Ford Kuga: Contentious, but a definite contender

Yochanaan Coetzee - The Ford Kuga is a conundrum. While it ticks all the boxes in terms of style, comfort and performance, the 1.5 auto left me somewhat disappointed.For the first time, Ford has added a six-speed automatic transmission model to the entry-level Kuga. Not that it’s a bad banger and box combo, but I couldn’t figure out whether it was the transmission or the turbo that was “tarty”. Though the lag kind of breaks the Kuga’s charm initially, it won’t break your soul on the everyday commute, because other than that, it’s an impressive experience.The 1.5 Ambiente automatic that we tested really is as sweet as a peach, bar a few niggles like my personal gripe with autos of all kinds. Yes, you’re not going to break a sweat before you get to the gym and your left calf won’t ache after a long day doing the month-end run about, but the lack of responsiveness gets kinda annoying when you’re trying to hit a gap.It may not be for the oke that wants to “kap” apexes all the way to work. Then again, that’s not what it’s meant for.On the go, it is sublime. The power comes through smooth and strong with the 132Kw eager to show its athleticism once you get going. It’s also quite a looker. It has wide, aggressive stance and a sculpted body that will make you to smile every time you walk up to it. The cabin is roomy and can accommodate five adults comfortably. The space-age dash and display holds a host of controls for the high level of standard specs, including cruise control, the great Ford Sync multimedia system with Bluetooth, voice control and audio buttons on the ergonomic steering wheel.Built with the family of the future in mind, the Kuga boasts a 230v/150W power converter in the rear centre console, and two 12v power points in the front and in the luggage compartment.The Kuga, which has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, comes with standard features like seven airbags, stability control, ABS brakes and tyre pressure monitoring. An optionally available Driver Assistance Pack on the Titanium model adds adaptive radar cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and Active City Stop that automatically applies the brakes if a potential collision at low speed is detected.The Kuga is going up against heavy weight contenders like the Q5, IX35 and the Tiguan, of which we are expecting a sexy revamped version for 2017. So this segment can get a bit hard to judge, but if you’re set on the Ford, go for the Titanium with the Driver Assistance and Styling packs. It’s expensive, but has a mindboggling array of gadgets, driver aids and also has the looks to justify the cost. It’s almost as if the driver is there just for decoration.With the preference for autoboxes growing amongst city slickers, this is a welcome addition to the range. With an extensive list of smart-features, great styling, an upmarket interior and outstanding efficiency offered by the 1.5 Litre Ecoboost engine, the Kuga Ambiente Automatic is great value for money.The 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente Automatic we tested retails at N$396 258, while the top of the range, fully kitted and super fitted 2.0 TDCI Titanium Powershift AWD with the Driver Assistance and Styling packs will set you back N$577 340.All versions come standard with a four-year or 120 000km warranty, three years’ roadside assistance, and four-year or 80 000km service plan.Contact Jürgen at Novel Ford on 061 292 4028, to arrange a test drive.

Ford Kuga: Contentious, but a definite contender

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Republikein 2025-08-08

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Ford Kuga: Contentious, but a definite contender

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Republikein 2025-08-08

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