FORD KUGA FINALLY CONFIRMED FOR MZANSI DEBUT

Ford is finally bringing the Kuga crossover SUV to Mzansi, three years after it launched in Europe. Better late than never we suppose. Thing is though, there’s a facelift Kuga out there, so maybe that’s what we are getting. We’ll see when it gets unwrapped at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS 2011).

Kuga competes in the reasonably-priced soft-roader family SUV category being run by the likes of Hyundai ix35, Chevrolet Captiva and Kia Sportage. Overseas it comes with a choice of three powerplants, which are the 2.5-litre Duratec turbo with 147kW, and two diesels in the 2.0-litre Duratorq worth 100kW and 120kW. We’ll only know which one Ford SA is bringing at JIMS.

“We are very excited to showcase the Kuga at JIMS for the first time in South Africa, and are looking forward to launch it to the local South African market,” says Ford Marketing Manager Ben Pillay. “The Kuga joins a highly acclaimed and successful vehicle portfolio that is recognised for its safety standards, quality and performance.”