All-new 2023 Ford Kuga introduced; here’s what new

KUALA LUMPUR: Ford has given its fairly popular compact crossover, the Kuga, an update for the model year 2023. The much-needed facelift came in after three years of the car making its first debut in April 2019.

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Let’s find out more about the new Ford Kuga -

Variants

The all-new Kuga is offered in five variant options, including the new ST-Line trim. Other available trim options include - Base, Active, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid.

Design

In terms of design language, the new Kuga benefits from several unique inclusions like an octagonal grille, sleek LED headlights with an LED light bar (on the top-spec model only), a revised front lower apron, new wheels, and a taillight signature.

Helping differentiate the new ST-Line trim from the rest is its black exterior accents, body-colored lower bumpers, prominent single-wing rear spoiler, and body-coloured wheel arches.

Cabin

For the model year 2023, Ford Kuga has been updated with the latest tech features making it apt for today’s urban crowd. Part of the car’s specs sheet is - Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, touch screen integrated climate controls, engine start stop button, and various quick access buttons.

Also, depending on the variant picked, the car comes with a wireless charging pad.

Engine

2023 Ford Kuga’s powertrain configuration includes -

• A 1.5-liter three-cyl turbocharged petrol engine generates 181 hp and 258 Nm of peak torque
• A 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder mill making 250 hp and 380 Nm of peak torque with an all-wheel drivetrain
• A 2.5-liter Atkinson -cycle four-cylinder pumping 165 hp and 210 Nm with AWD and 210 hp with FWD

The standard EcoBoost models get an 8-speed automatic transmission unit, while the electrified ones get an eCVT unit.

Safety

The new Ford Kuga is equipped with several active & passive safety features. Depending on the variant chosen, the crossover will benefit from - Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Evasive Steering Assist, a 360-degree camera, Predictive Speed Assist, rear parking sensors, and Cross Traffic Braking.

Ford’s compact crossover also gets Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver assistance features including Blind Spot Assist and Intersection Assist 2.0.

Overall the new Ford Kuga is a major improvement over the previous-gen model. Let us know what you think in the comments.

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