Ford Kuga 2012 News

Ford’s engineers tailored, tuned and calibrated each component and aspect of the ride and handling to ensure the Ford Kuga carries the Blue Oval family pedigree for strong driving dynamics.

The interior has a spacious feel, with or without the large panoramic glass roof fitted as standard on the Ford Kuga Titanium model.

The Titanium level of spec adds in extra features for comfort and convenience.‘Power start button (keyless start)The ‘Ford Power’ start button for easy, keyless vehicle activation is a standard feature of both the Trend and Titanium.Centrally and conveniently located in the instrument panel, the ‘Ford Power’ start button gives an engine activation time of less than 500 milliseconds.Instead of a conventional ignition key, the driver is provided with an electronic key fob, which simply needs to be detected by the system when in, for example, the driver’s pocket, for fast and convenient vehicle activation.To start the engine, the driver depresses the brake pedal and then pushes the button to fire the engine. A further push of the button switches the engine and ignition off, with a safeguard to prevent it being operated while the car is in motion.The entertainment and vehicle systems such as the wipers can be activated without starting the engine by pushing the button alone. The ‘Ford Power’ button is also used to switch off the engine. Once again, the engineers were keen to build in a more complex sequence to rule out the possibility of the button being briefly pushed or brushed against inadvertently.The ‘Ford Power’ button needs to be pressed and held for two seconds or to receive three short presses in a two-second timeframe in order to stop the engine.Mini tailgate opening –‘Liftgate in Liftgate’A mini opening tailgate provides a neat opening for the main luggage compartment to place or remove relatively small items without opening the entire tailgate.The ‘liftgate in liftgate’ feature also provides a reduced height opening for those occasions where height restrictions may prevent the complete tailgate from raising to its full extent, such as being in a garage.Ford EasyFuel capless refuelling systemFord Kuga comes with Ford’s award-winning EasyFuel capless refuelling system as standard equipment. First launched on the new-generation Ford Mondeo and also available in the Fiesta and Focus, the Ford EasyFuel system is simple and easy to use, and is designed to prevent vehicle mis-fuelling and the associated damage, inconvenience and expense.Benefits of the system are twofold; first, the lack of a conventional filler cap that needs to be removed prior to fuelling the car means that drivers have fewer things to touch, reducing the likelihood of fingers becoming tainted with fuel.Secondly, the system features a special fuel inhibitor that provides major protection against misfuelling at the fuel pump. The fuel filler neck aperture has been designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzle, and Ford has engineered the system to allow only a nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car to open and enter the filler neck.The use of mechanical devices around the nozzle opening and a special flap at the top of the fuel filler neck operate together to seal the opening and provide the same assurance that the system is as secure as when a properly fitted separate cap is used on conventional filling systems.The Ford EasyFuel system has been extensively tested in all crash impact modes including the standard 80 km/h rear impact followed by a rollover to confirm the system’s safety. 12-volt power outletsFord Kuga customers can stay connected courtesy of three 12-volt power outlets in the cabin. These can provide direct power for laptops, printers, vacuum cleaners and other day-to-day appliances. Each of the outlets is conveniently located in the cabin – one in the centre console, one in the rear passenger area and one in the luggage area.Connectivity moduleA new connectivity module hidden away in the centre console includes a USB port and auxiliary jack. Any portable audio device can be connected to the Ford Kuga’s audio systems either via a conventional 3.5mm jack (not included with the vehicle) or the USB port which forms part of the connectivity module.  The AUX connector allows control of the latest generation personal audio players through the main audio system.The connectivity module enables functions beyond music entertainment as it also provides customers with voice control of audio systems and climate control. In addition, hands-free and voice control operation of mobile telephones is possible thanks to Bluetooth® technology.In-car entertainment and infotainment featuresThe new Ford Kuga offers a comprehensive array of in-car entertainment and infotainment features and systems. For added connectivity, the Sony single CD facility is enhanced with Bluetooth® voice control and connectivity for portable music and USB mass storage devices, which can be connected to the separate AUX-in socket located in the centre console.The Bluetooth® handsfree and voice control system enables voice control for a mobile phone, audio system and, in the Titanium, the Dual Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) system. Features include direct access to the phone book memory through the audio system and voice-controlled dialling for safer handsfree calling.Panoramic roof (Titanium model)At 1050mm x 785mm the glass area of the panoramic Ford Kuga roof in the Titanium is one of the largest in the segment. To make sure the harsh summer sun is kept at bay, two manual sunblinds are also fitted for those occasions when shade is desired. In addition, the roof glass has a special infra-red (IR) coating that has proven during internal tests to reduce reflection by 35 per cent, as opposed to five per cent for non-IR glass./ford/kuga

