Ford Kuga opens for bookings
The order books are now opened for the all-new Ford Kuga, the mid-size SUV that Ford will be launching soon to replace the aging Ford Escape and compete against the likes of the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. Actual date of launch has yet to be specified, but Ford has announced an estimated price of RM168,000 for the sole 1.6 EcoBoost Titanium AWD variant.
Sitting on Ford’s new Global C platform that also underpins the Focus, the Kuga measures 81mm longer than the Escape which it replaces, measuring 4,524mm from stem to stern. It is however narrower and lower than its predecessor, measuring 1,838mm in overall width and 1,702mm in overall height.
The 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine is not new to Malaysia, but it is making its first appearance wearing a Ford badge. Already used in the Volvo S60 and V60, turbocharged four-cylinder engine has rated outputs of 177hp and 240Nm. Equipped with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission as standard, the Kuga’s official fuel consumption is quoted at 7.7 l/100km.
Ford markets the Kuga as an advanced high-tech SUV and will be throwing in a considerable amount of kit to back that claim up. Features confirmed for the Malaysian market include:
– Intelligent AWD system
– Torque Vectoring Control
– Active Grille Shutter
– Hands-free power liftgate operation
– Ford SYNC with Voice Command
– Keyless Entry with Push Start Button
– Seven airbags
– Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
– ABS
– Trailer Sway Control
– Hill Start Assist
– Brake Assist
– Parking Sensors
We will bring you more details on the Kuga as its launch nears, but for now, you are invited to follow the link below and read what we had to say about it after having a chance to drive it last month.
