Ford KUGA ST-Line X Edition – 2.0 EcoBlue mHEV – 6 Speed Manual FWD
Motoring review by Tony Yates
THERE are a couple of reasons why you would buy a Ford KUGA.
Firstly, the thought of doing 600mph in a hot hatch has had its day.
Secondly, the KUGA is designed with you in mind – no fuss, no drama, just a decent vehicle that will be very loyal.
Yes, occasionally it may annoy you, but in the end, you will forgive it – just because it makes you feel happy.
Of course, some of you will frown because it’s a diesel – I say, if you want to spend a big majority of your life waiting for the battery light to turn green on your new car before you can go anywhere, then be my guest.
Call me selfish, but I will continue to burn actual fuel until the day comes when we have none left. I will then go out and buy a bicycle or a camel.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for looking into the future, but we’re still not there yet with hybrid technology and all that jazz.
Plus, the last thing I want to do after a busy week at work is to arrive home in my electric car – to then have to mess about plugging the thing into the nearest plug socket – only to find out minutes later that my local power station has run out of Coal, meaning there is no electricity anyway.
I’m probably getting away from myself here, so let’s get back to this week’s review of the Ford KUGA.
Power and Efficiency:
The KUGA I had on test was equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel engine that provides a maximum power output of 150 PS and a torque figure of 370Nm, and will pretty much pull anything you care to tie to the back of it.
On the combined cycle I achieved 51mpg which is outstanding when you consider the size of the KUGA. For all of you speed demons out there, the KUGA will reach a top speed of around 121mph and reach 0-62mph in 9.6s which is OK.
The KUGA also gets a move on with minimal fuss and has plenty of low-down engine grunt as mentioned earlier.
Yes, it’s not as refined as some, but then again you can’t have everything.
On the Road:
I was impressed by how the KUGA just glides across even the roughest of road surfaces, whilst also making even the largest of potholes simply disappear. It’s so smooth, that you could run over a dustbin lid, and I bet you would barely notice it.
Also, dare I say it, it makes the perfect vehicle to tow a caravan with, ‘but who would want to do that? Well, there are a few people who live around by me who own one of these ‘Car-a-Van’ things.
Of course, I don’t know them personally, but I know they exist – and they can often be seen caravan hopping with my neighbours across the road.
Into the corners, the KUGA feels controlled and steady even when pushed to its limits.
Ford has done some serious work on keeping everything in check and I’m really impressed by this.
Design and Technology:
Inside, The KUGA looks great and has a nicely trimmed cabin which is something I think gives it the edge over others.
You can also see that Ford has worked hard to get the inside of the KUGA just right.
Plus, it’s fitted with some of the best seats I have ever had the pleasure of sitting in and will easily accommodate a large family with ease.
The level of equipment on the KUGA ST-Line X Edition starts with; 19” machined finished alloy wheels, Sports suspension, ST-Line full body styling kit and Large rear spoiler, Full LED headlamps with LED Day Time Running Lights, Auto headlamps with high/low beam, LED rear lights, Quickclear heated windscreen, Front & rear parking sensors, Full digital 12.3” instrument cluster, Auto wipers and Auto-dimming rearview mirror, Dual-zone automatic temperature control (DEATC) B&O Premium audio system, Ford SYNC 3 with 8’ colour touchscreen, App Link, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Navigation and Rear View Camera, Cruise control with adjustable speed Limiter, Selectable Drive Modes, Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping Aid with Lane-Departure Warning, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ABS.
To Sum Up:
A great machine that will do its best to please you every time you press the ‘start button’ – as long as you are not towing a caravan of course.
Price from: £32,750