The Haldex ‘intelligent’ AWD system and the proven tuned chassis technology with MacPherson struts on the front and Ford’s acclaimed Control Blade rear suspension deliver exceptional driving dynamics to the new Ford Kuga.The go-anywhere character and substantial off-road ability of the Ford Kuga comes to the fore in the Trend and Titanium.‘Intelligent’ AWD contributes positively to normal road use and helps give the vehicle a sporty and dynamic feel for outstanding on- and off-road driving performance especially in difficult weather and surface conditions.At the same time, special actions have been taken to offer remarkable off-road skills and flatter the novice off-road driver.“The Ford Kuga has been developed to provide off-road skills without ‘SUV sins’,” Herrmann said.Optimised torque, fuel consumption and tractionThe AWD system used on the Ford Kuga Trend and Titanium is a so-called ‘intelligent’ system. It permanently monitors the driving situation and the driver’s demands to always react with optimised torque distribution. With driving torque permanently distributed to all four wheels driver intervention – by way of operating separate controls – is not necessary to operate it. Ford’s engineers have provided the car with optimal road holding, irrespective of surface conditions.Optimised fuel economyAlthough the driving torque is permanently ready to be distributed to all four wheels the ‘intelligent’ part of the system ensures that just the right amount of torque is transferred only at the point in time it is needed.This ensures that optimal torque distribution during acceleration and deceleration is applied. A separate ‘slip control’ is applied for those occasions where the base torque is insufficient. The base torque transfer has been lowered to support the fuel economy of the vehicle.This is possible because yaw rate and lateral acceleration are used at higher cornering rates to increase torque transfer, and thus optimise the Ford Kuga’s balance to help maintain an excellent level of handling during enthusiastic driving.These combined actions contribute to favourable fuel efficiency as they provide much the same control as when a driver manually switches between drive modes on a switchable system.Best possible traction controlThe active ‘on-demand’ coupling of the AWD unit provides optimal torque distribution during acceleration and deceleration, which is calculated from the engine and various electronic system signals including ABS, DSC and TCS. The on-demand coupling is integrated with the traction control system to provide torque to an individual wheel if it needs more torque than the remainder. In addition, a specific locking torque is applied to the coupling at standstill to prevent wheel slip during launch situations.‘Intelligent’ AWD in all situationsAs with many of the features and equipment fitted to Ford Kuga, the AWD system has been designed and integrated for simple and seamless operation. There are no additional buttons or levers that the driver needs to operate.The ‘intelligent’ AWD system distributes the engine torque up to a ratio of 50/50 front/rear and uses technology that monitors information from a number of key areas to determine when and how much AWD power should be used.These parameters take into account the torque and speed of the engine, throttle position, steering wheel angle, yaw rate, braking system and the speeds of all four wheels among other signals. The Ford Kuga has a maximum approach angle of 21 degrees and a maximum departure angle of 24 degrees ensure that hills and descents can be tackled with ease and confidence.‘Intelligent’ AWD pre-chargeTransmitting up to 10 per cent of torque to the rear wheels from a standing start means maximum grip is available instantly; some competitor systems require the vehicle to move before power can be distributed to the rear.‘Intelligent’ AWD when corneringFord Kuga systems recognise lateral acceleration (enthusiastic cornering) and transfer exactly the right amount of torque to the rear wheels. This improves balance and grip and results in safe and assured handling.‘Intelligent’ AWD when acceleratingThe intelligent AWD coupling will lock and prepare to transfer torque to the rear axle when the accelerator is pushed aggressively. The system recognises that torque levels are about to increase, giving the driver virtually seamless intelligent AWD grip instantaneously.‘Intelligent’ AWD when wheels slipIn addition to the intelligent AWD electronic sensors, a mechanical pump responds to any loss of forward grip on the front wheels by instantly transferring torque to the rear axle.‘Intelligent’ AWD when parking and manoeuvringOn tight corners at low speeds torque is reduced to the rear wheels to optimise efficient and comfortable manoeuvring.‘Intelligent’ AWD and Traction Control SystemThe Traction Control System (TCS) automatically modifies its operation to suit different conditions. For example, in sand some wheel slip is needed for best traction, but on road surfaces less wheel slip is best. The TCS will always account for the type of surface that is being driven on.‘Intelligent’ AWD and Engine Drag torque Control (EDC)Helps prevent wheels slipping and skidding as a result of engine braking in very icy or slippery conditions. The system senses wheel slip at high engine speed in low gears and uses the engine management system to increase torque output to compensate./ford/kuga

“It was important that we made the Ford Kuga instantly recognisable as a Ford model, but we also wanted to retain a design relationship with the original concept,”

The Ford Kuga compact SUV will go on sale in March in two trim levels to give the Blue Oval brand a competitor in a segment Ford Australia president Bob Graziano says is increasingly important to all car brands. "Kuga marks a name change from Escape but has newer technologies, improved safety and performance and Ford's corporate kinetic design DNA," Ford Australia president. "Our strategy with the Kuga is clear - build awareness of the nameplate ahead of the launch of the all-new model approximately 12 months later." The SUV will be powered by a 2.5-litre turbo Duratec V6 engine with 147kW and 320Nm and compete with likes of Toyota's RAV4, the Nissan Dualis and Holden's Captiva range. The Focus range will also be expanded with the launch of the Focus ST, powered by a 2.0-litre engine. "It stakes its claim as Ford's first truly global performance car," Graziano says. The ST will replace the existing XR5 Turbo and will top the Focus range until the next RS model arrives Down Under.

