2019 Ford Kuga revealed, gets a sleeker design

KUALA LUMPUR: Ford has unveiled the new-generation Kuga, which is based on the C2 platform and gets a sleeker design than the outgoing model. The new-gen model is also 90 kilograms lighter and 10% stiffer when compared to its previous iteration. The newest car comes with a host of features including electrification with mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. Earlier this week, the carmaker had revealed a teaser video of this new-gen car, which was enough to indicate its imminent launch.

The Ford is mainly focused on the European market for the new Kuga, as this SUV was the best seller in the region during its tenure. It was also the third best selling model of the brand. Last year, the car shared 19% of the total sales by the manufacturer.

It is already mentioned that the new generation Ford Kuga has come up with a lot of modifications. In comparison with the outgoing model, the new Kuga now has a 20 mm longer wheelbase, while as a whole it is 89 mm longer and 44 mm wider. However, to give the car a sportier look, the overall height has been reduced by 20 mm.

 

Inside the new Kuga comes with more space and the legroom of 1,035 mm is best-in-class. It also gets a host of unique features. There is a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster placed on the dash, which is further assisted by an 8-inch touch screen infotainment system. Both the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are provided as the connectivity options.

The new Ford Kuga comes in a lot of powertrain options. Both the hybrid and plug-in-hybrid models get the 2.5-litre Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder mill. The electric motor along with the engine provides a maximum power of 225 PS. According to the WLTP test standards, the plug-in variant can provide an all-electric driving range of 50 km. The refilling of the plug-in hybrid variant’s battery will take only four hours via a 230 volt supply.

The mild-hybrid version, namely the EcoBlue Hybrid variant is equipped with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, which packs 150 PS of power. The engine is further paired with a BISG (belt-drive integrated starter/generator), while a small motor helps provide torque assistance.

The regular EcoBlue model comes with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, which can provide a maximum power of 190 PS. Moreover, the 1.5-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder engine is also present, which provides a maximum power between 12 PS and 150 PS depending on the tunning’s variations. Some of these powertrains will have an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. However, the carmaker has not specified, which model will get these techs.