2008 Ford Kuga - Production review and pictures

Ford Kuga - Production review:

The all-new Ford Kuga, Ford`s first entry into the growing crossover segment, will go on sale in June 2008. Prices start from £20,495 for the Zetec and £22,495 for the Titanium.

The Ford Kuga is based on Ford`s acclaimed C-car architecture – well proven in both the Ford Focus and the Ford C-MAX. Distinctive design, intelligent AWD system, and impressive on and off-road ability make the Kuga an attractive proposition.

"I`m really excited about moving into this growing segment with such a stylish and capable vehicle. I`m confident that Kuga is going to give the competition a run for their money!" said Roelant de Waard, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain.

Powered by the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 136PS diesel engine with standard particulate filter and six-speed manual transmission, Kuga comes with full-time Haldex intelligent AWD system. The engine provides 320Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and 340Nm in transient overboost. With combined fuel consumption of 44.1mpg it also achieves class-leading levels of CO2 – 169 g/km.

Kuga is available in two specifications - Zetec and Titanium. Standard features include - keyless start, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Ford Easy fuel, Thatcham category 1 alarm and MP3 connector.

Titanium adds rain sensing wipers, blue tinted glass, partial leather trim, cruise control, automatic headlights and dual electronic air temperature control. Additional premium options available include, rear facing camera, panoramic roof, USB connectivity and DAB radio.

New features to the segment and to Ford include a dual split-tailgate design - offering flexibility and convenience with separate access to either the glass upper tailgate section only or both sections simultaneously.
The car is available in a choice of nine body colours including two brand new metallic colours – `Chill` and `Electric White.`

The eye-catching Kuga interior incorporates cloth or fine leathers and gloss finishes with a choice of shades. Colour-matched details of the interior design and integrated trim colours highlight the instrument panel and door trims, creating a complete, unified look of design-led quality and premium sportiness.

Kuga offers comfortable and spacious seating for up to five adults. The second row of seating has a 60/40 split and can fold completely flat to maximise the load space. Underseat storage beneath the second row with further storage under the floor of the luggage compartment area offers maximum practicality. The Kuga has a generous luggage capacity of 1,355 litres when in two-seat mode, while the enclosed luggage compartment achieves a volume of up to 410 litres.