Ford Kuga Reviews

Just over a year ago, in February 2012, Ford Australia took a toe-in-the-water step by introducing its first Kuga SUV models. The first-generation Kuga was already approaching its fifth birthday in Europe, but Ford’s downunder people knew their Escape SUV was fading in popularity due to its age and outdated looks.An ever-increasing number of more stylish competitors in what was becoming the most crowded sales arena in Australia meant a new, more modern Ford SUV was desperately needed. After what must have been a long, slow wait the all-new Ford Kuga is finally on sale here.Ford uses its standard model designations of Ambiente, Trend and Titanium for the gen-two Kuga. Ambiente is offered in low cost format with 2WD, the front wheels, at a recommended price of just $27,990. It also comes with AWD at $31,490. Trend and Titanium come only with AWD.So important is the launch of the Kuga to Australia that Eric Loeffler, the global chief engineer of the Kuga project, came downunder. Over the dinner after the formal presentations, and during the drive program the next day, Loeffler impressed me with the attention to detail that has obviously gone into the design.Though Ford was keen to retain the practicality of the Ford Escape - with its sensible, boxy, not exactly inspiring looks - the stylists were well aware the medium SUV market has now become part of the automotive fashion scene.People no longer want to buy a practical 4WD to explore the great Australian outback, instead they are looking for a station wagon that can carry all sorts of family stuff - and look stylish in the driveway. While the overall theme of the new Kuga’s body doesn’t really break any new ground its execution is excellent and we feel it’s right up at the head of the medium SUV pack in looks.The frontal shape isn’t unlike that of the Ford Territory and we are told it’s indicative of the next generation Ford products. Ford has paid attention to complaints that the first Kuga was a little cramped in the rear seat and has not only expanded that area by stretching the length, but has also made the boot larger. Kuga’s interior styling is bold, with large sporty looking dials and a centre stack that protrudes towards the occupants for ease of use.Ford is pushing hard on the connectivity theme and, thankfully, is doing what it can to minimise driver inattention. While many drivers will continue to ignore safety warnings and take their attention off the road, the voice recognition system used to control many functions should significantly reduce the number of crashes.A clever feature in the big array of safety features is Driver Alert. This looks not only for driver inattention, but also for signs of fatigue during long trips that are such a feature of Australian country driving. Should you be unfortunate enough to be in a crash the topline models will ring 000 and get help by informing emergency telephone operators of your position using GPS signals.Talking of crashes, the new Kuga, with seven airbags amongst a host of other damage minimisation features, has obtained the highest ever ranking in its class in European testing. It goes without saying it scored a maximum five stars in Australasian NCAP barrier testing.Power for the gen-two Kuga comes from either a turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel engine. Both are at the head of their respective fields in performance and economy. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol unit provides up to 110 kilowatts of power and 240 Nm of torque, when fitted in the lower cost 2WD version of the Kuga. Power is increased to 134 kW, but peak torque remains the same, in 4WD variants. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel’s power output is 120 kW, with 340 Nm of torque.Even the Kuga Ambiente is well equipped, with keyless start, cruise control with auto speed limiter, a leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, Sync in-car connectivity with voice control, single CD audio system that is USB and iPod compatible, 3.5-inch mono TFT screen, front and rear foglights, Bluetooth mobile phone integration, single USB port and Auxiliary port.To this the Trend adds 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, 5-inch colour TFT screen, leather inserts and bolsters, heated front seats, interior ambient lighting with multi-colour choices, tables on front seatbacks and active park assist. Topline Kuga Titanium gains 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, bi-xenon headlights with automatic levelling and daytime running lights front and rear.We tested a variety of models during a drive program in South