All-new Ford Kuga launched in Malaysia
Ford’s highly-anticipated mid-sized SUV, the all-new Kuga, was officially launched in Malaysia today. Based on the Focus’ Global-C platform, the Kuga, follows the path of its platform-mate by bringing segment-defining technology to the table and blowing away its rivals with class-leading outputs from its turbocharged engine.
We had reviewed the Kuga back in April after participating in the regional media drive which Ford hosted in Australia, and although the specifications revealed today were missing certain items which we observed in the top versions of our Aussie-spec test cars, whatever that Ford did pack in is still good enough to shame everything else priced this side of RM160k.
Arriving from Ford’s Valencia plant, Malaysia-spec Kugas are powered exclusively by the 1.6-litre EcoBoost T4 engine with 177hp and 240Nm on tap. The CR-V 2.4 will ultimately outmuscle the Ford for power, but until and unless someone gambles on diesel power or when Mazda rolls in the CX-5 2.5 SkyActiv-G there won’t be an engine out there in the segment that will have the Kuga beaten for both power and torque.
Drive goes to all fours with a Ford/GM co-developed 6-speed automatic transmission connecting the engine to Ford’s Intelligent AWD system that thoughtfully allows you to monitor the system’s torque distribution in real time through the dash-mounted 4.2″ colour multifunction display. Additionally, the Kuga’s handling is further enhanced by electronic aids namely Torque Vectoring Control, Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), Hill Start Assist, and Curve Control.
In the unfortunate event of a crash, occupants of the Kuga are protected by seven airbags, and if any of these happen to be deployed, it will trigger the activation of Ford’s SOS Post-Crash Alert System that activates the hazard lights and blares the horn until the battery runs out of juice. This is especially useful for serious crashes in remote areas and all occupants are knocked unconscious.
The Kuga’s interior features the voice-activated Microsoft-powered Ford SYNC system that debuted in the Focus. Facilitating seamless connections with mobile devices, Ford SYNC can be used as a handsfree telephone system, audio text message reader, and even plays music tracks from the connected portable device at your command, literally. The system complements the built-in Sony audio system, which comes with nine speakers.
Perhaps the most talked-about feature on board the Kuga is its handsfree tailgate release system which allows you to open and close the tailgate just by aiming a kick under the bumper. To ensure secure operation and prevent unintended or unauthorized opening of the tailgate, the system is designed to be only usable if the key fob is within very close vicinity of the tailgate itself.
Bookings for the Kuga were open just under a month ago with an estimated price of RM168,000, which was attractive enough for Ford to collect sufficient bookings to account for all 150 units in the first shipment of vehicles arriving from Valencia. On-the-road with insurance, the fully-imported Kuga EcoBoost Titanium is priced at RM159,999, a price which includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 3-year/60,000km free service package covering routine inspection, maintenance, and replacement of selected wear-and-tear items such as spark plugs, shock absorbers, engine belts, brake pads, and wiper blades.
