Ford is ready to tackle the extremely competitive S-segment SUV market with the introduction of the new generation Kuga. The crossover was already unveiled during this year Paris Motor Show and is now detailed ahead of its market launch against popular models like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage.
The all new Kuga offers SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. Kuga drivers can operate SYNC 3’s 8-inch touchscreen in the same way that they use their smartphones. A new interface features larger, easier to operate buttons and enables pinch and swipe gestures for the first time.
SYNC 3 also delivers SYNC AppLink for customers, enabling voice-activation from the driver’s seat of a range of smartphone apps that include Glympse, Aupeo, Spotify, MyBoxMan, HearMeOut, AccuWeather, and Los 40 Principales.
New Perpendicular Parking functionality enhances the semi-autonomous Active Park Assist technology specified by almost half of Kuga customers last year. Using additional ultrasonic sensors, Perpendicular Parking enables drivers to locate parking spaces alongside other cars as well as parallel to the road, and steers the vehicle into them while the driver controls the accelerator and brake.
The latest generation Ford MyKey technology allows new Kuga owners to programme a key for younger drivers that can inhibit incoming phone calls, restrict top speed, prevent deactivation of driver assistance and safety features, reduce audio system maximum volume, and disable the audio system altogether if occupants are not using safety belts. The enhanced MyKey system offers a greater number of choices in both the speed limiter and speed minder settings.
Kuga ST-Line delivers bold exterior and interior styling including unique alloy wheels and sport seat designs, the sportiest Kuga driving dynamics yet, with chassis enhancements including optimised suspension and steering for reduced body roll and sharper responses.
The upscale Kuga Vignale is offered in exclusive specification including unique Vignale pearlescent Milano Grigio exterior colour, unique hexagonal-quilted Windsor leather featuring prominent tuxedo-style stitching for the seats and door interiors.
Offering 64.2 mpg and 115g/km CO2, Ford’s 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine with six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive (FWD) delivers a 5 per cent fuel efficiency improvement compared with the outgoing 120PS 2.0-litre TDCi.
The Ford Performance-inspired new Kuga ST-Line and luxurious new Kuga Vignale also are available for the first time.