Australia that took us from Glenelg, south into the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula and came away with the smoothness and quietness of the ride, even on tough Aussie roads that had seen better days. There’s strong torque through the six-speed gearboxes (manual or automatic in the 2WD petrol Ambiente, auto only in the others).The handling during our brief initial drive of six different variants always felt safe and predictable. Should you approach a bend at a silly speed Ford has installed a range of electronic stability and traction aids that will do all they can to get you out of trouble.Ambiente 1.6-litre petrol FWD five-door wagon (manual)Ambiente 1.6-litre petrol AWD five-door wagon (automatic)Trend 1.6-litre petrol AWD five-door wagon (automatic)Trend 2.0-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon (automatic)Titanium 1.6-litre petrol AWD five-door wagon (automatic)Titanium 2.0-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon (automatic)

SUV in Ford-speak stands for ‘Smart’ Utility Vehicle, and that’s what its new Kuga is all about.The US-styled, Spanish-built Kuga is the first on Australian roads to automatically call 000 if you have a serious accident – and it also has attractions such as the ability to park itself and is the first to offer hands-free tailgate opening.A mum with her hands full of shopping need only pass her foot under the bumper to have the tailgate pop up.There are among many more innovative features in the latest contender in the medium SUV sector, a global model that seems to be Ford’s brightest light in a while.The neatly-styled SUV is a bit longer, lower and narrower than the impressive previous 2.5-litre Kuga.It comes in three spec levels and now has 1.6-litre turbo-petrol or optional 2.0-litre turbo-diesel power.The Ford Kuga starts at a competitive $27,990 for the front-wheel drive Ambiente 1.6 Ecoboost with 110kW/240Nm. The automatic model, only available with all-wheel-drive, is $31,490 with 134kW/240Nm.The mid-spec Trend is $36,240 and the top-dog Titanium rises to $44,740. Both are automatic AWDs, and can be had with the diesel motor with 120kW/340Nm for an extra $3000.Standard on Ambiente are 17-inch steel wheels, foglights, Bluetooth, USB and aux jacks for the six-speaker audio system, rear parking sensors, halogen headlights, adjustable splitfold rear seats, keyless ignition, airconditioning, trip computer, cruise control and stop-start (manual only).The Trend comes with 18-inch alloys, leather inserts, powered driver's seat,  auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, auto-on headlights and nine-speaker audio with digital radio reception.The Titanium runs on 19-inch alloys and adds bi-xenon headlights, a glass sunroof, satellite navigation, that magic tailgate, a reversing camera and a self-parking feature. Plus a lot more.For an extra $2650, there's an optional Technology Pack that stops the Kuga from running into other traffic at up to 30km/h, adaptive cruise control, blind spot and lane departure warning, self-dipping headlights  and a device that tells the driver it’s time to take a break when it detects doziness.Kuga scores a five-star crash rating, but the ‘intelligent’ AWD system does a great job of preventing the car from getting out of control in the first place.The torque vectoring feature uses a plethora of sensors to subtly correct driving imperfections through corners.Other items are a stiffer frame, seven airbags, Dynamic Stability Control with ABS, Trailer Stability Function. Hill Start Assist and Brake Assist.The cabin is roomy, exceptionally quiet and very comfy, the latter due to excellent Mexican-made seats and there’s a big flared panel in the centre of the dash that houses all the main cabin controls, aircraft cockpit style. Pretty impressive.Cargo space has increased from 360 to 406 litres with the rear seats in place, and to 1603 litres when folded down.We drove all three versions – and liked them all.The 2WD Ambiente, the sole manual in the range, was a delight and its six-speed shifter was a honey. Performance was more than adequate for the twists and turns, ups and downs of the South Australian countryside and it had the best economy.Ambiente AWD, Trend and Titanium have the more powerful 1.6 petrol motor, an eager performer that drives through a conventional six-speed auto.Diesel models use Ford's PowerShift twin-clutch 6-speed automatic.Suspension is very Euro-like in being firm, which translates to better handling and road behaviour as well as less fatigue, and the steering is light and precise. The different sized wheels also give each model a slightly different ride.

