed to generate a lot of bumps as it shifts, but it is also prone slurring lines, so it feels like the engine revs are accelerating but not much else happens.
In front, there was about as space offered as a hatchback family - not surprising, given the close relationship with Focus Kuga - and there is also a reasonable amount of head, legislative and elbow-room in the back. Although the rear seat does not slide back and forth like the Volkswagen Tiguan, you at least get a break lay back to help relieve neck muscles of your passengers' if they should be like a little shut eye.
Unfortunately, although Ford considers it has added some ingredients plusher, too many hard plastic fixed and the overall design looks pretty tired. In too many areas, it does not have the product quality and the Volkswagen group just light years behind the design talent found in the latest Peugeot 3008.
As for the boot, it was a decent size - although you may have to fiddle around to fit in with the stroller - and there is a flat floor flush with the loading lip, so at least it's easy to slide things in and out. There is also the option of a powered tailgate, which will no doubt be useful if you regularly struggle with arms full of shopping and toddlers offended.
Given that we’re not fans of this particular Kuga, we’d probably give it a wide berth, but that’s not to say we would dismiss the Kuga out-of-hand.
The ST-Line’s wonderful chassis, married to a front-wheel-drive diesel engine would no doubt solve the vast majority of the shortfalls we’ve highlighted. Plus, you’d save a shed load of cash.
Clearly, a change of motivation won’t address the shortcomings of the ageing cabin, but there is still much to admire about the Kuga. It’s a robust, comfortable and very usable nuclear family car. What’s more, if you occasionally like to shake off the shackles of family life, it’s also a surprisingly exhilarating driver’s car.
Key facts:
- Model: Ford Kuga 1.5 Ecoboost ST-Line
- Price: £ 30 180
- Engine: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 6-speed auto
- Power / torque: 180bhp / 177lb ft
- 0-62mph: 10.1 seconds
- Top speed: 124mph
- Economy: 38.2mpg
- CO2 / BIK tax liability: 171g / km / 31%
- Boot space: 456 liters
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