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Ford's refreshed Kuga launched in SA

  • Refreshed design
  • Improved specification, features 
  • 1.5 and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol or 2.0 TDCi diesel
  • Front-wheel or all-wheel drive
  • SYNC3 standard on Trend, Titanium specifications

Pretoria – Ford’s updated Kuga SUV has arrived in South Africa sporting design tweaks throughout as well as new features. 

Since the start of 2017 the Kuga has been the subject of media scrutiny, a court battle and outcry from owners. The automaker hopes to mitigate the damage caused with its extensive recall plan for existing models and the roll-out of a spruced SUV.

The refreshed SUV can be powered by either two petrol options, the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost, and a single diesel unit - 2.0-litre TDCi. Depending on model, there is the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmissions.

As before, three specification levels are available; entry-level Ambiente, the mid-level Trend and the range-topping Titanium.

Prices start from R368 800 for the 1.5 Ambiente to R506 900 for the top-of-the-range 2.0 TDCi Titanium.


Wheels24's Janine Van der Post is driving the updated Kuga in East London. Look out for her driving impressions later this week.

Design tweaks

Image: Quickpic

The new Kuga features Ford’s latest design language manifesting in a redesigned grille as well as new headlights and fog lights.

At the rear, it gains redesigned light clusters and new tailgate design, along with the twin exhausts. A new range of standard and optional alloy wheel designs are available from 17” to 19”.

GALLERY: 2017 Ford Kuga


What do you think of the updated Kuga in SA? How likely are you to purchase one? Email us

Power

Image: Quickpic


The refreshed Kuga retains Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine producing 110kW/240Nm in the front-wheel drive six-speed manual derivative.

A 132kW version of the 1.5 EcoBoost engine is fitted to SUVs equipped with a six-speed automatic– available in front-wheel drive guise and with all-wheel drive.

The petrol engine line-up is topped by the 2.0 EcoBoost, which produces 177kW/340Nm, and is available exclusively with all-wheel drive and the six-speed automatic.

For diesel fans, the 2.0 TDCi turbodiesel engine remains, capable of 132kW/400Nm, powering all four wheels through the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic.

Features

Image: Quickpic

An enhanced version of Ford’s Active City Stop with low-speed collision mitigation and avoidance has been introduced, which can be specified as with the Driver Assistance Pack available as an option on the Trend and Titanium models. This pack also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid, as well as Advanced Active Park Assist.


Image: Wheels24

SYNC3

Ford’s adds its new SYNC3 connectivity system, standard on the Trend and Titanium derivatives. Kuga drivers can operate the SYNC3 8" touchscreen in the same way that they use their smartphones. A new interface features larger, easier to operate buttons and enables pinch and swipe gestures for the first time.

Image: Quickpic

The new Kuga now offers Perpendicular Parking, in addition to the semi-autonomous Active Park Assist technology.

Enhanced safety... for pedestrians?

The Kuga’s bonnet features a wider, central dome that, says Ford, "not only serves to complement its sporty, smart new look, but also incorporates a structural design that improves pedestrian protection in the event of an accident. The bonnet and rear liftgate also have been re-engineered to help mitigate damage to more expensive-to-replace components."

Image: Wheels24

Prices
Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente 6MT FWD - R368 800
Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente 6AT FWD - R381 900
Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Trend 6MT FWD - R406 400
Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Trend 6AT FWD - R427 900
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Trend 6AT AWD - R483 900
Ford Kuga 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT AWD - R497 900
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium 6AT AWD - R506 900

Image: Quickpic

All models are sold with Ford Protect, including a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year or unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year or unlimited km corrosion warranty. A five-year or 90 000km service plan is included on the TDCi models, with 15 000km service intervals. Petrol Kuga models have 20 000km service intervals, and are sold with a four-year or 80 000km service plan.

Image: Wheels24

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