Energetic and versatile
The Oval has updated the Kuga with the advent of mechanical
innovations and increased equipment. For this update I opted to try the most
powerful alternative 2.0 TDCi range, which now goes from 163-180 horsepower,
and I've done with dual-clutch automatic version. This version of the most
powerful TDCi is necessarily associated with four-wheel drive system, which
broadens the horizons of US-based SUV off-road.
Price wise, this version is in an intermediate position in
its segment, costing 33,850 base price of 38,700 euros and counting optional
incorporating this particular unit. However, this second price may drop to
4,200 euros (34,500 euros) taking into account discounts offered by the brand
today as PIVE Plan. The battle in the compact SUV segment is brutal, so the
roster of competitors Kuga is really wide. These include the Nissan Qashqai,
the Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35, the Renault Koleos or Toyota RAV-4.
The update received by the Kuga few months ago has not
affected their aesthetic appearance, already thoroughly changed with the
arrival of this latest generation. In fact, the design has been, since landing
on the market of this model, one of the points where more stressed, although in
this second generation is less risky. When reviewing your "look",
robust and athletic, a frontal seen with a strong personality thanks to lower
grille and some optical certain aggressiveness in his eyes.
Note that the LED daytime lights and bi-xenon headlamps with
cornering function are standard. Chrome roof bars define the silhouette. In
this lateral region, the rising beltline gives the car more dynamic while
chrome strip at the base of the windows, on one hand, and the darkened rear
windows, on the other, contribute to a higher poise.
With regard to proportions, remember that the car has a
length of 4.52 meters while its height is 1.69 m and its width of 1.84 m. This
leads to a very compact dimensions SUV. Moreover, it should be noted that the
body color of the unit under test is new, is called Magnetic Gray and has an
additional cost of 550 euros.
More equipped
Updating the model of the Oval includes the extension of the
standard equipment across the range, with systems like cruise control with
speed limiter on all versions. This can be optionally accompanied by adaptive
cruise control (900 euros), alternative had not ridden the unit I tested. Among
the systems that are now standard also is monitoring tire pressure.
Another novelty receiving the Kuga is the possibility to
activate Smartphone applications through voice commands thanks to Ford SYNC
AppLink system, standard on Titanium finish this unit. As a result, I saw that
is easy to listen to our favorite group or singer by Spotify, for example,
without having to look away. Ford Vectoring Control, Hill Start Assistant, Ford
SOS Help, fog lights, active grille, climate control system Automatic dual
zone, light and rain sensors, multifunction steering wheel and shift knob and
leather-wrapped gear shift indicator.
The possibilities to complete the equipment in key
technology are numerous. One of the most significant alternatives that could
prove integrates the Tech package (1,050 euros), which incorporates notice of
involuntary change lanes, traffic sign recognition, Active City Stop and Blind
Spot detector, among other systems. Reviewing other optional rides this Kuga
also find beige leather upholstery (1,400 euros), opening and boot without Ford
Key Free (300 euros), the sunroof ($ 1,000), heated front seats ($ 200) key and
Sony CD Radio MP3 with TFT 4.2 "nine speakers and USB input (350 euros).
Although not included in this unit, also worth stressing the gate opening
hands-free (600 euros).
A level of occupancy, no variation, so that the model
provides a position comfortable and spacious driving with an elevated position
provides good visibility. A keypads center console them would require a more
intuitive use, but enjoy anyway good ergonomics. Given the measures that are
today in the segment, the browser screen remains small and would be nice to
stay in a position closest to the driver. The second row is sliding and
tilting, which increases your chances in terms of modularity. Here two adults
can travel comfortably. Should be three, keep in mind that the support of the
central plaza is harder than the side. An important trunk of 456 liters
complete the habitable qualities of the Kuga.
Power injection and saving
Under the hood is where it appears one of the most notable
developments of this updating of the Kuga. And engineers signature oval been
applied to an injection turbodiesel power inline four-cylinder 2.0 TDCi, which
goes from 163 to 180 hp. Furthermore, it has also produced an improvement of
maximum torque, increasing from 340 to 400 Nm, which delivery occurs between
2,000 and 2,500 rpm. This causes the response block is very good at low
revolutions and still more freely move the vehicle. This improvement also
ensures greater impetus to address longer pending in ascending highway.
For this test I chose the automatic version, in which the
engine is associated with a gearbox six-speed dual-clutch Power Shift. This
transmission is quite fast and makes gear changes smoothly. In addition to
conventional D position has a Sport mode that spurs more when climbing gears,
making the shift to higher regimes to achieve a more sporty performance. To
have more control over the change, the transmission is equipped with a
sequential manner. However, the way it handles not just convinced me. It has
two buttons on the left side of the gear knob, whose access is not as
comfortable as it should.
In terms of performance, the results are really good, as the
vehicle accelerates from 0-100 km / h in 10.0 seconds and top speed is 200 km /
h. Parallel to the increase in power there has been a considerable improvement
in efficiency due to a decline in consumption and emissions relative to the
engine we knew to date. Now, this automatic version, featuring Stop / Start
automatic start and stop system records emissions of 140 g / km of CO2 and the
average approved consumption is 5.4 liters per 100 km. The average I got after
the test was 6.7 liters, which is still a good addition since this is the
version with four-wheel drive value.
Near a tourist
The dynamic qualities of the Kuga are among the best in the
segment, as it is an SUV that especially stands out for its stability. And, while
driving on mountain roads, impeccable chassis handles minimize body roll. In
fact, his behavior is so neutral that is very close to what one would expect
from a tourist rather than an SUV that, by nature, has a higher and more
evidence inertia.
The suspension recorded certain firmness, which is mainly
perceived bad roads, but this in no way subtracts the car ride comfort as well
copy small bumps. Meanwhile, the address is distinguished by its precision and
a very direct feel. This, combined with the dynamic conditions as discussed
above, results in an easy and fun to drive if we increase the pace twisty.
Obviously, your sports features are limited but ranks among the best of its
kind in this area. In addition, shows a considerable aplomb and a very good ride
quality rolling motorway, which makes it a good companion for long trips
through these pathways.
As I mentioned before, this mechanical variant only offered
with four-wheel drive, which increases your chances when you leave the asphalt.
It has an AWD system that, under normal circumstances, sends torque to the
front axle though, when necessary, allocates part of the force to the rear. The
result is a remarkable level of motor by simple tracks, gravel or snow.
However, we must not forget that it is not an SUV. Your headroom improvement of
tourism but also allows facing complex postage.
Conclusion
In short, although the recent update has brought changes to
aesthetic or formal level in the model, we do need to highlight the step
forward that has given the 2.0 TDCi. It's more powerful, more responsive and
also is more efficient, qualities that are appreciated and that lead to Kuga to
move more freely and spend less. The combination between the engine and the
automatic transmission is very successful. The Power Shift does not reach the
level of speed and smoothness of a DSG but provided very good overall results.
Improvements in equipment are responsible for completing this update Ford SUV,
which retains its versatile interior and effective dynamics, with the added
value of the integral traction (mandatory, of course) of this mechanical
variant.
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