Are they ready for the Kuga in Killyleagh? I am sure they are for we are all now quite used to these ’cross-over‘ vehicles that look like four-wheel drives but are mainly for use on the road.
You get the butch look and the high driving position that many people seem to like. As for the four-wheel drive, this just kicks in when needed – as it was on the rain-soaked roads of Andalusia during the launch. It gives added stability, will get you through the snow or out of a muddy field. That is just about what most people need.
The Kuga could be described as a Focus on stilts. Style it has in plenty with lots of eye-catching detail. Mind you, the shiny skid plate at the back with two exhaust pipes sticking out may be taking it a bit far for a two-litre diesel. Still, people are allowed to dream of owning a Cayenne, I suppose.
You cannot accuse Ford of offering yet another gas-guzzling Chelsea tractor. The diesel engine in the Kuga gives a decent rate of consumption, together with a respectable emissions figure. Once under way, it proved to be surprisingly quiet and refined.
There is a reasonable turn of speed from this engine through its slick six-speed manual gearbox and good flexibility from lower speeds. The Kuga inherits the poise of its Focus sibling and feels more drivable than most of this ilk. Obviously, its extra bulk will make it just a tad less agile than a lower set hatchback.
We covered several hundred miles in a very wet Spain without the Kuga putting a foot wrong. Deeper puddles were felt pulling on the sharp steering but it kept in a straight line. This is as much a tribute to the modern electronic aids than to the driver.
Inside, all feels light and airy with the usual Ford clear layout of controls and instruments. Good legroom in the front, slightly tighter in the rear and a good luggage compartment are provided. The tailgate is split folding, so you can stow smaller parcels through the upper part.
There are Zetec and Titanium options only, a hint that Ford is pitching its cross-over at the more profitable end of the market. Zetec comes with alloy wheels, a stop-start button, air conditioning, all electric windows and the latest aids such as anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability programme that cuts in when a skid is detected. Titanium adds luxuries such as partial leather, auto wipers, auto headlamps and tinted glass.
There are various upgrades available for extra cash to add features such as parking sensors, panoramic roof, luggage rails and full leather. A petrol version with a 200PS, five-cylinder engine will follow.
Kuga may have come late to the cross-over picnic but it can certainly cut it with the best of them in terms of style and on-road driving ability. Prices are stiff enough starting from £20,500 for the Zetec. There is no hint of cheaper, two-wheel drive versions to take on the Nissan Qasqai....well not yet.
Ford’s quality image has risen dramatically over recent years and the Kuga is certainly a premium machine.
AT A GLANCE
ENGINE – 2.0-litre common rail turbo diesel turning out 136PS
PERFORMANCE – Accelerates to 62mph in 10.7 seconds, top speed potential of 112mph
ECONOMY – 44mpg on combined cycle
EMISSIONS – 169 g/km carbon dioxide
TOWING LIMIT – 2,100kg
PRICE - £20,500 (Zetec) - £22,500 (Titanium)
