Having resisted for several years, it has been getting harder for Ford to ignore the appeal of the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) market in Singapore. Plus, with competitors creating reliable and attractive crossovers and SUVs, Ford had to bring their cougar… erm… I mean Kuga to our shores to attract their potential audience.
Fellow competitors may cry foul though, pointing out that the Kuga is more about rakish good looks than decent packaging. So what if it's an All-Wheel-Drive vehicle? It's not even meant to be an off-roader. As a matter of fact, it is designed mainly for driving on tarmac - which explains the sporty rather than chunky styling.
So what's in it for potential buyers?
Well, for starters, it is no insult to say that we knew what to expect from the Kuga. This good-looking lad is based on the class-leading chassis of the sporty Focus. So it's no surprise that the SUV is good to drive with impressive performance and neat handling - definitely unlike traditional off-roaders.
Of course apart from that, it's a Ford. Which means, like the Focus and Mondeo, it sets a new class standard for ride, handling and 'feel good' factor behind the wheel. Plus, it uses a 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder, 20-valve, DOHC, Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Turbo engine (which is also found in the high-performance Ford Focus ST and RS models) - simply unique in its class.
Exterior
Similarly to the Mondeo, Ford Kuga is clothed in a body that features Ford's family look, dubbed the 'Kinetic Design'. Up front, the trapezoid grille, sharp and elongated headlights and sculpted bonnet give it its handsome and bolder look. This dramatic front resembles that of the Focus at first glance but bigger, wider and, of course, trendier.
Fellow competitors may cry foul though, pointing out that the Kuga is more about rakish good looks than decent packaging. So what if it's an All-Wheel-Drive vehicle? It's not even meant to be an off-roader. As a matter of fact, it is designed mainly for driving on tarmac - which explains the sporty rather than chunky styling.
So what's in it for potential buyers?
Well, for starters, it is no insult to say that we knew what to expect from the Kuga. This good-looking lad is based on the class-leading chassis of the sporty Focus. So it's no surprise that the SUV is good to drive with impressive performance and neat handling - definitely unlike traditional off-roaders.
Of course apart from that, it's a Ford. Which means, like the Focus and Mondeo, it sets a new class standard for ride, handling and 'feel good' factor behind the wheel. Plus, it uses a 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder, 20-valve, DOHC, Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Turbo engine (which is also found in the high-performance Ford Focus ST and RS models) - simply unique in its class.
Exterior
Similarly to the Mondeo, Ford Kuga is clothed in a body that features Ford's family look, dubbed the 'Kinetic Design'. Up front, the trapezoid grille, sharp and elongated headlights and sculpted bonnet give it its handsome and bolder look. This dramatic front resembles that of the Focus at first glance but bigger, wider and, of course, trendier.
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Unlike some of its competitors, there's something about the Kuga. Ford has somehow achieved its intention of making the Kuga look athletic, yet suitably rugged, allowing this car to look comfortable and appropriate at the car park, in the city or even in the fields. In other words, a car for all occasions.
The strong wheel arches and raked third side window lend some character to the Kuga while a high waistband rises to finish just above the rear lights which sit on either side of the neat SUV's back.
Additionally, twin tailpipes and silver finished rear bumper add on to the rugged appeal, differentiating it from its fellow SUVs and crossovers. Given the car's somewhat stout profile, Ford has done well to make it distinctive with just the right amount of styling trinkets.
There's just no denying that the Kuga is striking. Its bold detailing ensures the Kuga stands out from the rest of the crowd in its segment, giving Ford's new contender real presence in this hotly contested market.
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Interior
Inside, the car continues to impress with a fit and finish that put it a notch above some of the popular SUV choices available in Singapore. The incorporation of leather and metallic finishing fills the interior of the test car, giving testament to the stylish aspect of the SUV.
Thankfully for the silver finishing on the centre console and door trims, the cabin doesn't portray a sense of boredom but instead, creating a complete, unified look of design-led quality and premium sportiness.
Up front, the benches are separated by a large centre console that houses the slick-shifting five-speed Durashift auto gearbox. But here's the tricky part - the front benches are a tad small. Although it worked well for me (because of my size), it just doesn't feel right and big enough. And for a pint-sized guy like me to realise this, it might just prove to be a little uncomfortable for drivers who are slightly bigger in size.
Inside, the car continues to impress with a fit and finish that put it a notch above some of the popular SUV choices available in Singapore. The incorporation of leather and metallic finishing fills the interior of the test car, giving testament to the stylish aspect of the SUV.
Thankfully for the silver finishing on the centre console and door trims, the cabin doesn't portray a sense of boredom but instead, creating a complete, unified look of design-led quality and premium sportiness.
Up front, the benches are separated by a large centre console that houses the slick-shifting five-speed Durashift auto gearbox. But here's the tricky part - the front benches are a tad small. Although it worked well for me (because of my size), it just doesn't feel right and big enough. And for a pint-sized guy like me to realise this, it might just prove to be a little uncomfortable for drivers who are slightly bigger in size.
