- All-New Kuga – Safe, Smart, Efficient
- All-new Kuga powertrains offer significant fuel efficiency gains with; turbocharged EcoBoost petrol and diesel engines now available
- All-new Kuga offers smart technology with Active Park Assist and segment-first hands-free tailgate
- South African debut of Ford’s global intelligent all-wheel drive system and Curve Control
- All-new Kuga achieves Euro NCAP five-star safety rating with features like Active City Stop, Lane Keeping Aid and Blind Spot Information System
PRETORIA, South Africa, 18 March 2013 – The all-new Ford Kuga debuting in South Africa this month is set to shatter the myth that an SUV can’t be green, high-tech, capable and exceptional all at once.
The all-new Kuga offers ample space, a sharp design, enhanced driving dynamics, fuel efficient engines and a host of clever technologies including SYNC™, Ford’s ‘open sesame’ handsfree automatic tailgate, Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, Active City Stop, Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Indication System and more.
The launch of the all-new Kuga sees the introduction of a new range of engines including a turbocharged 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. Both powertrains produce outstanding performance, impressive fuel economy and low emissions.
“The all-new Kuga line-up is well-rounded and comprehensive with a host of fantastic features that make it the perfect choice for families. Ford’s smart technologies offer extensive safety and convenience benefits that will be welcomed in this market,” says Ford Marketing Manager Gavin Golightly.
Impressive fuel economy
The all-new Kuga delivers impressive fuel efficiency from a powertrain lineup that, for the first time, includes EcoBoost engine technology.
The 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is available with a two power output levels. The 110 kW version is available in FWD and is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This equated to impressive fuel consumption figures of just 6.6 l/100 km on a combined cycle run while emitting just 154 g/km CO2.
The 134 kW derivatives is available in AWD and is paired with 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. This version uses 7.7 l/100 km of fuel on combined cycle while emitting 179 g/km.CO2.* Both variants produce 240 Nm of torque between 1600 and 4000 rpm.
The all-new Kuga is also available with a 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine producing 120 kW and 340Nm between 2000 and 3250rpm. It features AWD and features Ford’s 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission with SelectShift. It uses 6.2 l/100 km and emits 162 g/km CO2.
Ford’s low emission ECOnetic Technology features available across the line-up includes Eco Mode, Gear Shift Indicator and Active Grille Shutter that reduces drag and reduces fuel consumption.
Dynamic driving ability
The all-new Kuga’s smart AWD system pre-emptively assesses conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction.
The primary goal of the AWD system at low speeds is traction; at speeds above 30 km/h the AWD system is tuned to improve driving feel, handling and responses. A unique cluster display shows drivers the torque demand of each wheel at any moment.
Ford Curve Control acts as a safeguard for drivers who have entered a bend with too much speed. The system mitigates against severe understeer by braking in a controlled manner and can, if the driver is still pushing their foot down on the accelerator, also reduce engine torque.
“Curve Control can support drivers if they find themselves in a situation where they are travelling too fast for the road conditions or layout,” adds Golightly. “The obvious example is on a curved slip road coming off the highway. If the driver hasn’t reduced speed sufficiently this system can step in and safely slow the vehicle down by around 16 km/h per second.”
Dynamics and cornering control are improved by the introduction of the enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system developed with the Focus. This helps to deliver Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA by applying a small amount of braking to the inside wheels to assist drivers through sharp bends.
Engineered for outstanding safety
The all-new Kuga was awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP after achieving an overall protection score of 88 per cent, the highest-ever for a mid-sized SUV.
Further driver assistance technologies offered as optional extras with the all-new Kuga include Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Active City Stop, Lane Keeping Aid, and Lane Departure Warning.
Ford engineers used ultra-high strength steel in the body structure of the Kuga and specially designed ring reinforcement around the panoramic roof to ensure rigidity and strength. The all-new Kuga also offers Roll Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control.
All models in the line-up feature seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat attachments, Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP).
Innovation inside and out
The all-new Kuga combines striking design with practical functionality. Making use of the continually evolving kinetic design themes, designers created a sleek silhouette with a lean athletic feel thanks in large part to the fast windshield angle and dynamic roofline. The overall appearance of the all-new Kuga continues to offer a muscular stance thanks to the pronounced wheel arches and raised beltline. The slim upper grille opening emphasizes the vehicles width, while the three-dimensional hood highlights the Ford oval and the three-section trapezoidal grill signifies the new face of Ford.
