All-new Ford Kuga revealed
The new generation of the Ford Kuga has been unveiled this week and it is the company’s very first “unified” SUV. The car will make its official debut this week during the Los Angeles Auto Show, and it is set to replace the Escape model in the United States, and it will hit the European dealerships in the beginning of 2012. Later on next year, the Kuga will also be introduced in China.
The styling of the compact five-seater is inspired by the Vertrek concept that we saw in Detroit earlier this year, a concept which was designed in Europe. It adopts the “One Ford” philosophy that was also used for the Fiesta and Focus models.
According to Ford’s development boss Derek Kuzak, the all-new Kuga/Escape will be able to provide the best fuel efficiency in its class, along with offering 11 convenience features that no other car in this segment has, including here a hands-free powered tailgate which if you aim a soft kick at the underside of the rear bumper will swing upwards.
The Blue Oval has also improved the aerodynamics of the new model which now features grille slats that will automatically close when maximum cooling power is not necessary. This not only reduces fuel consumption but it also diminishes aerodynamic drag as well.
The U.S.-spec model will be powered by a 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine, along with the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter petrol turbocharged Ecoboost power units. The European model will get these Ecoboost engines along with a choice of diesels which is already available for the Focus. Later on, Ford might introduce smaller 3-cylinder engines.
The new generation of the Kuga is 100 mm longer than the outgoing model, and most of this increase in length was aimed towards making the wheelbase longer. This new model will probably be Ford’s most important launch next year as far as the volume figures are concerned, even though the new generation of the Mondeo will be out in 2012. According to the Blue Oval company, 60% of North Americans who want to buy a new car are picking either a mid-size sedan or a sport utility vehicle.
Source: Ford via Autocar
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