When it comes to SUV’s in the UK, there are plenty to choose from, so we were rather excited to get behind the wheel of the new Ford Kuga – especially since we hadn’t been behind the wheel of one since 2018!
The model we have is the fully hybrid one, which means it’s capable of running on full electric power for short distances, making it impressively stealth like! And because the full hybrid captures energy as you drive, you’re looking at a range of over 550 miles too.
Another plus point is the towing capacity – both the full and plug-in hybrid versions can tow up to 2,100kg, making it a great choice for holidays, adventures and events.
So what about this Kuga is new? Well, the exterior has had a facelift, with a more rugged look that makes a statement. It’s fresh and sophisticated, especially with this coast-to-coast front light bar, which is available in the Tech Pack (along with glare free Matrix LED Headlights and a heads Up Display)
On the inside, you will find it tech loaded, with Fords SYNC 4 infotainment system as standard – all trims apart from the Titanium also come with a B&O audio system and ten speakers too. You also get DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SYNC 4 also helps you get the most out of towing too, as it offers Trailer Tow Navigation which will calculate the best route for you (meaning you don’t have to worry about low bridges or tight turns) and even comes with a checklist for connecting your trailer. Nice 😏
You also have lots of choice with the Trim levels too – for example, the entry level Titanium trim comes with standard suspension, and the ST-Line is fitted with a sporty one, staying flat as you head into corners.
One of the features I liked the most was the high driving position – it gave greater visibility, and combined with the comfortable seats, made it great for short journeys and long hauls. The Kuga is tall too, so thanks to its high roofline, it’s a great choice for head and leg room. Not a problem for me, but Ben really appreciated it. There’s plenty of space in the back too, and if you need more legroom, back seats can slide backward - or forward if you need more space in the boot.
It's also chock full of safety as standard, with Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking to name a few – your best bet would be to play around with the online configurator to see what Trim, Powertrain and Options suit your needs.
For the time being, I invite you to join us as we get behind the wheel ourselves, and get down to brass tacks with the new Ford Kuga.
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊
I don't get the deal with a full hybrid having the 'advantage' of not needing to be plugged it. I think that ought to be an option, especially if you can take advantage of solar as otherwise the energy is all coming from petrol. I've never owner any hybrid though. I have driven one or two as hire cars and the switch-over was seamless. Not having fumes churning out when stationary or crawling in traffic has to be good.
This seems like a general car to suit most people, but cars in general seem to keep getting bigger.
Thank you @steevc, people typically can't be bothered to plug in, a HEV allows decent economy without the need, yet PHEV is there if you need the 42 mile electric range and your happy to plug in especially if you have a home charger, better economy than HEV dependant on driving style also comes with PHEV.
As for solar do you mean in the vehicle roof or rigged upto the home charger? :)
I meant from the home system. I get that a lot of people can't charge at home and better economy is always good. With these hybrids the battery capacity is not huge anyway. I just think it's funny that they say you don't have to charge. A PHEV offers similar advantages plus you can exploit other energy sources.
I saw something about full hybrids not being compatible with net zero targets.
The challenge is many are lazy, people buy PHEV just for BIK, and then never charge it, it's purely for tax relief and that means the get economy solely from a decent size petrol engine, 35 - 45 in general driving at the most, at least with a HEV you get decent economy regardless. Genesis have a clever minimal system some of there models have solar rooves, gains around 600 miles per year sat around. Solar is in many cases is connected to chargers and routed through a battery systems, something we'll look at at some point.
Yes Net Zero, is a strange one, the government are having a laugh if they everything will be that state by the deadline, many don't believe in the, the tech isn't even there for medium to big size commercials and fining manufacturers 15k per model under the limit is madness, it's making them look elesewhere to sell with lesser regs.
Also we need VAT removed of public charging something Quentin Wilson is spear heading.