Nonetheless, the cabin is still a comfortable place to be. The gear selector and handbrake all felt very natural while the centre console with keyless start button located at the top (just below the hazard light button) is simple and stylish - just be sure not to press the wrong button.
Space wise, the Kuga offers maximum practicality. It seats up to five passengers with sufficient head and legroom with further storage space under the second row seats. In accommodating a wide variety of cargo, the Kuga has no deficiencies.
With the 60/40 split folding rear seats knocked down, the voluminous space created measures 1,355 litres which can easily swallow your family's bags for the usual Sunday activities.
In recent years, Ford has done well to build its reputation for reliability and is as dependable as, perhaps, a Volkswagen. The trim materials feel pretty solid, with a fit and finish that can probably last longer than some German rivals.
Space wise, the Kuga offers maximum practicality. It seats up to five passengers with sufficient head and legroom with further storage space under the second row seats. In accommodating a wide variety of cargo, the Kuga has no deficiencies.
With the 60/40 split folding rear seats knocked down, the voluminous space created measures 1,355 litres which can easily swallow your family's bags for the usual Sunday activities.
In recent years, Ford has done well to build its reputation for reliability and is as dependable as, perhaps, a Volkswagen. The trim materials feel pretty solid, with a fit and finish that can probably last longer than some German rivals.
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Drivetrain
As a driving machine, the Kuga is not the fastest kid on the block. But it certainly has sizeable lungs, with a specific power and torque output higher than the Renault Koleos's and the Nissan Murano's.
The car's muscular turbocharged engine makes it a very enthusiastic machine. The performance is more than adequate, particularly around town where the torque on offer makes it very easy to keep up with the flow without a struggle.
As mentioned before, despite the Kuga being an AWD, it is at best a soft-roader. It's kind of stuck in the middle - some love it, some loathe it while others just don't bother about it. You see, on this Kuga, the intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system directs the power to the front wheels for maximum fuel efficiency, transferring only to the rear axle when there is a need for better traction and stability.
Thus, the upside is you're almost unaware you're in an SUV because of the positive handling and fluidity. However, the Kuga is not suitable to rock 'n' roll on the rough stuff. This AWD is not for serious mud-plugging.
Nonetheless, it still has ample pros to overcome its quibbles. The steering is suitably weighted and contributes to the Kuga's neat handling.
As a driving machine, the Kuga is not the fastest kid on the block. But it certainly has sizeable lungs, with a specific power and torque output higher than the Renault Koleos's and the Nissan Murano's.
The car's muscular turbocharged engine makes it a very enthusiastic machine. The performance is more than adequate, particularly around town where the torque on offer makes it very easy to keep up with the flow without a struggle.
As mentioned before, despite the Kuga being an AWD, it is at best a soft-roader. It's kind of stuck in the middle - some love it, some loathe it while others just don't bother about it. You see, on this Kuga, the intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system directs the power to the front wheels for maximum fuel efficiency, transferring only to the rear axle when there is a need for better traction and stability.
Thus, the upside is you're almost unaware you're in an SUV because of the positive handling and fluidity. However, the Kuga is not suitable to rock 'n' roll on the rough stuff. This AWD is not for serious mud-plugging.
Nonetheless, it still has ample pros to overcome its quibbles. The steering is suitably weighted and contributes to the Kuga's neat handling.
Unlike most high-riding cars, the suspension is exceptional, shrugging off dips and bumps convincingly, with only the harshest of surfaces causing the odd crash or jolt through the suspension. Enter a corner and the Kuga stays flat in the bends and demonstrates a level of stability that's unusual in something so tall.
Despite sharing the same platform, the Kuga doesn't rival the Focus but instead, tackles head-on the many similar SUVs that have exploded onto the market in the past few years.
Conclusion
Ford designers have taken the time to understand the market and have designed, quite possibly, one of the best interpretations of an SUV concept. It's still not a perfect one, but it certainly feels solid, strong and nimble enough for our roads.
If you're intending to change your current Honda CR-V or Nissan Murano, give this a go. You'll be amazed just how much more the Kuga gives, not just in terms of space, but in terms of drive as well.
There's simply an immediate sense that you're in charge of a thoroughly well-engineered machine.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Despite sharing the same platform, the Kuga doesn't rival the Focus but instead, tackles head-on the many similar SUVs that have exploded onto the market in the past few years.
Conclusion
Ford designers have taken the time to understand the market and have designed, quite possibly, one of the best interpretations of an SUV concept. It's still not a perfect one, but it certainly feels solid, strong and nimble enough for our roads.
If you're intending to change your current Honda CR-V or Nissan Murano, give this a go. You'll be amazed just how much more the Kuga gives, not just in terms of space, but in terms of drive as well.
There's simply an immediate sense that you're in charge of a thoroughly well-engineered machine.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
