Ford has revised its engine offerings for its mid-size SUV, the Kuga, which sees heavy revisions for the popular 2-litre diesel. There’s also an all-new 1.5-litre petrol unit replacing the 1.6 Ecoboost and more equipment introduced as standard.
Diesel changes
The alterations made to the existing 2-litre diesel mean that it is now 10 percent (or 17bhp) more powerful with increased pulling power to 400Nm, up from 340Nm.
It now emits up to 19g/km less CO2, the lowest possible figure of 122g/km coming via the lower-powered (148bhp) 2-litre, front-wheel drive manual model. This represents a three percent reduction in BIK tax.
There is a higher power output of 178bhp too, and the Kuga returns 60.1mpg and 54.3mpg respectively, with CO2 emissions as high as 140g/km for the high-powered diesel with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.
This means a 20 percent BIK tax band for the lower-powered option for the current 2014/15 tax year and a 23 percent for the higher.
New petrol engine
Although power ratings remain the same, Ford claims the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is an 11g/km improvement over the outgoing 1.6-litre, with CO2 figures starting at 143g/km.
Available in a choice of two power outputs, fuel consumption has also been improved from 42.8mpg to 45.6mpg combined on the 148bhp with manual gearbox, and 36.7mpg to 38.2mpg on the 180bhp with the automatic gearbox.
New technology
It’s not only the engines which have seen upgrades as the new Ford Kuga will now be available with Ford SYNC with AppLink, which allows drivers to access mobile phone apps while on the move.
On top of the Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter that is offered as standard on the Titanium series and above, Ford’s Kuga is also available with Adaptive Cruise Control including Forward Alert, which warns drivers if they are travelling too close to the vehicle in front.
A range of new metallic paints will also be available in the Kuga including Ruby Red, Magnetic and Tiger Eye.
“Ford has updated the Kuga range with models that deliver more power and lower emissions. Tiger Eye metallic is a bold new colour not previously seen on any Ford vehicle, and SYNC with AppLink will help ensure drivers can be more connected on the move while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe.
Ford say the new models are ready to order now, with first deliveries expected in late November.
Read the full Ford Kuga review by clicking here.
