Ford goes quiet on Kuga

With its 'kinetic' design language now firmly entrenched in Europe, Ford used the Frankfurt Motor Show to display yet another take on an offroader. The Kuga five-door crossover uses the same C-platform as the Ford Focus and shows it has potential as a replacement for the ageing Escape.

Though Ford Australia is reluctant to talk about future product, the Kuga would make a good fit here.

That could give it an edge in the compact offroad segment against the RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail and soon-to-arrive Dualis.

The Kuga is likely to be offered with Ford's new Getrag-developed Powershift six-speed DSG automatic.

Ford of Europe vice-president for marketing Stephen Odell says the Kuga offers a blend of wagon and SUV features together with coupe-like sporting qualities. “A major element of our strategy to return the Ford of Europe business to sustained profitability is the introduction of exciting new products, like Kuga, that attract new customers to the brand,” he says.

Kuga closely follows the proportions and basic forms of the Iosis X concept car. The offroader looks tough, with bold wheel arches and chunky 19-inch alloys.

The kinetic design is highlighted by the trapezoid grille, rising belt line, kick-up of the side rear window and swept-back headlights.

At the back, the Kuga incorporates Ford's kinetics in the high-mounted taillights, faceted rear glass and a sculptured rear bumper that neatly integrates the tailpipes into the contours of the diffuser. The coupe-like roof profile of the Iosis was changed slightly to offer better headroom for rear passengers.

As in the Territory, the boot can be accessed via a split tailgate and this, together with the divided rear lights, ensures a wide-opening hatch for loading and unloading.