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The all-new
Ford Kuga unveiled in
Geneva builds on the huge success of the current model and introduces
new technologies as well as a more streamlined, stylish and spacious
design.
Technological improvements include the
introduction of a hands-free automatic tailgate which can be opened and
closed simply by kicking a foot under the rear bumper.
“Innovative technologies like the
hands-free automatic tailgate clearly set new Kuga apart from its
competitors,” said Ford of Europe’s chairman and CEO, Stephen Odell.
“But more importantly they provide customers with everyday advantages.
All-new Kuga is more spacious, dynamic and capable than the current
model, which continues to be popular with our European customers.”
Ford’s advanced voice control, device
integration and in-car connectivity system SYNC will also be available
from launch. It will include Emergency Assistance, which upon detecting
airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within
the car, uses the on board GPS locator and Bluetooth-paired device to
set up an emergency call and provide GPS co-ordinates, in the local
language, for the emergency response.
A range of driver assistance
technologies including the parallel parking aid Active Park Assist, and
sensor-based Blind Spot Information System, which indicates with a
warning light in the door mirror that a potential hazard is in the
driver’s blind spot, will also be available.
The all-new Ford Kuga features 442
litres of boot space (82 litres more than the current model), while the
rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button.
Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s
executive design director, said: “We’ve evolved the vehicle to
incorporate more space and a faster silhouette, a more precise execution
and a higher quality feel.”
The smart Ford Kuga AWD system
pre-emptively reassesses 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. Dynamics and cornering control are
improved by the introduction of the Torque Vectoring Control (TVC)
system first found on the new Focus.
Engines available from launch in the UK
in early 2013 include 140PS and 163PS versions of Ford’s popular
2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine, with Ford Powershift automatic gearbox an
option. Kuga will also offer the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine,
already available in Ford Focus and C-MAX and impressing with its strong
torque delivery and high fuel efficiency.
The all-new Ford Kuga launches
worldwide under the One Ford strategy, including in North America, where
it is badged Escape. The Kuga is one of 10 cars to be built on the same
medium car segment platform as the Ford Focus. |