Appetites for SUVs don't look like being satisfied yet and Ford's new Kuga morsel on the market promises to make the menu choice even harder.Adding a front-drive entry-level model as well as a diesel to the line-up that made a cameo appearance on its pricelist from February last year, the Kuga goes on sale next month from $27,990 for the petrol-powered front-drive manual - a sizeable $11,000 drop to buy into the Ford cat family. Ford Australia marketing general manager David Katic says the price marks the Kuga as a "serious contender.''"Customers today are chasing value-for-money and the Ford Kuga delivers,'' he says. More space within a stronger structure, a diesel engine option and the debut (for a Ford vehicle here) of the Emergency Assistance system are all key points to the Kuga's appeal, says Ford.The Blue Oval has come out swinging the cat, as it were, with the entry-level Kuga - the Ambiente front-wheel drive petrol six-speed manual - starting from $27,990, rising to $31,490 if you want the more-powerful all-wheel-drive and a conventional six-speed automatic.Standard fare includes cloth trim, stop-start and brake energy recovery fuel saving systems, 17in steel wheels, fog lights, a reach'n'rake adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth phone link, USB and auxiliary inputs for the six-speaker sound system and power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors.There's also rear parking sensors, halogen headlights, manual front seat adjustment, splitfold rear seats with rake adjustment, keyless ignition, air conditioning, trip computer and cruise control. The mid-spec auto-only Trend starts from $36,240 for the AWD petrol-auto, rising to $39,240 for the dual-clutch turbodiesel auto AWD. For the extra outlay the Trend offers 18in alloy wheels, leather trim additions, power adjustment for the driver's seat, an auto-dimming centre rearview mirrors, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, automatic headlights and the Sync nine-speaker sound system with digital radio reception.The Titanium flagship retains the same drivetrain, asking $44,740 for the petrol and $47,740 if you prefer a diesel/dual-clutch drivetrain, adding 19in alloys, a glass sunroof, bi-xenon headlights with LED running and tail-lights, leather trim, front seat heaters, ambient LED interior lighting, power-folding exterior mirrors, the hands-free tailgate, front parking sensors, aircraft-style rear fold-down tables for rear occupants, keyless entry and ignition, satellite navigation and a reversing camera.There's an optional (on all bar the Ambiente) Technology Pack available for $2650 that adds the Active City Stop (automatic braking at up to 30km/h), adaptive cruise control, blind spot and lane departure warning systems, as well as auto high beam and the driver impairment monitor, which  monitors driver behaviour to prevent fatigue-related problems.The new Kuga claims a 25 per cent lower thirst for petrol (between 6.7 and 8l/100km) by way employing the 1.6-litre EcoBoost direct-injection turbo petrol engine - the entry-level car gets a 110kW/240Nm tune or the AWD models upgrade to 134kW, still down on the outgoing (but thirstier at 10.6) Kuga's 147kW/320Nm output.The two-litre turbodiesel - not seen here in the outgoing car - is largely a carryover engine, producing 120kW and 340Nm with a thirst around 6.3 litres per 100km. The new Kuga's all-wheel-drive system takes stock every 16 milliseconds to control the power split front to rear, which can be up to 100 per cent front or rear as required.The Sync infotainment system brings with it Emergency Assistance, which uses a paired mobile to summon help and provide GPS location to emergency services in the event of an accident serious enough to require airbag deployment or the emergency fuel shut-off.Sharper looking than the outgoing car, the new Kuga has the same wheelbase at 2690mm but is 81mm longer, 4mm narrower and 8mm lower - the boffins have given the rear occupants and the load area the benefits of revised packaging to improve rear space.The roomier cabin is more comfortable - thanks to extensive seat development - and also quieter, says Ford, who have concentrated on, among other things, re-shaping exterior mirrors and A-pillars to reduce wind noise. Cargo space has risen from 360 to 406 litres when the rear seats are occupied, or when folded the volume has gone from 1355 to 1603 litres when only two-up.A structure boasting more than 30 per cent of high and ultra-high strength steel - including the A and B pillars and door sills - has helped get the Kuga five stars from NCAP, as does a front chassis subframe that detaches in severe frontal impacts.The safety features list also includes a driver's knee airbag, dual front, front-side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, roll-over and trail sway control systems.Kuga is wading into the competitive SUV market with an arsenal worth considering. It looks good in the metal, not just a Focus on stilts. Seat comfort front and rear is good - better than the firm cushioning might first suggest - and the rear seat space is improved somewhat.Cargo space has also grown appreciably, although the space-saver spare points to the on-road bias of the little Ford SUV. The mid-spec Trend model in all-wheel drive guise has the upped power output and a conventional six-speed auto, a drivetrain that works with intent to get the SUV going while not slurping as greedily as its predecessor.Around town its quiet and smooth, with a ride leaning towards firm but rarely uncomfortable and only a wind rustle around the mirrors to catch the ear - perhaps due to lower noise levels from elsewhere.The small turbo petrol powerplant is serviceable but it’s the turbodiesel that is likely to prove the better all-rounder - also smooth and quiet, the extra torque on offer is obvious from the first few minutes on the road. The all-wheel drive system is front-biased but shifts drive aft without much provocation, dealing easily with unsealed road surfaces securely. Open road running is the Kuga's forte, with an easy cruising manner; it can hustle through back roads as well, but the light steering could do with a little more meat for the driver. It's certainly at the top of the heap for road manners and dynamic ability, although just shaded by the CX-5 for steering and diesel outputs. Complaints are few - there are no rear vents on the base-model Ambiente, which in manual front-wheel drive guise impresses otherwise, with a slick gearshift from the six-speeder and a livelier demeanour than the heavier auto AWD models - the entry-level car was only let down by excessive road noise from the Goodyear rubber, which was more noticeable than the noise from the Continental tyres on the Trend and Titanium models.It has more enthusiasm for the press-ahead driving than the entry-level Mazda opponent, Ford could do worse than offer higher-spec models in this FWD guise. Other markets also get the two-litre petrol models and Ford could also do worse than to look at adding that model to the line-up - in the same way Mazda has recently added the 2.5 to the CX-5 range.The optional Technology Pack adds a number of key active safety features, but also undoes Ford's good work by returning the indicator to the lefthand stalk from the preferred right-hand side elsewhere in the range.

