What's with these stupid names for SUVs?

Kowalski · July 19th, 2007, 2:37 PM

First you had the Vauxhall Antara, then the Nissan Qashqai, then simultaneously the Volkswagen Tiguan and Citroen C-Crosser and now the ultimate offence:

Ford has released a sketch of its new mid-sized 4x4, and a name: Kuga

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/3376/carscoopfordkuga123act6dl3.jpg

Ford is reviving an old name - but with a new spelling - for its first European 4x4. The Kuga will appear at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and it's the latest model to feature Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ language. The look has been pioneered by Ford Europe’s executive design director Martin Smith, and it was first seen on the Iosis concept that previewed the current Mondeo.

The Kuga, which was first shown as the Iosis X at last year's Paris show, has survived to production looking remarkably like the concept at first glance. Out go the suicide doors and high-mounted wing mirrors, but the car looks distinctive. We'll have to see it in the metal to be sure, and no doubt it'll come on smaller wheels.

Although we can't see the interior yet, it will be a lot more restrained than the concept's. Gone are the individual bucket seats and centre console running the length of the car. But taking the new Mondeo as an indication, expect a well built and high-quality dashboard.

The Kuga is based on the Ford Group's C1 platform, which underpins the Focus and Volvo S40/V50, meaning this 4x4 will borrow the Swedes' four-wheel drive system. Conversely, Volvo will also produce the XC60 from this platform.

CAR Online was told last September by Gunnar Herrmann, Ford of Europe’s vehicle line director, that the Kuga will be available from launch with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. The Focus ST will also lend its five-cylinder turbocharged unit to the Kuga, whilst a hybrid is on the cards.

Herrmann also claimed the Kuga will rewrite the handling rulebook for the segment (he would, wouldn't he?). It'll need to be good, as Ford is very late to the compact 4x4 party. The Japanese (Toyota, Honda, and Nissan) have dominated the sector since the launch of the Toyota Rav4 in the early 1990s.

Only now are the European manufacturers catching up. Vauxhall has recently launched the Antara, we've seen official pictures of the VW Tiguan, Peugeot 4007, Citroen's C-Crosser, and we’ll soon have the Renault Koleos.

The Kuga will be built in Germany and Ford hopes to produce 60,000 cars per year. It will be launched in spring 2008 with prices starting around £18,000. CAR Online will be at the Frankfurt show this autumn, where we'll bring you our first verdict on the Kuga the moment the covers are whisked off on 11 September.

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9025/e1cd8ca691e207e1tz5.jpg

Source: http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_o...sid=875&page=1

And don't forget that later this year, the Bloody French will introduce the Renault Koleos.

bartboy9891 · July 19th, 2007, 5:30 PM

Because companies want their SUVs to sound more exotic, fun and adventurous. It's funny how the sketch looks nothing like the real thing.

No Boss · July 19th, 2007, 5:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kowalski

Somebody spunked on it.

Cobol74 · July 19th, 2007, 5:52 PM

Someone somewhere was paid a great deal of money to come up with that - Can I have his/her job please, lets face it even I could not do a worse one? I usually like what Ford in Europe do. .... I hope is 'goes' properly. ...

Magnet · July 19th, 2007, 5:52 PM

Who the fuck keeps buying this shit?

Blind_Io · July 19th, 2007, 6:14 PM

"Kuga?" Is that a bastardization of "Cougar?" Because the Cougar was a high-end luxury pony car.

Friggin urbanization of the language is pissing me off.

Donington · July 19th, 2007, 7:13 PM

This could be the most pointless car ever. Who would buy this when you could have a C-Max, an S-Max, or if you have too many children, a Galaxy? Why couldn't they just have made a 4x4 S-Max like the Scenic RX4 or the Seat Freetrack?

I bet they sell about four then cancel it.

Karoug · July 19th, 2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnet

Who the fuck keeps buying this shit?

Stupid people...

-Cpt. J.- · July 19th, 2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karoug

Stupid people...

Wich brings us back to the question "What's with these stupid names?"
They represent the owner. images/smilies/smile.gif

epp_b · July 20th, 2007, 7:35 AM

Stupid vehicles call for stupid names...

LeMans GTR · July 20th, 2007, 9:06 AM

Looks like a jacked up mondeo estate.

Karoug · July 20th, 2007, 9:24 AM

I'm having the same issues with SUV's, that I think we all have with caravans... I hate them...

Vette Boss · July 20th, 2007, 9:54 AM

They need to come up with names as stupid as the people driving them.

Deanodriver · July 20th, 2007, 10:00 AM

So this is like a Ford Escape, is it?

The styling ain't bad, but the name is meh.

Narcolepsy · July 20th, 2007, 4:13 PM

Antara, Qashqai, Tribeca, Murano, Koleos, Kuga, Rav4, CRV, MKX, RDX, Q5, X3, X1, Seriously - way to saturate a market. Terrific names too. Good thing, I'm sure billions have been jonesing for small SUVs that have road tires, no offroad ability, carry little, and are more expensive, slower, and no more practical than comprable saloons.

