The Ford Kuga’s wheelbase survives unaltered. Better packaging must explain the cabin space that Ford has found, because the car is also slightly lower and narrower than it was. The driving position is quite recumbent for an SUV, while the fascia swells to eat into front-row knee space slightly, in the current Ford design idiom.
Rear passenger space is decent; it’s still a way off the most practical cars in the class, but generous enough even for large adults. A Honda CR-V or a Kia Sorento would beat the Ford on second-row legroom, but only just, while the CR-V is bested by the Ford on rear headroom.
Boot space, too, is significantly improved. It’s not outstanding, but a minimum 800mm of load length with the second row in place, and 1080mm of usable width, is close enough to the 4x4 norm.
On quality and appearance, the Kuga’s cabin meets Ford’s usual high standards. The fascia is designed in the now-familiar Ford style and is made out of a mix of grained plastics, inlay trims in dark grey and matt chrome detailing.
It is much the same dashboard as you’ll find in the Focus and C-Max, and there are no special 4x4 touches such as pillar-mounted handles or Neoprene seat covers. The ambience is simpler than that – one of a modern, normal, substantial, quality car for everyday family use.
Ford's quite generous with the Kuga's kit levels as well, with even the entry-level model getting a heated front windscreen, air-con, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and alloy wheels. Currently, there are five trim levels to choose from - the entry-level Zetec gets 17in alloys, a twin exhaust system, floor mats and DAB radio, while the mid-range Titanium and Titanium Sport models get an 8in touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control and auto headlights, wipers and dimming mirrors, while the latter includes parking sensors and a bodykit. The range topping Titanium X and Titanium X Sport trims see more luxury added to the Kuga, with leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof and power tailgate, while the latter adds a rear-view camera, a Sony stereo system and sat nav, parking sensors and a sporty bodykit.
A new addition to the range will be the ST-Line models, which in essence gets a sportier, more aggressive look and lowered suspension, while those looking to make their Kuga more personal will have the opportunity to do so with the Vignale models. The Vignale will be among the first to showcase Ford's 2016 facelift, with the standard features including a bespoke Vignale bodykit, chrome detailing, 18in chrome alloys, bi-xenon headlights, premium leather upholstery, a nine speaker premium Sony audio system and a touchscreen infotainment system equipped with SYNC3.
As with the exterior, we’d argue it could be a bit more characterful – but that’s our only criticism, and it’s minor one. Source by autocar.co.uk
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