Compact SUV with hybrid diversity

* Super special offer not only for traders! *

Great equipment already in the basic version

If you order the basic model, you get an infotainment touchscreen, cruise control and manual air conditioning. There is more luxury if you have LED headlights, WiFi hotspot, an electrically operated tailgate, the practical door edge protection that automatically opens when you open it, and the assistants (including ghost driver warning, evasive assistant, blind spot monitor and traffic jam Assistant) ordered. As a customer, you can choose from six equipment lines; there are four option packages; there are only a few extras to be selected separately.

You also have to dig deeper into your pockets for the Kuga with EcoBlue hybrid diesel that we drove in the first test. The Cool & Connect version starts at 32.600 euros. For this you get a two-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that mobilizes 110 kW / 150 PS and 370 Newton meters of torque and is supported by a belt starter generator operated with 48 volts. The electric motor, which replaces the conventional alternator, contributes up to 16 hp and 50 Newton meters, especially when starting up. That doesn't sound like a lot and is not enough to run electricity, but it noticeably relieves the burner: the Kuga kicks off really hard and the standard consumption is just over five liters. However, the Ford upstairs quickly runs out of breath: the much faster sprint to 100 km / h takes 9,6 seconds and the mild hybrid can run at a maximum of 175 km / h. Shortcoming: The diesel hybrid is only available with a somewhat gritty six-speed manual transmission, the conventional diesel with 88 kW / 120 PS and 140 kW / 190 PS are also available with an eight-speed automatic.

This is standard on the top model, and the diesel, which costs at least 39.500 euros, always has all-wheel drive. All other Kugas are currently delivering their power to the road via the front wheels. At least on the gasoline-powered side, Ford wants to improve soon: A full hybrid announced for the end of the year (without a socket connection, but with a low electric range) is to become a 4 × 4 model with an additional electric motor on the rear axle. Exemplary: A plug-in hybrid is available from the start (from 39.300 euros), the combination of a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor that releases 165 kW / 204 hp and is expected to travel 56 kilometers with electricity. Also in the price list: two three-cylinder petrol-only engines with 88 kW / 120 PS and 110 kW / 150 PS.

No matter which engine you choose: the chassis is always great. Well-coordinated, as is typical of Ford, and thanks to the new platform up to 90 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, the new Kuga lies well on the road and can be moved dynamically. It's a shame that the comfortable, large seats offer so little lateral support, otherwise you could throw the SUV, which grew nine centimeters to 4,61 meters, into the curve even more ambitiously. The new Kuga can collect points on the long-haul route: Despite all its sporting talents, the substructure irons the road properly and smoothly, and the Kuga is also impressive in terms of running culture; the hybrid diesel growls vigorously only under full load.

A quiet grumble should also escape one or the other after getting in. The Kuga is clearly and neatly processed and there is enough space not only in the front, but also on the sliding rear seat. However, you do not enter an oasis of wellbeing: the controllers have implemented plenty of hard plastic in the selection of materials, and the lining of the 475 to 1.534 liter trunk looks fairly cheap. In addition: The new infotainment system, which has at least left the mouse cinema status behind, is ok at 8 inches, but by no means oversized, and it feels like the screen on the dashboard looks more towards the passenger. And then the head-up display: Ford relies on a fold-out plastic pane behind the valance, which unfortunately shows all the relevant information, especially for large drivers, on the hood instead of in front of the car.

On the other hand, the digital instrument cluster reserved for the higher equipment is perfect, the display of which adapts to the various driving programs (normal, eco, sport, slippery and an off-road mode). And the new design is also impressive: Ford has turned the rather inconspicuous SUV into an eye-catcher in a tight sports suit, which even looks a bit like Porsche from the front. If that's not a guarantee of success.

(Text: Autohub / SP-X Michael Gebhardt)

Equipment example / dream new car / nationwide delivery possible / pictures show additional equipment

• • 4 alloy wheels 7,0 J x 17, 5 × 2-spoke design (not in conjunction with 2,5-liter Duratec plug-in hybrid)
  • Ambient lighting at the front including front door shelf, footwell and cup holder lighting with LED technology
  • Door sill trims at the front
  • Driver and front passenger seat, 8-way manually adjustable, including adjustable lumbar support
  • Ford Key Free system (key-free unlocking / locking) including Ford Power start function (key-free starting)
  • Automatically dimming interior mirror
  • Upper grille with horizontal chrome decor struts
  • Windscreen wipers with rain sensor, sensitivity adjustable
  • Fabric upholstery for titanium
  • Border around the lower side windows in chrome

the model titanium, Body 5-door, Engine & Transmission 1.5l EcoBlue 88 kW (120hp), 6-speed manual transmission, front-start system, NEDC CO₂emissions 109 g / km combined, NEDC consumption 4.2 L / 100 km combined, WLTP CO.₂Emissions (at PHEV: in charge-maintaining mode) 134.0 g / km combined, WLTP consumption (for PHEV: in charge-maintaining mode) 5.1 L / 100 km combined

Link to the FORD online configurator

Buy recommendation: Ford Kuga tested by the AUTOHUB editorial team

If you are looking for a special offer on: “Ford Kuga” this is the right place.

The basic equipment of the Ford Kuga  is already very comprehensive and leaves little to be desired. For example:

• 2,0 l EcoBlue Hybrid: 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel with 48-volt assistance; 110 kW / 150 PS, maximum torque: 370 Nm at 2.000–2.500 rpm, electric motor: 12 kW / 16 PS, 50 Newton meters, front-wheel drive, six-speed manual transmission, 0-100 km / h: 9,6 s, Vmax: 175 km / h, consumption: 5,1–5,0 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions: 135–132 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d-temp, efficiency class: A / A +, price: from 32.600 euros

Secure the top offer for the Ford Kuga 2.0 EcoBlue Hybrid with 110 kW online here - advantages and types of financing

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* Images may show special models or optional extras