Ford Kuga: new design, modified interior and a full range of hybrid engines

Ford introduced the new Kuga. The new SUV now has a new design, an interior with modern accessories, a rich array of safety technologies and a full range of electrified engines. The Kuga will be offered in mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. The Kuga is the most sold Ford SUV at European level (153,800 units sold in 2018 on the Old Continent). The first generation Kuga debuted in 2008, and Ford has sold over one million units.

The new Kuga is the first Ford SUV produced on the C2 global platform. The new platform is easier and at the same time it has been designed for better impact results. Rigidity has risen by 10%, which also translates into a better dynamic behavior.

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The Kuga SUV is 89 millimeters longer, 44 millimeters wider, and the wheelbase has also increased by 20 millimeters. All these values translate into even more space for all new Kuga passengers.

The rear seats can slide so customers will be able to choose either a higher load volume (+67 liters for the front bumper) or more rear passenger knee space. The total volume of the luggage compartment was not specified by Ford's representatives.

The new Kuga now has a slightly modified silhouette. The hood is longer, the rear tilt angle is sharper and the roof line has been lowered. Customers will have three versions available: Titanium, ST-Line and Vignale. Titanium version will be fitted with 17-inch (optionally Ford provide wheels with a diameter of up to 19 inches). The Kuga ST-Line version will get design-inspired design from the Ford Performance range. The front grille, shield, rear diffuser and longitudinal bars on the roof are finished in black.

Kuga Vignale offers bodywork ornaments, front and rear spoiler with re-styled design, 18-inch wheels, modified chrome-plated grille and double-exhaust pipes.

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The Kuga Plug-in Hybrid is the first Ford available in Europe with a hybrid plug-in system. It relies on a four-cylinder 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor. In total, the hybrid propulsion system develops 225 horsepower, while the power unit's resources are supported by a 14.4kWh battery. According to Ford officials, the electric power mode is 50 kilometers, and the combined average consumption reaches 1.2 liters / 100 kilometers.

Ford also introduces a special selector mode for the available plug-in hybrid models. Customers will be able to choose EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge.

The Kuga Hybrid uses a classic hybrid system. The system prepared by the Americans consists of a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, an electric motor, a generator, a Li-Ion battery and an automatic transmission. For now, Ford does not mention the total power offered by the hybrid system. The new Kuga Hybrid will be available from next year.

The new generation of the Ford Kuga SUV can also be ordered in a mild hybrid version. It is named EcoBlue Hybrid and is equipped with a 2.0-liter 150 hp diesel engine. The mild-hybrid technology is based on a 48V electric system and is similar to what Ford announced for Fiesta and Focus.

In addition to safety and assistance systems, Ford mentions the following: active emergency steering assistance, second-generation Park Assist , in-for-out alert, front and rear-view camera with wide viewing angle, and a Head-Up Display (the first in Europe in the range of Ford SUVs).

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Ford Kuga: new design, modified interior and a full range of hybrid engines

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