After a couple of false starts Ford finally has a world-class compact SUV on sale in Australia. After more than a decade of the rather rudimentary and box-shaped Escape, and a fleeting 12-month appearance of the superseded Kuga model that replaced it out of Europe, we now have the car that all this fuss was about.The new Kuga is Ford’s global SUV. It was designed in North America after borrowing heavily from the company’s European influence and will be made in four factories around the world, including the USA, Russia, China and Taiwan.Our Kuga comes to us from Valencia, in Spain. But it very nearly could have been built by Ford Australia in Broadmeadows. This new generation Kuga shares its underpinnings with the latest Ford Focus, which was to be built in Melbourne from 2011 -- until those plans were axed in 2009.It all seems like ancient history now, but given that the small car and compact SUV segments are the two biggest in Australia, Ford would have been on a winner if these were made here.Ford has an attractive headline price for the new Ford Kuga range. The basic front-drive model starts at $27,990, undercutting some of the toughest competition.But that price advantage evaporates as soon as you tick the box for automatic transmission, as 99 per cent of customers do in this class of vehicle. The jump to the base model auto adds a whopping $3500 (not the typical $2000) because it also comes with all-wheel-drive.The mid-grade Trend model (available as an all-wheel-drive only) starts at $36,240 as a petrol, while a diesel engine adds $3000 (to $39,240).Unfortunately, you don’t get a rear camera on the four most popular models in the range (see “technology”). You have to climb all the way to the top Titanium model, which starts at $44,740 (petrol) and $47,740 (diesel). Most of the Kuga’s main rivals have rear cameras as standard even though they start close to or below $30,000. At least rear sensors are standard.Metallic paint adds $385 on all models. And a technology pack that includes auto emergency braking, radar cruise control, blind spot warning, lane keeping, auto-dipping highbeam cost $2650.The new Ford Kuga SUV will be the first car on sale in Australia to automatically phone emergency services if you crash.The driver has 10 seconds to cancel the call if police and ambulance are not required, but if the line is silent the car will give 000 operators its GPS co-ordinates to send help. The system is so sophisticated Ford is training emergency services across Australia on what it sounds like and how it operates.The technology is standard on all new Ford Kuga SUVs, which start from $28,000. The only requirement is that a Smartphone is connected to the car via Bluetooth -- and that the crash happens in mobile phone range.Holden had a similar system from 2001 to 2010, but it required drivers of crashed vehicles to press a button to enlist help. The Ford system is automatically triggered when airbags deploy.The Kuga is among a growing number of cars making it increasingly difficult to have a crash. As with a number of cars from Volvo, Volkswagen and Subaru, the new Ford Kuga will brake automatically to avoid rear-ending another car in low-speed traffic.It will also steer straight if you wander from your lane, warn you of cars about to overtake you, and automatically dip the highbeams as other vehicles drive towards you at night.For mums and dads on the run, the new Ford also has a tailgate that can be opened with a deft swing of your foot (similar to kicking a soccer ball), providing the key is in your pocket or within 1 metre of the car. It’s handy for those will their hands full, or little ones to watch.But for all the gadgets, the car that Ford describes as the “Smart SUV” does not come standard with a rear-view camera -- even though most of the top SUV competitors have it across the range and is now seen as a basic feature.A rear camera is only available on the top-line Ford Kuga which starts at $44,000, whereas the Mazda CX5, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Nissan Dualis have a rear camera on all models, which near or below $30,000.Up to two-dozen infants die in driveway incidents each year and hundreds more are seriously injured. Up to 80 per cent of cases involve an SUV or ute -- even though they only account for about one-third of vehicles on the road.When asked why Ford had not made a rear camera available even as an option on the most basic version of its latest family car, the sales and marketing representative for Ford Australia, Brad Brownwell, said: “Part of the philosophy was … to get people to go up to the .”The Ford representative downplayed the safety benefit of rear-view cameras. “You don’t want people to look in their mirrors and just stare at the little and throw the car in reverse. You’ve got to be aware of your surroundings”.The new Ford Kuga looks a lot like the old one, mainly because Ford liked the European model so much.This car replaces the box-shaped Escape in the US which is why, rather cleverly, it has the