Ford Kuga Compact SUV to be Released in Australia in 2012

[russellw]

December 5th 2011

Ford Australia today announced it will add the stylish Ford Kuga compact SUV to its local model range from March next year.
The European-built five-door SUV wears Ford's signature "kinetic" design and is expected to be a popular addition to Ford's Australian vehicle catalogue, mixing SUV practicality with sharp driving dynamics that have been designed for adventure both on and off the road.
"The Ford Kuga will be an exciting addition to our Australian model range," Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Australia, said,
"The Ford Kuga is certain to appeal to customers looking for a stylish, practical and fun compact SUV."
Today's announcement is the latest in a number of exciting product developments for Ford Australia. Over the past 12 months, the company has transformed its local model range with an impressive line-up of new and updated models as part of its ongoing plan to offer customers a choice of vehicles that deliver quality, safety, intelligent technologies and sustainable driving.
"During the last year we have either replaced or updated around 85 per cent of Ford's Australian model line-up and we are certain the Ford Kuga will be another compelling offer for our customers," he said.

Australian model range
Customers will be able to choose from two versions of the Ford Kuga: Trend and Titanium. The Ford Kuga Trend will come comprehensively equipped with a generous array of comfort, convenience and safety features. Adding even more will be the Ford Kuga Titanium. These standard features are summarised below.

Ford Kuga Trend

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Rear tailgate with flip glass
• Bluetooth®1 connectivity
• Voice control
• Sony CD 8-speaker sound system with USB port
• Keyless start/stop button
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power adjustable heated side mirrors with puddle lamps
• Front fog lamps
• Silver roof rails
• Follow-me-home lighting
• Capless refuelling

Ford Kuga Titanium

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Fixed panorama glass roof
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather-trimmed seats (front seats with variable heating controls)
• Leather-trimmed gear shifter
• 6-way power driver's seat
• Rear privacy glass
• Rear parking sensors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Auto headlamps
• Velour floor mats
• Stainless steel front scuff plates[/B]

Engine and transmission

Both the Ford Kuga Trend and Titanium will be powered by Ford's Duratec five-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Drivers will enjoy spirited performance from this efficient power unit, which produces a maximum power level of 147 kW and peak torque of 320 Nm from as low as 1600 rpm.
Both versions in the Ford Kuga range will be fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission matched to an intelligent all-wheel drive system, giving drivers sure-footed handling and practical off-road ability.
On the road, the Ford Kuga will return 10.3-litres per 100km travelled (combined cycle; according to ADR81/02).

Chassis and suspension
Customers will experience a dynamic driving experience and all-road performance thanks to the combination of a MacPherson strut front suspension and Ford's Control Blade multi-link suspension system at the rear. Electric power-assisted steering has been designed to give drivers easy manoeuvrability and control at speed.

Safety
Occupant safety is demonstrated by the Ford Kuga's 5-star safety rating by both ANCAP and EuroNCAP. Standard-fitment safety features are extensive and include:

• Intelligent Protection System
• Driver and front passenger air-bags
• Driver and front passenger side thorax and pelvis air-bags
• Side curtain air-bags
• ABS anti-lock brakes
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with roll-over mitigation
• Traction control
• EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) system
• Driver and front passenger belt-minder

The Ford Kuga will go on sale in Australia in March 2012. Australian Manufacturer's List Prices (MLP) will be announced closer to the date of release.

[Polyal]

So I had a look on the UK site and they can get TDI and manual...what the hell is FoA's aversion to offering a "base" model TDI manual? If I am going to buy a run about for the wife so she can putt putt the kids around town then I want the most fuel efficient combo I can get.

If it has anything to do with "protecting" the Tez TDI ill hurl.

Its a great car, but why would you get a petrol turbo....

[Road_Warrior]

Probably because most people that are buying these cars don't want or need a manual. And the reason for not having a TDi available is that supply from European plants is restricted.

[Polyal]

Seriously supply cant be an issue, how long do they want to ***** and moan about that?

I assume its a direct comparison to the Tiguan? Which can be had in that combo like most good euro's.

I do understand that the newer auto's linked with good torque from the modern diesels work ok, but still, manual TDi's offer better economy and also a cheaper entry price...I dotn understand why they cant atleast offer it.

[Joe5619]

wow, that should shut a few people up!! Guess supply will be limited though?


If we have both the Escape & Kuga now in Australia, what will the new model be called, seeing as they will be the same thing?

[phillyc]

This is awesome news and 12 months earlier than had been tipped just a few weeks ago. I reckon the trouble in the Euro zone has allowed extra capacity to become available sooner.

Priced & equipped well, this will rock the sector!

[Road_Warrior]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Polyal
Seriously supply cant be an issue, how long do they want to ***** and moan about that?




It is an issue, because Euro market builds take precedence over our piddling demand and the Euro market demands diesels.

Also, the XR5T donk from memory no longer complies with Euro emissions regs and I suspect this is a way of dumping them here whilst they are still 'legal' in at least one RHD market.

[Rodge]

Hi Russell, The Kuga has been on sale in N.Z. since mid November,
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used...-424674191.htm
OTOH we can't have a new Focus Titanium, (@ $50,000 on the road), till April 2012, go figure ??? Might have been interested in one for the Mrs but at that shocker of a price, no thanks.

