Make no mistake, this is no play thing. The Kuga was developed side by side with the Freelander 2 and in turn the Evoque. It shares the platform of its Landrover brothers, all using the Haldex four wheel drive on demand system. This system can be controlled to the specification of the manufacturer like the snow and sand settings on the Freelander, in the Kuga it uses the standard system but tweeked so that the power is transmitted to the drive wheel with the most traction
It’s a fantastic tow car and great winter car, the 160bhp diesel easily coping with the added transmission drain of a four wheel drive system. There is a petrol available but those that read our blogs will know that we are EcoCar specialist and thirsty engines just don’t cut it with us
Fords own website has some great video and explanations of the drive systems.
The standard wheels are a derivative of the alloys launched on the original Focus ST that we still love today. Along with nice wheels, Ford have kept the Kuga fresh and current and it looks as good today as it did at launch
Inside its typical Ford, comfortable seats and safety levels and airbags of the highest standards. The steering position can be set to suite anyone. The wheel itself is comfortable in the hand and the driving postion and instruments are fabulous. Conectivity is Ford standard and top class, with aux, usb and Bluetooth, located just above the dual zone air conditioning that seems to be in fashion right now
Quality wise, the Kuga is right up with the VW Tiguan and only the Volvo XC series is of the same ilk. There are of course other rivals such as theIX35 and Kia Sportage, quality is only slighty behind but they are fantastic value for money, you pay your money and take your choice