same cargo space as the old Escape, even though it looks smaller thank to its sleek lines and sloping roof.As with most new Fords, the Kuga gets the company’s premium-look interior with a “command centre” in the middle of the dash for all the main cabin controls. It looks impressive but is not as practical as big simple buttons and dials. Less would have been truly more in this regard.Seven airbags and a clever stability control system that keeps the car secure in corners. According to ANCAP, the new Ford Kuga has among the highest score in its class. Earning its five star rating, the Kuga scored 36.33 points out of a possible 37 (compared to 35.91 for the new Honda CR-V and 35.1 for the new Mazda CX-5). Then, of course, there is also the equipment designed to stop crashes in the first place (see “technology”).On the road, how the new Ford Kuga drives depends on which model you choose. During the media preview drive in Adelaide this week, Carsguide sampled all three model grades and both the petrol and diesel engines.The diesel is surprisingly quiet for this type of engine, and has good power once you're on the move but can feel a little sluggish around town in low-speed situations because of both the delay in the diesel engines power delivery, and the response time of the twin-clutch automatic gearbox.The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine feels spritelier by comparison, and its conventional 6-speed automatic transmission is a smoother operator.The new Ford Kuga feels secure in corners and the steering is very precise, however the trade-off for this is a busy and at times firm ride over what appears to be smooth road.Inside, the new Ford Kuga is one of the roomiest among its rivals with good head and knee room for backseat passengers and a deceptively big cargo area.However, the tapered window line which gives the Kuga its sleek appearance comes at the expense of visibility when parking. Despite all the Kuga's worthy safety technology, a rear camera is inexplicably not standard across the range of a vehicle that needs it most. Four of the six models are not available with a rear camera, even though its main competitors have the safety feature as standard, at a lesser price.Another issue that we would like Ford to address on the mid-life update of this car would be to include a digital speed display on the screen in the instrument panel, as Ford has done with the Falcon and Territory, and as is increasingly common on new models sold in Australia.

Walkinshaw Performance works their magic on a Ford Kuga SUV. A Ford Kuga, even a lowered one, doesn’t normally turn heads. One with Walkinshaw Performance badging does the trick though.  The tuning house is spreading the love with its aftermarket affections and has chosen the Blue Oval’s base product to showcase its wares. That’s a role reversal for a company traditionally associated with go-fast Holdens but Walkinshaw Performance general manager Tony Harris is adamant it’s not sacrilege so much as strategic positioning. “We aren’t just about Holden or Commodore,” Harris says.“Walkinshaw is a full-house performance shop and we intend to keep growing the business. GMH will still be a major part of that but the SUV market is where all the movement is and like the Captiva, the Kuga shows that we can work on any vehicle that fits in with our criteria.”Those criteria include having a sporting focus, delivered in this case by the five-cylinder turbo engine, solid driving dynamics and a premium European look.“Kuga buyers have already chosen something different, we’re now giving them the option to take it up a notch. Taking a car to the next level while still delivering a full warranty is an untapped area and one that Walkinshaw sees a lot of potential in,” Harris says.It costs $5750 to transform the donor $44,490 Kuga Titanium into a WP edition. The kit was developed by Irmscher in association with Ford in Germany and is primarily intended to improve the look and handling of the mid-sized SUV.The WP model rolls on 20-inch Irmscher rims, and a lowering kit reduces the ride height by around 40mm. A set of polished sidesteps completes the dress-up package. The engine hasn’t been chipped or remapped - given there are only going to be 80 vehicles, it wasn’t cost-effective - but the throttle response module has been sensitised to the point where it’s touchier than a first night lap dancer.Imrscher is a core supplier for Walkinshaw Performance and the two share common traits. Both aspire to develop products to original equipment standards and both have a history of developing aftermarket gear for General Motors vehicles. Just as Walkinshaw sees a future beyond Holden, so too has Irmscher looked farther afield than its traditional tie-in with the troubled Opel/Vauxhall brand.The German tuners have developed an RC Line for Peugeot owners and are now selectively courting Ford buyers in segments where the Blue Oval doesn’t have its own halo cars. The One Ford global platform policy lets Walkinshaw apply that expertise