[Bossxr8]

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25795C0082D980

Supplies have only just become available. Would explain why there's no diesel, as diesel is so popular in Europe.

New Kuga will eventually be built in Thailand, so it will get a full range and no supply problems.

[Fair302]

Engine is Euro V spec

[Polyal]

I guess what I was getting at is if you had a choice between the I5T and a TDi for this type of car I would think the TDI would get the nod 99.9% of the time.

Its nice to know they think of Oz when they need to get rid of the scraps. Perhaps there will be enough uneducated buyers who will jump because its new, but I would think most would just sit back and wait. Which means they wont sell flash to begin with and get rubbish press straight off the bat.

Or I am just thinking about it to much, but for me I would just wait until the full range is available. Did they not mention 2013 just last week? Do it once and do it right IMO.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Polyal

I guess what I was getting at is if you had a choice between the I5T and a TDi for this type of car I would think the TDI would get the nod 99.9% of the time.

Its nice to know they think of Oz when they need to get rid of the scraps. Perhaps there will be enough uneducated buyers who will jump because its new, but I would think most would just sit back and wait. Which means they wont sell flash to begin with and get rubbish press straight off the bat.

Or I am just thinking about it to much, but for me I would just wait until the full range is available. Did they not mention 2013 just last week? Do it once and do it right IMO.

Think of those old retired farts with some dosh who are the more apathetic about cars and driving. See them as a tool, or accessory. They want a bit of luxury, and a taller car that doesn't upset the joints of him an the misses as they get in an out. And room for the gold clubs of course. A Nissan Xtrail would be fine(a perfect old persons car). But they want something a bit more classy to park under the carport at that competitive retirement village. The Titanium offering all the luxuries and envy that Bert and Meryl who take names at Bridge Night couldn't afford.

"We bought the Titanium.... that's the top end model", is one of the bragging rights... as well as all that "4WD grip", and punchy "5cyl turbo overtaking power" that they never use.

Not sure who else would buy it. The suburban trophy wife with two kids and a hobby?

But still... it will add more pretty to the ford catalogues and local papers... and hopefully be a reason to not print pictures of the Escape.

[Poetic Justice]

Rav4 has no diesel and it still sells well, even being 6 years old.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by SCUD

Rav4 has no diesel and it still sells well, even being 6 years old.

Neither does Outlander, or CRV.

[Polyal]

Thats a good point, but in saying that the RAV4 (was it not one of the first in the segment?) is a very strong brand and the Kuga has pretty much nothing here.

If I saw 10.3L/100 I wouldnt bother really, depending on price of course I cant see it hurting the Tiguan .

[csv8]

Pricing will have to be reasonable..not like NZ or they won't sell...

[Road_Warrior]

I'd expect around $40-$43K for the Titanium.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I'd expect around $40-$43K for the Titanium.

Im sure you can get a TDi Tiguan for $30kish, dont know what RAV4's sell for.

For me, while I know its a different car, id get a demo Tez TS TDi, have more space and probably similar parts costs and have a better fuel bill to boot.

[FG_Frodza]

Looks great, good motor, wouldn't mind one in the driveway at all...

[fou_bleu]

No diesel? Fail. No more to be said.

[Road_Warrior]

XR5 Turbo donk - win. An XR5 Turbo in an SUV chassis with AWD, yes please.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

XR5 Turbo donk - win. An XR5 Turbo in an SUV chassis with AWD, yes please.

I dont disagree but its hardly a sporty car..its a yummy mummy SUV.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Polyal

I dont disagree but its hardly a sporty car..its a yummy mummy SUV.

[jpd80]

Basically this Kuga has the same fuel economy and performance as the RWD TX Territory,
I wonder what Kuga Trend's price will be, in England it's close to Mondeo Titanium.

[DFB FGXR6]

This is the older (current) Kugu yeah? So are we getting this for a short term repacement for the acient (10 year old) Escape untill the new one is ready in 2013? Or is Aust. getting both New Kugu AND Escape?

[Franco Cozzo]

Interior looks a lot like my LV TDCI Focus.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Interior looks a lot like my LV TDCI Focus.

It should for obvious reasons, same platform....
Focus is to Kuga as Falcon is to Territory...

[Rodge]

I think there's a very small niche for the vehicle. Lets be honest many of these yummy mummy SUV's are soccer mum's vehicles, they just go around the block to drop off and pick up Johnny and Jane 3,000 times a year, (people who have or have had teenagers will know what I mean by that).

In these repeated short run circumstances a diesel's yummy mummy SUV diesel particulate filter will become hopelessly blocked leading to other problems which can't be fixed properly by any means other than removing said DPF filter or significantly changing one's usage pattern to include regular highway running, so there's the opening for a vehicle like this that doesnrt consume totally unreasonable amounts of petrol on its 1,000,001 soccer runs.

[Stazza_Brendan]

This comes with an ecoboost in the US. Wish we got ecoboost here.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Stazza_Brendan

This comes with an ecoboost in the US. Wish we got ecoboost here.

It doesn't come with anything in the US as it's not on sale there.