In times of Corona, vehicle use is often limited to trips to the supermarket. These can be done well electrically, even with a plug-in hybrid.

Ideal for short journeys - the new Ford Kuga as a plug-in hybrid

The Kuga has been part of the Ford portfolio since 2008. The third generation is now in the starting blocks. The SUV is already configurable online, as soon as the car dealerships are allowed to open their doors again, interested customers can also test drive and test drive. For the first time, in addition to petrol and diesel engines, Ford also offers electrified variants for the Kuga, including a plug-in hybrid. With low CO2 emissions, this should help reduce fleet consumption in the direction of the specified 95 grams. We were already able to use the plug-in hybrid version (PHEV), available from 39.550 euros, for an everyday test.

He has become chic. The slightly chubby pounds of the predecessor have disappeared. After all, the Kuga has grown almost 9 centimeters compared to its predecessor to a length of 4,61 meters, that it has increased in width by a good four centimeters to 1,88 meters (2,18 meters with exterior mirrors), you only notice in tight spaces Parking spaces. There is ample space for at least four people; the backbenchers can move their seats in favor of more knee room or luggage space. The trunk volume of the plug-in hybrid is slightly smaller than that of its conventionally powered brothers and is average at 411 to 1.481 liters. Basically, the chassis tuning was good, but it doesn't necessarily have to be the pseudo-sporty streamlining in the ST-Line-X equipment line (from 43.550 euros for the PHEV). For well-being at this level of comfort, among other things, sat nav, B&O sound system and automatic air conditioning. There were also extras in the test car such as a head-up display, adaptive LED headlights and assistants such as the traffic jam driver.

In a plug-in hybrid, a conventional motor works together with one or more electric motors. Ford combines a 2,5-liter petrol engine with 112 kW / 152 hp with a 97 kW / 131 hp electric motor in the Kuga. The system output comes to 165 kW / 225 hp. The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 14,4 kWh, which should be sufficient for an electrical range of up to 56 kilometers. The aim is to be able to drive shorter distances purely electrically, but thanks to the conventional engine and a 45-liter petrol tank, you do not have to be afraid to stay put.

So far, 56 kilometers doesn't sound like much for frequent drivers. They are usually quickly used up in everyday life. But in times of corona restrictions, the amount of driving decreases. Home office, no appointments and no visits or excursions: If the car is only used for shopping and as a supply unit for older people, the electrical range of the Kuga plug-in hybrid is sufficient for everyday errands.

And so it did not start with the standard setting "EV Auto" - depending on the driving condition and battery level, the system switches here between purely electric driving, driving with only petrol support or a combined drive - we tested how far we can with the purely electric driving mode "EV now" " came. Not surprisingly, the electrical range was halved at very cool outside temperatures of just over zero degrees. Cold is a range killer. At more pleasant temperatures above 10 degrees we made 42 kilometers before the petrol engine switched on and took over the propulsion. The power is transmitted via a continuously variable transmission. This does its job well, but under full load - for example in the case of an overtaking process initiated by a kick-down - it acts loudly and the sorting of the "gear levels" does not succeed straight away.

If you are relaxed in the electric mode, which is possible up to 135 km / h, you don't hear much except for the rolling noise of the tires. If the petrol engine switches on, the driver receives an acoustic message immediately. In EV auto mode, you always know whether you are driving electrically or conventionally; the view of the drive information shown in the display can be saved pretty quickly. Speaking of saving: If you want to use electrical range to drive through an environmental zone, for example, you can cancel it using the "EV later" mode. The petrol engine takes over the propulsion, the energy recuperated by brakes remains in the battery. If necessary, the battery can also be charged by the petrol engine. Ideally, the battery should be charged at a household socket or wall box. This can be done in just under six hours using a wall box in 3,5 hours. Oh yes: In theory, the Kuga plug-in hybrid consumes 1,4 liters of super plus 15,8 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometers. Those who only drive short distances and charge regularly should get by with just under 20 kWh. If you cover longer distances, you can count on six liters of Super depending on your driving style. However, if the battery is never or rarely charged, it is rather a good 8 liters that rush through the fuel lines - unless you let the 225 horses gallop unrestrainedly.

Frequent drivers and muffle should not be blinded by the environmental bonus and the reduced tax rate for company cars. The purchase costs for the Kuga-PHEV are high and those who do not charge regularly are giving away the consumption advantage. The 110 kW / 150 hp diesel with 48 volt mild hybrid technology is likely to be interesting for frequent drivers; it manages around five liters and is almost 5.000 euros cheaper in the comparable equipment level than the part-time Stromer. And those who only drive a little will also be happy with the 1,5-liter petrol engine. It is available with 88 kW / 120 hp (from 26.550 euros) or with 110 kW / 150 hp (from 30.350 euros)

Ford KugaPlug-in-Hybrid - Technical data:

Four-door, five-seat SUV, length: 4,61 meters, width: 1,88 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 2,18 meters), height: 1,68 meters, wheelbase: 2,71 meters, trunk volume: 411 - 1.481 liters

2,5 l plug-in hybrid: 2,5 liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine; 112 kW / 152 PS, maximum torque: not specified, electric motor: 97 kW / 131 PS, 50 Newton meters, front-wheel drive, continuously variable automatic transmission, 0-100 km / h: 9,2 s, Vmax: 20 km / h, electrical range: 56 Kilometers, consumption (WLTP): 1,4 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 32g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d-temp-EVAP-ISC, efficiency class: A +, test consumption: 2 liters plus electricity

• Price: from 39.550 euros [Titanium]
• Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid - brief characteristics:
• Why: just don't have to refuel
• Why not: expensive to buy; The economical diesel with mild hybrid technology is recommended for frequent drivers
• What else: The siblings Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 and Peugeot 3008 Plug-in-Hybrid and soon their front-wheel drive versions or an electric small car for the short distance to the supermarket?

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