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Ford reveals sculpted, electrified all-new Kuga SUV

Ford Pumas reveal, 'Go Further' Sugar Factory, Amsterdam, April 1st 2019 Photographs by Tim Bishop/Ford of Europe

Ford has unveiled unveiled the stylish and distinctive range of all-new Kuga SUVs, debuting sleek new exterior design with premium proportions that deliver improved roominess and comfort.

Ford’s most electrified vehicle ever, the sophisticated all-new Kuga Titanium, sporty Kuga ST‑Line and upscale Kuga Vignale will offer an advanced range of hybrid powertrains for unprecedented Ford SUV fuel-efficiency.

The comprehensive line-up includes Kuga Plug-In Hybrid, Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid (mild-hybrid) and Kuga Hybrid (full-hybrid) variants, alongside Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel, 1.5‑litre EcoBlue diesel and 1.5‑litre EcoBoost petrol engines, and intelligent new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Kuga is Ford’s best-selling SUV in Europe and the No. 3 best-selling Ford vehicle in the region after the Fiesta and Focus. Customers purchased 153,800 Kugas in 2018, contributing to a Ford SUV sales increase of more than more than 19 percent last year.

The all-new Kuga offers even more intuitive comfort and driver assistance features, keeping customers better connected on the move. Sophisticated technologies include a FordPass Connect embedded modem, wireless charging pad technologies, and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system supported by an 8‑inch central touchscreen. A premium B&O Sound System produces a high quality audio experience, and a new industry-first, free-form, 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster with “true colour” that is more informative, intuitive and easier to read.

New Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane-Centring technologies help drivers negotiate stop-start and highway traffic with greater confidence than ever before, while predictive curve light and sign-based light help drivers see more clearly in the dark. Head-up display technology helps drivers to keep their eyes on the road ahead, and Active Park Assist 2 enables fully automated parking manoeuvres at the push of a button.

“The all-new Kuga is our best example yet of Ford’s human-centric design approach; developed in close collaboration with SUV customers to deliver distinctive style, unprecedented powertrain choice, premium comfort and advanced technologies that make life easier for owners inside and outside of the car,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.

The all-new Kuga is the third generation of Ford’s mid-size SUV for customers in Europe since the nameplate’s introduction in 2008. Ford has sold more than 1 million Kugas in Europe since 2008.

Designed by our customers
The all-new Kuga is the first SUV to be based on Ford’s new global C2 architecture that supports improved aerodynamics for better fuel-efficiency, and reduces weight versus outgoing models by up to 90kg when comparing equivalent powertrain variants. In addition, the new architecture is designed to enhance crash performance; delivers 10 per cent more torsional stiffness for improved driving dynamics and refinement; and creates more interior space for Ford’s mid-size models while still enabling expressive and dynamic design.

The all-new Kuga introduces distinctive new exterior design that is more sculpted and simplified with premium proportions. A more streamlined silhouette incorporates a longer wheelbase that creates a larger footprint on the road benefitting ride and stability; a longer bonnet; further reclined rear windshield angle; and lower roofline. The result is a more energetic, nimble and capable appearance than ever before.

A tailored spectrum of choice includes differentiating executions for Kuga Vignale, ST-Line and Titanium variants, each with a unique character to reflect customers’ personalities. With contemporary and confident styling, Kuga Titanium is indicative of the high specification and quality that will be offered to customers across Europe. Highlights include a sporty front skid plate and rear diffuser, body-coloured mirrors, side cladding and door handles, LED daytime running lights and standard 17-inch, or optional 19-inch alloy wheels.

The upscale Kuga Vignale conveys exclusive specification and meticulous craftsmanship through bespoke Vignale ornamentation including satin aluminium finishes for the roof rails, bumpers and rocker inserts, as well as unique, elegant front and rear bumper designs. The exterior also features signature Vignale chrome finished front mesh grille and twin tailpipes, alongside standard 18-inch, and optional 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. Windsor leather seats with an exclusive Vignale hexagon design, a leather wrapped heated steering wheel and premium velour floor mats further enhance the interior.

Bold Kuga ST-Line styling inspired by Ford Performance models includes body-coloured bumpers and side skirts; and a grille, front skid plate, rear diffusor and roof rails finished in black. A large rear spoiler, standard 18‑inch or optional 19-inch alloy wheels, and twin sports exhausts add to the sporty character. Inside a dark headliner, exclusive ST-Line seat designs with contrasting red stitching, alloy pedals, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and ST-Line floor mats and scuff plates reflect the performance personality.

“Kuga customers expressed that they were ready for even more emotional design, and our all-new Kuga is a sculpture skilfully articulated. Visually sleeker, lower and wider – it makes you feel excited just by looking at it,” said Amko Leenarts, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “The all-new interior is a sanctuary space, designed to allow everyday life to happen. Harmonious and airy, it fuses premium materials, precise craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology.”

All-new Kuga is offered in 12 colours, including new metallic Diffused Silver and Sedona Orange. Blue Panther, a new finish offered exclusively on Vignale models, joins premium paint finishes triple coat Lucid Red and Star White pearl.

Unprecedented powertrain diversity
Following Ford’s announcement earlier this year that every Ford nameplate from all-new Focus onwards will include an electrified option, the all-new Kuga will become the first Ford vehicle to be offered with plug-in hybrid, mild-hybrid and full-hybrid powertrain technology.

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