Thank you to our car rental partners, Enterprise at Leigh (Manchester), for allowing our team to photograph and review one of their SUV fleet – the Ford Kuga.
Without a doubt we have become a nation obsessed with the SUV/smaller 4×4; this is now at the forefront for many manufacturers (even “supercar” ones).
Historically, these cars were simply not that popular mainly due to the fact they were bulky, inefficient and uninspiring. For many families, the MPV would be the first choice of vehicle – think Ford Galaxy, Seat Alhambra and Vauxhall Zafira. For families with more than 3 children, the MPV was the only way to move everyone around. Possible due to lower insurance costs and fuel costs, it was more possible to have several vehicles. However, as these costs have continued to rise in the UK, running a micro-fleet is not a tenable proposition.
The SUV seems to offer a one size fits all proposition to drivers. With an enviable array of choice in that you can have a micro vehicle (Juke, Captur, 2008, T-Roc), Medium vehicle (Mokka, Kuga, Tiguan, Ateca, Qashqai) and bigger vehicle (X-Trail, Santa Fe, Sedona, Koleos), every part of the market is being managed.
One of the main reasons for going into an SUV is the “safety” feel that some drivers get from the higher driving position. As this has become the most competitive part of the automotive industry, you find that manufacturers are throwing incredible amounts of specification into the cars in order to win the battle. With heated seats, lane departure assist, reversing cameras, alloys, LED lights and keyless entry now forming part of many cars, the driver will often receive more than what they need. What has perhaps revolutionised this segment was the introduction of 7-seat vehicles. While this has affected a lot of the MPV options (in that they are no longer popular!), manufacturers have introduced a genuine option for the bigger family. More aesthetically pleasing, better specification and a higher driver position, the family-sized 7 seat SUV has been a big success.
In terms of the car shown here, the Ford KUGA DIESEL ESTATE 1.5 TDCi Zetec 5dr Auto 2WD, this is based on the following configuration:
· Shadow black Metallic Paint
· Cloth – Charcoal black
· 17″ 10 spoke alloy wheels
As standard the car includes 17” alloy wheels, quickclear windscreen, traction assist, hill start assist, floor mats, cruise control, electrically heated door mirrors, USB connection, body coloured externals, twin exhaust pipes, gearshift paddles, leather steering wheel, immobiliser, keyless start, Thatcham cat 1 alarm, sports style seats and a spare wheel. In terms of additional factory options, consider navigation, rear parking sensors and the appearance pack for the perfect machine. In the alternative, you can go up in the range, with choices including the St Line, Titanium, Titanium X and Vignale.
In terms of technical specification, company car and business users can note the P11d at £26,625.00 and CO2 at 124g/km. The 1498CC 6 speed auto engine offers 58.9 combined MPG, 120ps and 0-60 times of 12.4 seconds. Service intervals are set at every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever lands sooner. Do consider driver-maintained vs funder-maintained contracts with the yearly obligation.
So would the Ford Kuga be your selected leasing option? Or would you go for the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008 or Vauxhall Mokka X or a Renault Koleos?
Which car would you take home? Comment below…
Find the very best car leasing deals on the awesome Ford Kuga available from @CarLease UK on personal and/or business contract hire from today!