The design was carefully considered explains Golightly: “We’ve evolved the vehicle to incorporate more space and a faster silhouette, a more precise execution and a higher quality feel.”
The interior of the all-new Kuga is sophisticated with soft touch surfaces, contoured seats, and electroplated metal finishes.
The all-new Kuga offers ample luggage space with rear seats folding flat in one movement.
Stowing different types of cargo is made easier with the space and smart features available in the SUV, including an umbrella holder, second-row floor bin and ticket holder in each sun visor.
The centre console has space to hold a 1.5-litre bottle, MP3 player or CDs, while eight cupholders are positioned throughout the cabin – four in the front and rear doors, two in the front centre console and two in the optional folding second-row armrest. Convenient USB ports are located in the centre console and a 230-volt power converter is located at the back of the floor console for easy plug-in of laptops, cell phone chargers or other electronics.
Comprehensive range
Six derivatives make up the all-new Kuga range with three spec levels on offer. The entry level Ambiente is well equipped with features such as power heated side mirrors, front and rear fog lamps, 17” alloy wheels, Auto-Start-Stop (FWD models only) , Ford Keyless push button start, EcoMode, SYNC™ with Bluetooth and Voice Control, steering wheel audio controls and cruise control to name just a few.
Over and above those features the Trend models adopt auto folding mirrors with puddle lamps, rear parking sensors, leather sports seats, Sony Audio system with nine speakers, 4.2” TFT (Thin-Film Transitor) screen and Dual Electronic Air Temperature Control.
The Titanium models are sumptuously equipped with 18” alloy wheels, BiXenon headlamps, including auto headlamps with auto high beam, auto headlamp levelling, static cornering lights and Daytime Running Lights, rear LED tail lamps, rain sensing wipers, Roll Stability Control with Curve Control and smart keyless entry with handsfree ‘open sesame’ tailgate.
The hands-free powered tailgate is a helpful feature for customers who have their hands full when loading or unloading their vehicle. In order to open or close the tailgate, the customer simply needs to wave their foot under the rear bumper of the car with the key in their possession.
Packed with an even wider range of features is the Titanium Option Pack available as an option on all Titanium models.
A vast array of safety technologies are available with this pack including Active City Stop. The system uses a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor to help drivers avoid a collision when driving in queues. It does this by continually measuring the distance to the vehicle in front when it is within its 12 metre range. If a vehicle in the traffic ahead slows down or stops without the driver noticing, this could lead to an incident. Active City Stop, which is active at speeds up to 30 km/h assists the driver by safely braking the car automatically.
Also available is Adaptive Cruise Control with collision warning and a brake support integrated system that allows the driver to set the vehicle’s speed and maintain it without using the accelerator pedal. It uses radar sensors to detect moving vehicles ahead and warns the driver of collision risks.
Active Park Assist is an intuitive parking assist system which will help drivers to parallel park. When activated (by pressing the button on the centre console), the system uses the front and rear parking aid ultrasonic sensors to identify if a gap is large enough to park in. The steering is operated completely by the Active Park Assist system, while the driver controls the brake and throttle.
Other smart safety features offered as part of the Titanium Option Pack are the Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid systems. The Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if they are about to exit their lane if they have not used the indicator to signal they will be doing this. The driver is warned by a vibration which is felt through the rim of the steering wheel.
In addition to the warning provided the Lane Keeping Aid provides steering torque assistance to steer the vehicle back into its lane, if the driver did intend to change lanes the steering assistance can easily be overridden by steering firmly in the direction they want to travel.
Further ensuring the drivers safety on the road is the all-new Kuga’s Blind Spot Information System. It uses radar sensors in the rear bumper edges to identify vehicles that are hidden from view in the driver’s blind spot. The system alerts the driver to any approaching or already hidden vehicle via an indication light in the corner of the side mirror.
Completing the Titanium Option Pack are a power opening panoramic roof and 19” alloy wheels. The features that make up the Titanium Option Pack can only be purchased as part of this pack and cannot be obtained separately.
“The all-new Kuga features an array of fantastic driving features that are designed to make customers lives safer and easier. These progressive technologies ensure our customers receive a premium experience but at an attainable price,” concludes Golightly.
The all-new Kuga comes with a 4-year / 120 000km comprehensive warranty, a 4-year / 80 000km service plan on petrol derivatives and a 4 year /90 000km service plan on diesel derivatives.. Added piece of mind comes in the way of a 3-year /unlimited km roadside assistance plan while service intervals are staggered at 20 000km on petrol derivatives and 15 000km on diesel derivatives.