to local vehicles.A beefy set of wheels always accentuates a car’s look - it’s the same reason that concept cars generally have rims that fill the entire guard. It works well on the Kuga, toughening up the already smart styling and giving the SUV a more purposeful stance on the road. The sidesteps are a highlight and make you wonder why Ford doesn’t have a set in its accessories catalogue.WP hasn’t touched the interior and it is here the car’s 2008 origins are starting to show. The switchgear is still good, but the alloy centre-stack is button-heavy compared with its competitors. As you’d expect from a mid-$40,000 vehicle, the fitout includes leather upholstery, soft-touch plastics on the dash and doors and a panoramic sunroof.The Kuga is a five-star car but far from top of the class. ANCAP noted that protection for the driver’s legs in the offset front crash was marginal and rated the car at 32.69/37. The more modern design of the Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander both earned higher marks.The Kuga makes good use of what it has in the real world, though, with great grip and handling backed by ABS brakes with brakeforce distribution to help avoid a crash and then six airbags if things do go pear-shaped.The 40mm trim in ride height improves the road-holding as much as it does the looks. Given the donor car was already a pacesetter, it puts the WP Kuga well ahead of the SUV pack in terms of driving dynamics. Less movement in the suspension and the tyre sidewalls makes the ride firmer but not to the point of bouncing the occupants around.The Toyo rubber also has prodigious levels of adhesion, wet or dry and makes this one of the few fun SUVs to drive. The recalibrated throttle also gives the impression this car has more toe than the standard Ford. It doesn’t - outputs are still 147kW/320Nm - but it doesn’t take nearly as much movement of the accelerator to access that grunt.Gran probably won’t enjoy feathering the throttle around the carpark but will appreciate the off-the-line surge. There’s still room for five and the two-piece tailgate makes loading a breeze, even if it does need a motor or bigger struts to make opening/closing less of a chore.

The new Holden Commodore is the most important new car of 2013. The upcoming VF, and the VF alone, points to the future of motoring in Australia.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

Ford Kuga Trend and Mitsubishi ASX Aspire go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Ford Australia’s new Kuga is based on the Ford Focus platform and has reached us Down Under several years after its introduction in Europe. However, it has the latest facelift and still looks bang up to date.In the case of standard equipment it hints at its age with no sat nav or reversing camera. Newer rivals offer much more for the money. We will have to wait for the next Kuga generation to pick up on these missing items.Ford Kuga is available in two specification levels - Trend, costing $38,990, plus on-roads, and Titanium for $44,990. We reviewed a Titanium and although it carries a $6000 premium over the Trend variant we reckon the money would be well spent, not only in equipment levels but also in its upgraded styling.The Ford Kuga Trend is well equipped up to a point, while the Titanium adds standard extras such as Napoli leather seat trim and silver appliqué details, heated front seats with variable heating, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather trimmed gear lever, rain sensing wipers, auto headlights, rear-view mirror with auto dimming, dual temperature control air-conditioning, rear privacy glass and parking sensors.In-car entertainment and infotainment features include a Sony single CD audio, Bluetooth hands-free and voice control for a mobile phone, audio and air conditioning.The Kuga is powered by the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from Volvo – it’s found in the Swedish carmaker’s S40 and V50 models – producing 147 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque between 1600 and 4000 revs.An added convenience is Ford’s capless refuelling system which spurns a conventional filler cap that needs to be removed before fuelling. In this case the likelihood of fingers becoming tainted with fuel is reduced.The system also features a fuel inhibitor that provides protection against misfuelling at the fuel pump by allowing only a nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car to open and enter the filler neck.Up front a tall trapezoidal radiator grille is cut in two by a horizontal slash of body-coloured metal extending from the vehicle’s flanks. On either side are swept-back headlamp clusters, which together with a steeply raked windscreen and a shoulder line sloping upwards to the rear, gives the Kuga the impression of a sprinter on the blocks.The Titanium’s 18-inch alloy wheels fill out flared wheel arches nicely, while the whole thing is topped off by brushed metal-style roof rails adding a touch of class. Plastic mudguards not only save