2011 Ford Kuga

2011 Ford Kuga coupe

Launched this past June, the Kuga is a compact, five-seat crossover designed by Englishman Martin Smith, who left General Motors to join Ford in early 2004. He and his team created an aerodynamic yet extroverted skin, which is accentuated by available wheels as large as nineteen inches. Stylish and fashionable, the new crossover from Ford of Europe is about the same length as a Ford Escape, but it sits astride a 2.8-inch-longer wheelbase.

 

2011 Ford Kuga red car

The long stretch between the axles helps provide a commendably roomy cabin, although the stubby rear end encloses a rather small cargo hold (maximum capacity is 47.9 cubic feet). For passengers, there’s plenty of cabin space, first-rate ergonomics, and premium-feeling materials. The rather uncomfortable and unsupportive seats are the only letdown. Ford offers a host of deluxe extras, including a large glass sunroof, keyless ignition, a heated windshield, dual-zone air-conditioning, and a backup camera.

 

2011 Ford Kuga

The Kuga buyer’s most significant option, though, is all-wheel drive. Ford chose a progressively variable AWD system that employs a Haldex clutch to distribute the forces between the axles. A brake-operated virtual limited-slip differential optimizes the side-to-side torque flow.

 

2011 Ford Kuga

Like many European Fords, the Kuga uses the highly efficient modular C matrix-the basis of the Mazda 3, the Volvo S40, and other North American products. It’s a solid, driver-oriented platform that blends inspiring handling with good ride comfort. The car-based Kuga is free of fun-killers like excessive body roll, sloppy steering, spongy brakes, and terminal understeer. Instead, it invites you to explore its strengths, such as sure-footed roadholding, energetic grip, and excellent all-wheel-drive traction, which makes all the difference on slippery blacktop and through tight corners. At more than 3500 pounds in AWD guise, the Kuga is no featherweight, but it nonetheless covers ground with enthusiasm and effortlessness. Just about the only serious dynamic drawback is the excessive vertical body movement on uneven freeway sections, which can threaten the otherwise impeccable high-speed directional stability.

 

 2011 Ford Kuga white car

In Europe, Ford offers only one engine in the Kuga, a 136-hp, 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder that pumps out 236 lb-ft of torque. The diesel is incredibly frugal, achieving 37 mpg in the European test cycle in both front- and all-wheel-drive models, giving the Kuga a range of some 550 miles. Its acceleration, however, is not exactly rocketlike (0 to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds), and it runs out of steam at 113 mph. The Kuga comes equipped exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission-no automatic is available. However, a second engine choice-a 2.5-liter, 200-hp, gasoline-burning five-cylinder-due later this year, will offer both manual and automatic transmissions. When the U.S. model goes into production, Ford likely will add a 145-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, also gasoline-powered. A mild hybrid may follow suit, but Ford is still mum on the timing. Another possibility is a stretched seven-seat Kuga that would feature an extended wheelbase and a longer rear overhang.

 

2011 Ford Kuga red car

 

2011 Ford Kuga gray

 

2011 Ford Kuga blue

 

2011 Ford Kuga

 

2011 Ford Kuga black

 

2011 Ford Kuga 2.5 Turbo

FORD KUGA 2.5 DURATEC

FORD KUGA 2010
Ford's Kuga 2.5 Duratec features the rip-snorting five cylinder 200PS engine from the brand's Focus ST hot hatch. Now normally, big, powerful engines in SUV 4x4s aren't an especially good idea but with this car, things could be different. The handling is in a different league from other compact 4x4s owners downsizing from larger models could just find in this car exactly what they're looking for.

FORD KUGA 2010
With sales of large, performance-orientated luxury 4x4s falling through the floor, Ford hope the Kuga's time may have come. True, it doesn't have the badge equity to tempt those who may have decided that their Range Rover Sports or Porsche Cayennes just don't suit the current economic mood. But this top petrol version certainly has the firepower under the bonnet and a standard of handling that will shock many used to lumbering, leather-lined off roaders.

FORD KUGA 2010
Performance-minded compact 4x4s are few and far between. Yes, Audi makes an 2.0 TFSI petrol version of its Q5 with a similar output but if you compare to the comparably-specified SE version of the German car, it's £4,000 more than this Ford and not as well specified, nor can it go that much faster than this Kuga. Put your foot down in the Ford and sixty from rest will flash by in 8.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 129mph. Go for the automatic version and the figures are 8.8s and 126mph. 300Nm of torque gives it prodigious pulling power too.

FORD KUGA 2010
Bolt such a powerful 200PS engine into a Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4 and, quite frankly, the result would be awful, at least when it came to going round corners. It says a great deal for the basic Kuga's dynamic excellence that that isn't the case here. The ride is reasonably firm and that helps the Kuga resist body roll when cornered vigorously, plus it's also less liable to become unsettled over bumps in the road. The accurate steering makes it easier to position the car too. Show this car a straight, well-surfaced road and it even serves up a good standard of ride comfort and refinement. Ford's marketing slogan for this car is 'feel the difference' and you absolutely can.