Ford Kuga Compact SUV to be Released in Australia in 2012

[turboxf]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

There's definately a whole decade between them.

Yep the old one looks like a truck & the new one looks like a sporty thing

Yes it is the older KUGA, I saw this about 6 or 7 years ago as a concept! FORD euro didn't change much, can yoy see the front of the MONDEO first off the concept was based on the focus /modeo chassis , if you look at the design it was a world first then every manufacturer liked the design & copied it, The write up of the journos at the motor show were rapped in it they said this SUV will be a world better

[turboxf]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Yerp.

This article is nearly 18 months old , some interesting reading about why Australia didn't get it in 2010 & thought it better to wait on the new KUGA model , well that isn't going to happen now!

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/n...708-101ps.html

[entheos]

Pricing released at this point the following MLPs apply:

Trend: $38,990 plus ORC ~ $42990 driveaway for Metro Sydney private rego
Titanium: $44,990 plus ORC ~ $49190 driveaway for Metro Sydney private rego.

About what I was expecting for MLP's. Compete directly on price with Rav 4 "Cruiser" and "Cruiser L"

[russellw]

Given that the Titanium provides dual zone climate (against single), rain sensing wipers, 18" alloys (instead of 17"), leather trim, a heated front screen, heated seats, 6/4 way electric front seats (against 2/4 way manual), electro-chromatic rear view mirror, panorama roof, auto headlamps, foot-well illumination, stainless steel scuff plates and reverse sensors over the Trend; the $5600 drive-away price difference (in Vic) is probably good value.

It's down on headroom (66mm), legroom (63mm), shoulder room (126mm) compared to Territory but slightly up (22 litres) in cargo space with the seats down.

Will be interesting to see what the market thinks.

Cheers
Russ

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by entheos

Pricing released at this point the following MLPs apply:

Trend: $38,990 plus ORC ~ $42990 driveaway for Metro Sydney private rego

Which makes Territory look like great value...

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by russellw

It's down on headroom (66mm), legroom (63mm), shoulder room (126mm) compared to Territory but slightly up (22 litres) in cargo space with the seats down.

Will be interesting to see what the market thinks.

Cheers
Russ

Compared to Terry with seats up I take it ?

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by russellw

Given that the Titanium provides dual zone climate (against single), rain sensing wipers, 18" alloys (instead of 17"), leather trim, a heated front screen, heated seats, 6/4 way electric front seats (against 2/4 way manual), electro-chromatic rear view mirror, panorama roof, auto headlamps, foot-well illumination, stainless steel scuff plates and reverse sensors over the Trend; the $5600 drive-away price difference (in Vic) is probably good value.

Hmm, makes me wonder whether Mondeo is a bit over priced...

[Bossxr8]

Its a shame it wasn't here years ago with a full line up of engines, it could have taken a big slice of small SUV sales.

Its a little late to be releasing it now, especially with only the higher priced models with the thirstiest (but best) engines, but better late than never.

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Its a little late to be releasing it now, especially with only the higher priced models with the thirstiest (but best) engines, but better late than never.

I think it would've been better if they had waited until the new model becomes available.

Launching the most expensive model with the thirstiest engines isn't exactly great for Kuga's reputation, is it? If it's earnt a reputation as being thirsty and dated, the new model has its work cut out for it trying to tell everybody that it's no longer a gas guzzler.

I agree, though, the Kuga should've come years ago. That way, Ford would have a competitor to the all-conquering Rav4.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by NX74205

I think it would've been better if they had waited until the new model becomes available.

Launching the most expensive model with the thirstiest engines isn't exactly great for Kuga's reputation, is it? If it's earnt a reputation as being thirsty and dated, the new model has its work cut out for it trying to tell everybody that it's no longer a gas guzzler.

I agree, though, the Kuga should've come years ago. That way, Ford would have a competitor to the all-conquering Rav4.

Thats a good point. I'm a bit staggered they didn't at least bring one diesel version. Surely with the state of the Euro economy Ford have some excess capacity of diesel Kuga we can get?

Seems like thats not the case though.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Its a shame it wasn't here years ago with a full line up of engines, it could have taken a big slice of small SUV sales.

Same category as diesel Territory and sadly diesel Focus took forever to arrive,
typical of the US corporate thinking that pervades Ford, anything but diesels..

[csv8]

Originally Posted by entheos

Pricing released at this point the following MLPs apply:

Trend: $38,990 plus ORC ~ $42990 driveaway for Metro Sydney private rego
Titanium: $44,990 plus ORC ~ $49190 driveaway for Metro Sydney private rego.

