Here’s the new Kuga, But not yet. Ford is launching it in the US as the Escape this month to replace an elderly vehicle of the same name. Our Kuga still has the spring of youth in its step, so won’t be replaced until early 2013.
As cars do, it’s groom in the new generation. Usefully, it has a longer wheelbase to give over to the people inside. Even so, it’s still about the same length overall as a Focus. For Europe, it’ll have a 1.6 turbo petrol engine and a set of diesels. Sensible and efficient, the Kuga is available with a 2.5 five-cylinder turbo at the moment, but that’s a rare car. A new 4WD system uses torque-vectoring for better on—road agility as well as grip when slippery.
On-board tech in the American version includes Ford’s voice- and-touchscreen—controlled My Ford Touch system for music and wireless connections. Many users think its rubbish, and Ford’s satisfaction ratings have plummeted as a result. This is a new version, so there’s a lot resting on it.