Geneva 2008: Ford Kuga

[Overheat]

Ford has confirmed UK pricing for the Kuga: it'll start from £20,495 when it goes on sale in June.

The Focus-based crossover will come in Zetec or Titanium trim, and will initially be available only with the 136bhp/236lb ft 2.0 TDCi diesel engine (44.1mpg and 169g/km of carbon dioxide) though other engines will follow. It has a Haldex clutch system giving full-time four-wheel-drive.

The Kuga is a five-seater and has 60:40 split/flat-folding rear seats, under-seat and under-floor storage compartments, and a cargo capacity of up to 1355 litres with the rear seats folded. The split-tailgate design incorporates a separately-opening rear glass panel.

Zetec specification includes keyless ignition, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, stability control, an MP3-compatible stereo and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm. Titanium models (from £22,495) add rain-sensing wipers, tinted glass, part-leather trim, cruise control, automatic headlights and dual electronic temperature control.

Options on offer include rear-view cameras, a panoramic roof, digital radio and USB connections, and there are nine paint colours to choose from, including new metallic 'electric white'.

[IceBone]

It still means "plague" in slovenian.

[amdforever]

Originally Posted by IceBone

It still means "plague" in slovenian.

Really? LOL.

Even in English, Kuga still sounds retarded.

[AiR]

I think Kuga works really well, it's the XC60's less expensive sister.

[Overheat]

just reminds me of Cougar - now there's a quality Ford

[Speedtouch]

^ Oh I see what you did there...

Looks pretty good I say. I really like the Qashqai, so this should give it something to fight off.

[NecroJoe]

Originally Posted by Overheat

just reminds me of Cougar - now there's a quality Ford

You mean the american car that was on the Ford Mondeo platform, which has kinda always been known as a pretty descent driving car? World's lightest V6 when it was released? The car that Jeremy Clarkson said he'd buy over an Alfa? (He'd rather drive the Alfa home, but if it were his own money..."

Sorry...I love mine. Have to stick up for it.

[Whappeh]

I am willing to bet that would sell well in the United States if it was Left Hand Drive and sold as is.

[bartboy9891]

Originally Posted by Whappeh

I am willing to bet that would sell well in the United States if it was Left Hand Drive and sold as is.

I hear the new Escape is craptastic to drive compared to the new one, as long as this is similar in size then Ford could have a replacement on their hands.

[NecroJoe]

Originally Posted by bartboy9891

I hear the new Escape is craptastic to drive....

And it's ugly, to boot!

[argatoga]

Originally Posted by Overheat

just reminds me of Cougar - now there's a quality Ford

I liked the look of the Cougar. I also like the Kuga, but the rear is a bit iffy.

[NecroJoe]

This cougar on the other hand...not a good cougar...

[Plexface]

Kuga kinda sounds like some evil monster that people in Horror movies pray to.. Like Dagon (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264508/plotsummary - yeah, I watched it )

[Ruthi]

I think i would happily prefer my fiesta to that, and that is saying something.

[Pedrocas]

Looks like a Nissan Qashqai.

[tigger]

So they stuck the AWD system in a Focus-based CUV, instead of actually using it in the Focus? Oh Ford .