About what I was expecting for MLP's. Compete directly on price with Rav 4 "Cruiser" and "Cruiser L"

Thats about $10k more than I thought it would be!!! might be a hard sell..

[andrich]

No TDI will be a fatal mistake i think. A lower price point would definately help, but hopefully if it switches to being built in Thailand itl lower the price abit, which is definately needed if its going to take take on the VW Tiguan.
But atleast its a step in the right direction, even if the Kuga should habe neen here 4 years ago...haha

[Bossxr8]

Supply limited to 200 a month, so they will have no trouble selling them. Also says Focus and Mondeo are also supply limited, which begs the question, why the hell haven't Ford Europe increased their production numbers to cater for demand, this crap has been going on for years and Australia always ends up with short supply. Just poor planning if you ask me.

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2579A60055525A

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Supply limited to 200 a month, so they will have no trouble selling them. Also says Focus and Mondeo are also supply limited, which begs the question, why the hell haven't Ford Europe increased their production numbers to cater for demand, this crap has been going on for years and Australia always ends up with short supply. Just poor planning if you ask me.

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2579A60055525A

Or, should FoA be building Mondeo and Kuga here in Australia....
An opportunity born out of frustration and lack of supply?

[russellw]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

Compared to Terry with seats up I take it ?

No - with the seats down.

Cheers
Russ

[russellw]

Bodystyle

• 5-door Compact SUV

Mechanical

• 2.5-litre Duratec five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine
• 5-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual modes
• Control Blade independent rear suspension
• Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
• ‘Intelligent’ Haldex all-wheel-drive system

Exterior

• 17-inch x 7.5-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 R17 tyres
• Halogen headlamps
• Power heated side mirrors with side indicators and puddle lamps
• Infrared reflecting windscreen
• Front fog lamps
• Body coloured bumpers
• Body coloured rear spoiler
• Bright finish front and rear skid plates
• Silver finish roof rails
• Chrome waistline
• Dual pipe exhaust with chrome finish
• Rear tailgate with flip glass
• Spacesaver spare wheel
• Prestige paint

Interior

• Sports-style front seats
• Fabric seat trim
• 4-way manual adjustable driver seat
• 2-way manual adjustable front passenger seat
• 60/40 split-fold rear seats
• 4-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel
• Height and reach adjustable steering column
• Z-shaped handbrake
• Driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirror
• Overhead console with map reading lamps and sunglass holder
• Illumination with theatre dimming, ambient light, rear reading lamps
• Flat loading rear cargo floor
• Rear cargo tonneau cover
• Green tinted glass

Comfort and Convenience

• Keyless ‘Ford Power’ start button (start/stop push button)
• Air conditioning (manual controls)
• Cruise control
• Follow-me-home lighting
• Headlamp levelling control (manual)
• Power one shot up/down front windows with global open/close
• Power rear windows
• Variable interval intermittent front wipers
• Ford EasyFuel capless refuelling system with misfuel inhibitor
• 12 volt power outlets x 3

Audio and Connectivity

• Sony single CD audio system (MP3 compatible)
• Bluetooth®* mobile phone integration
• Voice control
• Steering column mounted audio controls
• 8 speakers
• USB port
• AUX jack

Safety and Security

• 5-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rating
• Intelligent Protection System
• Driver and front passenger airbags
• Driver and front passenger side thorax and pelvis airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• DSC (with Anti-Rollover Mitigation)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Traction control
• Driver and front passenger beltminder
• Immobiliser (EPATS – Encrypted Passive Anti-Theft System)

Titanium
Features additional to the Trend
Exterior

• 18-inch x 7.5-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 R18 tyres
• Fixed panorama roof

Interior

• Leather trimmed seats
• Heated front seats with variable heating controls
• 6-way power adjustable driver seat
• 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat
• Leather trimmed gearshift
• Privacy glass (rear of B-pillar)
• Stainless steel front scuff plates
• Front and rear floor mats

Comfort and Convenience

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Auto headlamps
• Rear parking sensors
• Rain sensing wipers
• 'Quickclear' heated windscreen
• Front seatback-mounted flip up tray tables
• Rear seat centre armrest with cup holders and stowage
• Electrochromatic rearview mirror
• Footwell illumination

Source: Ford Media

[janddbone]

Another change in name, what *****....

[csv8]

KUGA is up against this...All 132TSI variants over this period will be badged as special edition Tiguan Pacifics, and will receive an array of extra features at no extra charge to counterbalance the change of transmission.

