Ford Kuga gets a New 1.5L EcoBoost Engine

KUALA LUMPUR : Ford Kuga, which made its debut in June 2013, has proved itself to be an efficient, safe, capable and hi-tech SUV. Ford has now implemented its plan to further enhance the capability of Kuga. This bold looking SUV, which from the day of its inception was available with a 1.6L EcoBoost engine, is now all-set to give home to a 1.5L EcoBoost under its bonnet.

This reduction in the engine capacity comes with dual benefits, firstly inspite of the downfall the new engine will be able to generate the same numbers as its senior. To elaborate, this new mill will pump out the same, 180 PS of power at 5,700 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. Also, the new power source will be tied with the same SelectShift 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission to which its predecessor was knotted.

Secondly, in some markets like China the automobile manufacturers enjoy tax-exemption for vehicles, which carry a 1.5L or smaller capacity engine. Ford will, thus enjoy great financial benefits from this smart move.

Apart from the new engine, Ford Kuga will also be integrated with a new exhaust manifold and a water-cooled charge air cooler, aimed to improve the air-con effectiveness. In addition, this SUV would be the first of its kind to pair a 1.5L EcoBoost engine with a computer-controlled clutch on the belt-drive water pump, that would reduce the engine's temperature. Also, it will not differ much from the local Titanium-level specification cars, seen on the Malaysian roads.

As for the interiors, the revised Ford Kuga carries the same amenity and safety kit as before, only with some minor additions, like a 10-way power driver adjustable seat and a 6-way manually adjustable front co-passenger seat.

Moving on to the exterior, it would feature the same 17-inch alloy wheels and 235/55 tyre, the only downfall witnessed here is that now Kuga will be available in a single Frozen White color.

Ford Kuga is priced at RM164,888 without insurance, and as an icing on the cake, it would now come with a five-year warranty which is an addition to the on-going 3year/60,000km free maintenance package.