The auto industry is REALLY trendy - damn.

Martyn · July 20th, 2007, 4:31 PM

http://www.sniffpetrol.com/2007/07/2...niker-madness/

images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Deanodriver · July 20th, 2007, 5:11 PM

The name actually reminds me of the Nissan Fuga.

Mopar Man · July 21st, 2007, 2:46 AM

I've noticed that too. It seems only the U.S auto makers that have good names for their SUV's.

Ex - Jeep Liberty, Jeep Commander, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Chrysler Aspen, Chevrolet Trailblazer.

And that whole Kuga thing, I bet they meant to name it "Cougar" but just got a British guy to say it, lol.

zaybxcwd12 · July 21st, 2007, 3:44 AM

Got to give them credit for the name, got that Swedish Ikea flair.

UMass · July 21st, 2007, 7:43 PM

Kuga or Kuger or Cougar

July 19th, 2007, 2:37 PM	#1
Kowalski Joined: Jan 6th, 2005 Last Online: 11:37 AM Location: Manchester -UK Posts: 293 Car: It's German, it's an estate, it's got a V6 and DSG Rep Power: 0	What's with these stupid names for SUVs? First you had the Vauxhall Antara, then the Nissan Qashqai, then simultaneously the Volkswagen Tiguan and Citroen C-Crosser and now the ultimate offence: Ford has released a sketch of its new mid-sized 4x4, and a name: Kuga Ford is reviving an old name - but with a new spelling - for its first European 4x4. The Kuga will appear at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and it's the latest model to feature Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ language. The look has been pioneered by Ford Europe’s executive design director Martin Smith, and it was first seen on the Iosis concept that previewed the current Mondeo. The Kuga, which was first shown as the Iosis X at last year's Paris show, has survived to production looking remarkably like the concept at first glance. Out go the suicide doors and high-mounted wing mirrors, but the car looks distinctive. We'll have to see it in the metal to be sure, and no doubt it'll come on smaller wheels. Although we can't see the interior yet, it will be a lot more restrained than the concept's. Gone are the individual bucket seats and centre console running the length of the car. But taking the new Mondeo as an indication, expect a well built and high-quality dashboard. The Kuga is based on the Ford Group's C1 platform, which underpins the Focus and Volvo S40/V50, meaning this 4x4 will borrow the Swedes' four-wheel drive system. Conversely, Volvo will also produce the XC60 from this platform. CAR Online was told last September by Gunnar Herrmann, Ford of Europe’s vehicle line director, that the Kuga will be available from launch with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. The Focus ST will also lend its five-cylinder turbocharged unit to the Kuga, whilst a hybrid is on the cards. Herrmann also claimed the Kuga will rewrite the handling rulebook for the segment (he would, wouldn't he?). It'll need to be good, as Ford is very late to the compact 4x4 party. The Japanese (Toyota, Honda, and Nissan) have dominated the sector since the launch of the Toyota Rav4 in the early 1990s. Only now are the European manufacturers catching up. Vauxhall has recently launched the Antara, we've seen official pictures of the VW Tiguan, Peugeot 4007, Citroen's C-Crosser, and we’ll soon have the Renault Koleos. The Kuga will be built in Germany and Ford hopes to produce 60,000 cars per year. It will be launched in spring 2008 with prices starting around £18,000. CAR Online will be at the Frankfurt show this autumn, where we'll bring you our first verdict on the Kuga the moment the covers are whisked off on 11 September. Source: http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_o...sid=875&page=1 And don't forget that later this year, the Bloody French will introduce the Renault Koleos.

July 19th, 2007, 5:30 PM	#2
bartboy9891 I'm not Moe Joined: Dec 1st, 2004 Last Online: November 17th, 2009 Location: University of Michigan Age: 20 Posts: 8,810 Car: 1996 Grand Am SE sedan, and dad's 2006 S60 2.5T Rep Power: 79	Because companies want their SUVs to sound more exotic, fun and adventurous. It's funny how the sketch looks nothing like the real thing. __________________

July 19th, 2007, 5:52 PM	#4
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: 10:50 AM Location: Southampton Posts: 8,592 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 126	Someone somewhere was paid a great deal of money to come up with that - Can I have his/her job please, lets face it even I could not do a worse one? I usually like what Ford in Europe do. .... I hope is 'goes' properly. ... __________________ Lotus 7 Registration Mark = KAR120C : Engine Number = 461034 TZ Ross Brawn genius or what?

July 19th, 2007, 5:52 PM	#5
Magnet Joined: Jan 13th, 2005 Last Online: 1:32 PM Location: Perth, WA Age: 28 Posts: 2,604 Car: BMW E46 328Ci, NA6 MX-5 Rep Power: 106	Who the fuck keeps buying this shit? __________________ Remember, a dog is not just for Christmas. It can also be for a birthday. In fact, you can eat them all year round!

