Ford Kuga TDCi Titanium
It's one of 2008’s most exciting new cars, and now, finally, the Ford Kuga has landed. Over the past 12 months, the blue oval has introduced a new Mondeo family model and face-lifted its Focus hatchback – but the Kuga is just as crucial, as it marks Ford’s first genuine entry into the compact SUV class.
As with the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 – as well as the VW Tiguan – the newcomer has been designed mainly for driving on tarmac rather than tackling muddy slopes. So, it’s no surprise Ford has taken an athletic approach to the styling, rather than giving the car a chunky look.
Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Ford Kuga
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With its trademark grille and swept-back lights the Kuga is the best interpretation of the firm’s latest design philosophy. It has a more dynamic appearance than the X-Trail, for instance – we think the Ford is one of the best-looking 4x4s around. The silver front and rear scuff plates are for show more than practicality, but they work with the twin chrome exhausts to add a sporty feel.
From the outside, it comes across as a premium product – and this is reflected once you’re behind the wheel. With the latest-generation Mondeo, Ford really upped its game in terms of interior quality, and this is continued in the Kuga.
The layout is simple but stylish, yet in spite of the abundance of black trim, it isn’t gloomy. Our Titanium-spec test car featured the optional sat-nav system, which costs an extra £1,000, along with leather seats. But even without these luxurious additions, the Kuga has a premium feel on a par with the VW.
The driving position is spot-on and all-round visibility is good, too, even if the thick C-pillars make parking tricky. In the back it feels very similar to a Focus, although the Kuga isn’t as spacious as the Tiguan, despite the fact that its 2,690mm wheelbase is 86mm longer.
Folding down the rear seats isn’t as straightforward as in the VW. You have to flip the bases up first, and the bench doesn’t slide forward or back as it does in the Tiguan. The boot offers slightly more luggage space with the seats in place, at 410 litres, and as with the VW there’s extra storage under the load floor.
It uses the same underpinnings as the Focus, so we weren’t surprised to find that the Kuga strikes a good balance between handling and comfort. It’s smoother over rough surfaces than the Tiguan, although wind noise around the screen takes the edge off refinement. There’s also more body roll in the Ford, but it feels just as accurate and grippy through corners.
As in the Focus hatch, the steering has variable settings, but there seems to be little noticeable difference between the modes. Then again, there’s not much wrong with the set-up in the first place, as it’s precise and communicative.
Another highlight is the 2.0-litre TDCi engine. We’ve always rated the Duratorq diesel highly, and it’s as impressive as ever in the Kuga, with a responsive and smooth nature. The Ford is quieter than its rival, too; our noise meter read 62dB outside the car – the Tiguan was 6dB louder.
Thanks to their virtually identical power outputs and kerbweights, the two cars put in similar performances at the test track. Both covered 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds and delivered comparable in-gear pace. However, the Kuga was one second faster from 50-70mph in sixth, at 10.7 seconds.
Ford offers only Zetec or Titanium trim levels on its new 4x4, and prices start from £20,495. Our model costs £22,500 – that’s £700 more than the Tiguan. Yet it comes better equipped as standard and is not only cheaper to tax, but more economical too.
Details
Price: £22,500
Model tested: Ford Kuga TDCi Titanium
Chart position: 1
WHY: Sharing its underpinnings with the latest Focus and C-MAX, the new Kuga promises much.
Economy
The new Ford is the marginally better option in terms of economy. In our hands, it returned33.9mpg – that’s 4mpg more than the VW. It translates into a range of 418 miles on a single tankful.
Residuals
AS the Kuga is so new, our experts have yet to calculate resale figures. However, the popularity of SUVs means it will fare better than similar Ford products, such as the C-MAX.
Servicing
FORD dealers have yet to release servicing prices for the Kuga, yet three checks on a Mondeo with the same engine will cost £502. The 4x4 will need to visit a dealer every 12,500 miles, too.
Tax
LOWER emissions ensure the Kuga is far cheaper for fleet users. Even though the Ford is more costly to buy, lower-band drivers shell out £1,187 a year – that’s £155 less than for the VW.
