The Ford Kuga is launched in Malaysia with a selling price from RM159,999. Sounds unbelievable as this Kuga SUV comes equipped with the latest Ford cabin technology and 4×4 drive technology which leads the segment and beyond. Already the 1st batch of 150 units has been sold and with high demand globally, a waiting list will soon start.
The Kuga is ao a mid-sized SUV that’s completely built up (CBU) and imported from Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain. The Ford Kuga is equipped with Ford’s latest 1.6-litre Ti-VCT EcoBoost engine. When paired with its six-speed automatic transmission the combination delivers a maximum 180bhp at 5700rpm, and 240Nm of torque at 2400rpm. This Ford Kuga will complete its 100km/h run in just 9.7seconds and has a top speed of 200km/h.
The Ford Kuga also returns an impressive fuel consumption of 7.7l/100km. This Ford Kuga also comes equipped with an AWD system that readjusts the power split between the front and rear at a rate of every 16 milliseconds. The result of the AWD technology featured here in the Ford Kuga ensures the SUV’s maximum-possible grip in all conditions such as rain and other varying surfaces.
The power distribution by the AWD system can be monitored by the driver through the LCD screen on the supervision cluster. The Ford Kuga is poised to not only traverse all kinds of terrain with ease; its Torque Vectoring Control system (featured on the likes of the Focus ST) also aids the SUV’s handling in dry-weather. Below speeds of 30km/h, the AWD system emphasises traction while speeds above 30km/h sets the system to improve driving feel, handling and response. Stylish 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels complete the Ford Kuga’s excellent styling.
Inside the Ford Kuga, you are greeted by familiar Ford surroundings. The center console is as seen in other Ford models like the Focus, while the command control is again, no stranger to previous Ford customers; small – but highly informative – multi-display screen on the center console, similar-sized screen on the supervision cluster, and a spread of tiny control switches and buttons surrounding the Ford music control knob.
For spaciousness, the Ford Kuga is generous; proving a good amount of stowage compartments like cupholders and the odd slot for your mobile phone. Utilising the power-lift function to open the boot shows a very wide and large boot space, enough to accommodate most things from small furniture to multiple large travel bags. Ford’s hands-free tailgate system works by applying a “gentle kicking motion” under the rear bumper. The voice-activated Ford SYNC connectivity also makes its way into the Kuga; a segment-first for any SUV offered here and music delivery is done with nine high-series speakers inside the Kuga.
This Ford Kuga comes with a Euro NCAP five-star rating for safety; scoring 88% in its tests, sees the Ford Kuga and its seven airbags set the benchmark for safety amongst the mid-sized SUV class. Ford engineers have spent a fair share of time building the new Kuga with ultra-high-strength steel beams in the body structure and specially designed reinforcement around the roof to ensure structural rigidity and strength. Further enhancing the new Ford Kuga’s safety, are the usual suspects; ABS, ESP, EBA, EBD, and Hill Launch Assist. Unique to the segment, the all-new Kuga also offers Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Curve Control; both designed to reduce body roll and understeer. There is also a post-crash SOS system in the 2013 Ford Kuga that activates the hazard lights and sounds the horn until it has been deactivated. The post-crash SOS system only activates itself upon airbag-deploying incidents.
From RM159,999, the 2013 Ford Kuga enters the mid-size SUV market with loads of tech, awesome styling, and very impressive figures to match. Ford Malaysia currently offers a five-year/ 200,000km new vehicle warranty for the Ford Kuga, which also comes with Ford’s Extended Service Plan (ESP) which offers a free three-year or 60,000km maintenance that covers parts and labour – free of charge.