July 19th, 2007, 6:14 PM	#6
Blind_Io Dispenses buckshot medication for all undead patients. Joined: Apr 5th, 2006 Last Online: 12:35 AM Location: Utah, USA Age: 28 Posts: 10,993 Car: 2006 Nissan X-Terra - 2000 VFR800 Interceptor Rep Power: 266	"Kuga?" Is that a bastardization of "Cougar?" Because the Cougar was a high-end luxury pony car. Friggin urbanization of the language is pissing me off. __________________ War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength

July 19th, 2007, 7:13 PM	#7
Donington Joined: Jan 26th, 2007 Last Online: 6:31 AM Location: Now in Plymouth, Englandshire Age: 20 Posts: 4,263 Rep Power: 176	This could be the most pointless car ever. Who would buy this when you could have a C-Max, an S-Max, or if you have too many children, a Galaxy? Why couldn't they just have made a 4x4 S-Max like the Scenic RX4 or the Seat Freetrack? I bet they sell about four then cancel it.

July 20th, 2007, 7:35 AM	#10
epp_b Unexperienced lover. Joined: Jun 23rd, 2006 Last Online: 6:08 AM Location: Canadaland :) Posts: 7,418 Car: 1995 Nissan 240SX Rep Power: 144	Stupid vehicles call for stupid names...

July 20th, 2007, 9:06 AM	#11
LeMans GTR Previously Known As CSL Joined: Dec 20th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Australia Age: 14 Posts: 2,727 Car: Aston Martin DBS (I wish) Rep Power: 38	Looks like a jacked up mondeo estate. __________________

July 20th, 2007, 9:24 AM	#12
Karoug Joined: Apr 5th, 2006 Last Online: 2:17 PM Location: Sweden Age: 31 Posts: 3,916 Car: Volvo 745GLT! 2 bikes Rep Power: 120	I'm having the same issues with SUV's, that I think we all have with caravans... I hate them... __________________ I support the formation of Koenigsaab.

July 20th, 2007, 9:54 AM	#13
Vette Boss Joined: Nov 14th, 2004 Last Online: 8:24 AM Location: United States, Britain, in time Age: 23 Posts: 3,637 Car: 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T Rep Power: 66	They need to come up with names as stupid as the people driving them. __________________ 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T. Das Auto

July 20th, 2007, 10:00 AM	#14
Deanodriver @ .au Joined: Oct 2nd, 2005 Last Online: November 18th, 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 25 Posts: 592 Car: 1993 Ford Telstar Rep Power: 17	So this is like a Ford Escape, is it? The styling ain't bad, but the name is meh.

July 20th, 2007, 4:13 PM	#15
Narcolepsy Joined: Sep 17th, 2006 Last Online: September 7th, 2009 Location: Philadelphia, USA Posts: 558 Rep Power: 13	Antara, Qashqai, Tribeca, Murano, Koleos, Kuga, Rav4, CRV, MKX, RDX, Q5, X3, X1, Seriously - way to saturate a market. Terrific names too. Good thing, I'm sure billions have been jonesing for small SUVs that have road tires, no offroad ability, carry little, and are more expensive, slower, and no more practical than comprable saloons. The auto industry is REALLY trendy - damn. __________________ 05 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT 94 Mercedes-Benz C280 (Retired.....by a tree) Last edited by Narcolepsy; July 20th, 2007 at 4:23 PM.

July 20th, 2007, 4:31 PM	#16
Martyn Joined: Feb 5th, 2007 Last Online: November 16th, 2009 Location: Stafford, England Age: 25 Posts: 535 Car: Ford Focus Rep Power: 25	http://www.sniffpetrol.com/2007/07/2...niker-madness/

July 20th, 2007, 5:11 PM	#17
Deanodriver @ .au Joined: Oct 2nd, 2005 Last Online: November 18th, 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 25 Posts: 592 Car: 1993 Ford Telstar Rep Power: 17	The name actually reminds me of the Nissan Fuga.

July 21st, 2007, 2:46 AM	#18
Mopar Man Banned For Being A Lying Asshat Joined: May 7th, 2007 Last Online: April 17th, 2008 Location: Toronto Age: 23 Posts: 636 Car: 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega-Cab Rep Power: 0	I've noticed that too. It seems only the U.S auto makers that have good names for their SUV's. Ex - Jeep Liberty, Jeep Commander, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Chrysler Aspen, Chevrolet Trailblazer. And that whole Kuga thing, I bet they meant to name it "Cougar" but just got a British guy to say it, lol.

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July 21st, 2007, 3:44 AM	#19
zaybxcwd12 Joined: Jul 17th, 2006 Last Online: November 16th, 2009 Location: Newcastle u Tyne Uk Age: 40 Posts: 825 Car: 2008 VW Touran S Rep Power: 16	Got to give them credit for the name, got that Swedish Ikea flair.

July 21st, 2007, 7:43 PM	#20
UMass Joined: Mar 17th, 2006 Last Online: December 15th, 2007 Posts: 139 Rep Power: 0	Kuga or Kuger or Cougar

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