Is the Kuga the King of the SUV leasing deals?
Happy 1st of March! The first of the 17’ plate vehicles being delivered to our local Manchester car leasing customers. Presenting to you… the Ford KUGA DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 TDCi 180 Titanium 5dr Manual (check the deals.)
The car pictured is based on:
· Moondust silver metallic paint;
· Cloth/Salerno leather – Charcoal black
· 17″ 5×2 spoke alloy wheels
The Ford is really one of the SUV “originals” having launched at a similar time to the Nissan Qashqai. The Kuga has recently undergone a facelift to try and bring the car in line with the other market competitors – the Peugeot 3008, the Renault Kadjar, the Skoda Kodiaq, the Nissan Qashqai. Add to that a number of new models coming through, such an Alfa Romeo SUV and you have a pretty stacked division.
In terms of car options in the Kuga, you have the option of either 1.5 litre diesel or a 2.0 litre diesel, the latter being available in 2WD and AWD format. An automatic, or Powershift, as Ford refer to it, is also available in both engines. Perhaps a little more exciting for the low-mileage driver, is the petrol range which is available in a 1.5 litre 150ps and 182ps format. With political pressure moving car buyers from diesel to petrol, manufacturers are having to produce genuine petrol alternatives in all ranges. Ford, through their Fiesta with the 1.0 Ecoboost range, have consistently produces good (and frugal) petrol options for drivers to consider.
From a specification perspective, not much has changed in the new Kuga range. This now consists of a Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X, as per the previous model. The new addition is the ST Line, a “sporty model” with 18” alloys, body styling kit, sports suspension and ST line seats and configuration. Interestingly, Ford want to compete in the luxury car market too, so a Vignale will also be included within the Kuga range, which offers 18” alloys, Vignale styling, bi-xenon lights, leather steering wheel and upholstery, rear view camera and upgraded SYNC navigation. With a hefty price tag compared to the other models, you have to consider whether Ford can really start to push the VW Tiguan, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC with this type of model?
The model highlighted is very much a good middle-range SUV. The Titanium will offer SYNC 3 navigation, cruise control, 17” alloys, Quickclear screen, floor mats, rear parking sensors, LED lights, keyless start and entry, lumbar adjustment for the driver to name but a few. For some of the creature comforts, you need add the winter pack for the British weather!
The Ford Kuga is now more Americanised with it stylings and features. However, it is still an equally popular car amongst our younger drivers and older drivers, as it does seem to have a universal appeal. The only issue, is that the SUV-class is so saturated with good options, it is actually a hard decision for the deriver to now make!
Which leasing option would you choose?
