FORD KUGA NOW IN MZANSI

Unveiled at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS 2011), the facelift Kuga is now available in Mzansi. First launched in Europe in 2008, the Kuga is Ford’s answer to cars like the Chevrolet Captiva, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35. Featuring a turbo petrol engine and all-wheel-drive (AWD), Kuga seems able to go at least halfway into the bundu.

While Europe has a choice of two diesels as well, Mzansi will only be offered a 2.5-litre Duratec turbo petrol which gives off a satisfying and indeed, class-leading 147kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 320Nm between 1600rpm and 4000rpm. Partnered with it is a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Ford says Kuga will scrub off from standstill to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds, reach a top end of 202km/h and achieve an average fuel consumption of 10.3 litres per 100km from the 66 litre fuel tank. C02s are quite high at 244 g/km.

As a family SUV, Kuga has to be practical for everyday use as well. To this end, there’s a split tailgate for one, which gives separate access to the higher section of the boot without opening the whole rear door. The rear seats can be folded completely flat to store large items. There is no full-sized spare wheel unfortunately, so you’ll have to make do with a space saver.

The Kuga is 4.4 metres long, 2.1m wide including side mirrors, 1.7m high and features a wheelbase of 2.7m. Ground clearance is 188mm. In total, with rear seats folded, luggage space is 1355 litres. Wheels are 17-inch in the cheaper Trend, matched to 235/ 55 R 17 tyres, while the Titanium model is fitted with 18-inchers and 235/ 50 R 18 tyres.

Standard safety features applied in the Kuga include ABS with EBD, ESP. Other nice things include Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, full leather trim, an electric driver’s seat, power mirrors, rear parking sensors and automatic climate control among others depending on which of the two trims – Trend and Titanium – specified. Remember also that each is priced differently too.

Ford Kuga Pricing

Kuga Trend (R375 000)

Kuga Titanium (R395 000)