The new Ford Kuga premium compact SUV has been revealed at the ongoing Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The new Kuga features a host of changes, which include a significant face-lift, Ford’s new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, new driver assistance technologies, freshened up interiors and a new 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine.
The face-lift adds a large upper trapezoidal grille and a smaller lower grille are flanked by new headlamps incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights and complemented by new fog lamps. Restyled tail-lights complete the fresh look, while a new range of 17- 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs also will be available in variety of finishes.
The new Kuga’s interiors are said to be more ergonomic and comfortable than before. The steering wheel and air-conditioning controls now feature fewer and more easily distinguishable buttons and switches, while the steering wheel is also offered with heated leather. Besides, all automatic variants of the new Kuga models will now feature paddle-shift controls. New convenience features include an electronic parking brake, a door lock indicator and a Hands-Free Tailgate that can be opened or closed using a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper.
The new Ford Kuga will allow drivers to control audio, navigation, and climate functions plus connected smartphones using simple, more conversational voice commands, with Ford’s new SYNC 3 connectivity system which employs an 8-inch touchscreen with a new interface that 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.
A new 120PS strong 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine is introduced, offered with front-wheel drive, and Ford is targeting a fuel efficiency improvement for the new engine of about 5 per cent while producing the same power. Also available will be a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with 150PS in front-wheel drive and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive versions, along with a 180PS Intelligent All Wheel Drive version which adjusts the amount of torque sent to each wheel, optimising handling and traction especially in slippery conditions.