weight but are more resistant to dents than metal ones and are cheaper to fix.At the rear a skid plate under the rear bumper incorporates sporty twin exhaust pipes and fog lamps. A LED brake light is integrated into the body coloured rear spoiler. The vertically opening tailgate has twin openings – the window itself lifts at the touch of a key fob button, while the whole door can be raised by pressing the same button twice.With the window open the Kuga can conveniently back up much closer to a loading area. A handy feature in today’s crowded carparks. Inside the cabin the Kuga’s occupants are made comfortable in leather upholstered seats beneath one of the largest panoramic sunroofs on any comparably-sized vehicle. It is fixed and has a special infra-red coating that reduces interior heat absorption.A two-piece retractable shade adds to cabin comfort but won’t ward off excessive heat from outside as well as a multi-layer insulated metal roof. Stowage includes spots for small items plus dedicated areas for drinks, sunglasses, coins, pens and three 12-volt power outlets. The cargo compartment takes an average 360 litres, which increases to 1355 litres with the rear seat backs folded.As well as keyless entry, the engine fires into life at the press of a dash-mounted button. The button must be pushed for two seconds or receive three short presses within two seconds to stop the engine. Taking nothing away from performance, the Kuga got a spurt on when it was called for, in fact at times producing a surprising ‘surge from the blocks’ on setting off.Superb steering brought the right amount of feel to the driver, making handling no chore. The ride was a bit bumpy on uneven surfaces and the brakes sharp until the driver adapts and tames the pedal. On test, the Kuga we drove came up with fuel consumption of 8.3 litres per 100 km on the motorway, while in town, almost twice that, tipping over the 15 mark quite a few times. Ford claims 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle.

There's a totally new model due next year but Ford had to break the ice locally with its Kuga compact SUV if only to keep the competition honest and to edge out the unloved Escape.Besides, the current German built Kuga is such a good thing - the equal of anything in the class particularly as it's based on the impressive previous Ford Focus platform - a solid starting point if ever there was one.Two variants are offered in Trend and Titanium grade - both generously equipped with the range topper tested going for $44,990.That puts it in against a swag of competition including the V6 RAV, to-end Nissan X-Trail, Mazda CX5, Forester and even the lower spec' Freelander.Kuga holds its own against all of these for general use even if some are better off- road.It runs a 2.5-litre, single turbo, five-cylinder petrol engine that sees duty in some Volvo products and also the previous Focus XR5. But Ford detunes the donk to 147kW presumably to try and cut fuel use though torque is still a healthy 320Nm delivered from a low 1600rpm.Power goes through an on-demand all wheel drive system via a five-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual modes. But it could do with another cog to fully capture engine output and also reduce fuel consumption which hovers around the 11.0-litres/100km mark for the combined cycle.That's way too much for a vehicle this size.Sounds good though and has plenty of punch available under the right foot. The new one will undoubtedly have a turbodiesel which should address the thirst issue.Handling is acceptable but not as sharp as some small SUVs and there's a bit of steering backlash when you corner moderately quickly on a rough surface. It sits well on the road and has a comfortable and relatively quiet ride. The steering is OK and the brakes are good.Ford has really sweetened the deal with Kuga Titanium delivering all manner of goodies as standard equipment (except satnav) that includes leather, full glass sunroof (fixed), Bluetooth, voice control, sports seats, flip up glass in the tailgate, keyless start climate control and automatic headlight levelling to name a few.We really like the capless fuel filler that has a spring loaded flap you push the nozzle into. It scores a five star ANCAP rating with the requisite six air bags, stability control and other safety related equipment.There's a family Ford Europe look to its face and flanks with elements of the Mondeo and Focus clearly evident - the same inside which is tidy, modern and functional. It fells bigger than it is even with five aboard and the load space is a good size but there's only a space saver spare under the floor.There's some wow factor in the foldable rear seat tray tables, the rear privacy glass and that large expanse of sunroof. The audio rates and the overall drive feel is positive - a  decent all rounder for family use.We'd probably pocket the six grand price difference between the Kuga Titanium and the Trend model and go the latter which isn't half bad itself - looks pretty much the same too.