These extra features include dual-zone climate control, auto dimming rear view mirror, vanity mirror lighting for driver and passenger, automatic headlight sensors, coming-and-leaving home lighting, rain-sensing wipers and front fog lights.

The brand’s innovate Park Assist 2 robotic parking system also comes as standard on all Tiguan Pacific models.

VGA general manager of press and PR Karl Gehling confirmed to GoAuto today: “We could secure more production of the six-speed auto and that why we’re offering this as a special edition.”

Mr Gehling added that the change was not permanent and said that the brand intended to bring back to DSG when supplies became available, although he could not put a date on it.

Pricing for the Pacific is unchanged from the normal 132TSI, with the manual starting at $33,490, with the auto adding an extra $2500.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Or, should FoA be building Mondeo and Kuga here in Australia....
An opportunity born out of frustration and lack of supply?

Would be nice, but Kuga will probably go to Thailand? Its been mentioned but i'm not sure if thats confirmed or just a theory.

Does Mondeo sell in enough numbers to justify it being built here? One common theme that being pushed around alot is small volume assembly doesn't work from a viability perspective.

[Nic85]

I just got round to reading the carsguide review of the new Kuga, and see the pricing. Seriously, WTF?! They're pricing themselves straight out of the market! No diesel option in an SUV is silly, but then to price the turbo petrol so high is suicidal surely? The entry level Kuga, which they're saying is actually the mid spec, is outpriced by the top of the line Hyundai ix35 which has more features, is better equipped, has a 6 speed automatic with excellent diesel engine (2L R spec diesel in ix35 is 15kW down on Kuga, but 72Nm up) and if you believe ADR fuel usage figures, is 27% more economical.

I don't get it. I mean, I understand it's hard to get them from Europe or whatever, but it's like I said a while ago, bringing this car here now, in this guise, with a new one coming next year, most likely with a diesel engine, is plain stupid. It'll create a bad name for the car before the real one even gets here.

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by russellw

No - with the seats down.

Cheers
Russ

So it has more cargo area than a Territory (both with seats down) ?

Sure doesn't look like it, not when I looked at one anyway

[babyf6]

Originally Posted by entheos

Pricing released at this point the following MLPs apply:

Trend: $38,990 plus ORC ~ $42990 driveaway for Metro Sydney private rego
Titanium: $44,990 plus ORC ~ $49190 driveaway for Metro Sydney private rego.

About what I was expecting for MLP's. Compete directly on price with Rav 4 "Cruiser" and "Cruiser L"

You can get a good falcon or territory for that money

[Nikked]

The euro fords show that the aussie fords can be lacking on features...

Why the hell can't we pack some of that stuff in our cars?

[csv8]

Nikked..whenever I say that in FF, I get shot down in flames about being negative etc..it shouldn't be hard to transplant the electronics into the Falcon. The specs of a Mondeo are ahead of the equivalent Falcon. American Fords likewise. I was in my Canadian cousins Explorer last year and its way ahead of the G6E. But Ford Aus just keeps producing the same cars year in year out, with minimal tech upgrades..then they wonder why Falcon's not selling. Gen Y won't buy Falcon unless its got modern tech..Ok FF members criticise me.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by csv8

Nikked..whenever I say that in FF, I get shot down in flames about being negative etc..it shouldn't be hard to transplant the electronics into the Falcon. The specs of a Mondeo are ahead of the equivalent Falcon. American Fords likewise. I was in my Canadian cousins Explorer last year and its way ahead of the G6E. But Ford Aus just keeps producing the same cars year in year out, with minimal tech upgrades..then they wonder why Falcon's not selling. Gen Y won't buy Falcon unless its got modern tech..Ok FF members criticise me.

I suffer the same problem lol...

[Nic85]

Guys, nothing is wrong with Falcon, all they need to do is bring back the XR8 and the wagon and everything would be fixed.

[Nikked]

why not a coupe while we are at it...

[russellw]

A quick comparison while we are talking about pricing and features.






Where possible normal RRP + ORC in Victoria have been used thus ignoring specials, run-outs and other influences.

On that basis I have revised my initial view that they were way too expensive to say that the Trend is probably $4k over where it needs to be and the Titanium perhaps $6-8k out of whack with the market.

Having said that, we will see if the low volumes planned can hold the price up without the need for a repeat of Mustang, Cougar, ST24, Focus Coupe/Cab and countless others that have had the knife taken to their pricing when market factors have come into play.

Cheers
Russ

[Nikked]

CX-7 is a clear good buy...

Explains why there is a few out there.