...into the next-generation Ford Escape, with Kuga badges for Europe.The new look is much more racy and shows the Vertek styling has survived for showrooms. But the V6 engine from the current Escape is out and the emphasis in early 2012 will be on the Ecoboost four.

Ford in the US this week says it will reveal a near production concept to replace its Escape and - in other markets - the Kuga small SUV wagons.  Ford Australia is saying little about a replacement for the Ford Escape, only acknowledging that it's an important segment.The new Escape/Kuga will be shown at the Detroit motor show next month.  It is based on the Ford Focus platform and despite its showing at Detroit, is still along way off. Production is expected to start in the second half of 2012.Australia is on the cards for the new SUV.  The baby wagon falls under the "One Ford" strategy that creates single vehicles for all world markets. An example of the philosophy is the Ranger ute that will be built in three global factories from mid-2011 and serve 180 markets.The next-generation Escape/Kuga (the global name is yet to be decided) is one of 10 models Ford will build on its new global C-platform.  The first was the European C-Max people mover.Ford is on record as saying it plans to make two million units a year off the platform.  The cost-saving - from design right down to production and spare-parts inventories - is evident by Ford's acknowledgement that the various C-platform models will share 80 per cent of parts, regardless of where the vehicle is built.The platform will serve vehicles including the Focus sedan, wagon and hatch; C-Max people movers with five and seven seats; Escape/Kuga SUV; Transit Connect light commercial vehicle; and a proposed coupe dubbed the Capri.  Outside of Australia, Ford makes two important SUVs - the Escape/Kuga and the Explorer.The latest 2011 Explorer - which has the option of a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine that will be available on next year's Ford Falcon sedan - looks good on paper but a Ford Australia insider says it couldn't compete with the locally-built Territory.

They are the Kuga all-wheel drive and S-Max people mover. Both are compact models built off the mechanical package of the Focus and could be easily added to the Ford Australia family, provided there is a case for solid local sales. However, of the pair, the Kuga is more likely as it could swing in as a replacement for the ageing Escape. Ford's group vice president, Derrick Kuzak, is enthusiastic for the pair but carsGuide understands Ford Australia cannot go it alone. It will need the endorsement of a least one other Asia-Pacific market to get the nod. Kuzak says Ford is looking at its options for both vehicles but they would need a sound business case for Australia. Also, whether Kuga was a replacement for, or separate model, to the Escape was another issue. “Escape has a very loyal following with millions of customers globally so we need to pay particular attention to those customers,” he says. “We just need to ensure that customers are there today, when they're coming; as well as what we need to do to make a business case.” Kuzak says that the advantage of having potential for either Kuga or C-Max locally could be built off the same supply base that will feed into the locally built Focus. “You've got the platform, the supply base not only for the platform but interior and the rest of the vehicle,” he says. “So you've got the scale already started for the platform as well as a manufacturing facility you'd like to put more capacity in. “When you've made the business case for the first vehicle it's a lot easier for the rest of them to follow.” The Kuga is 27mm shorter than the Escape, 50mm lower but 17mm wider and has a 70mm longer wheelbase. At present it is available in Europe with the same 100kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel as the Focus. However, next year the range will be expanded with a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo, an engine shared with Volvo. A key driver for the car is that like the Territory, it is available in either front or all-wheel drive. The Kuga has a high level of standard equipment in Europe, including electronic stability control with combined anti rollover mitigation, anti-skid brakes and an intelligent all-wheel drive system that distributes torque up to 50/50 front and rear. The all-wheel drive system is from Haldex, which also supplies Volvo. Ford says the Kuga delivers best-in-class CO2 figure of 169g/km. It has a roomy interior and luggage area that can fit from 410 litres to 1355 litres when the rear seats are folded flat. By comparison Ford describes the five-seater C-Max as a “multi-activity vehicle” but in essence it is a sporty wagon. In Europe it is available with three four-cylinder petrol engines, a turbo-diesel, LPG, CNG, and bio-ethanol.  

They are the Kuga all-wheel drive and S-Max people mover.Both are compact models built off the mechanical package of the Focus and would be easily added to the Ford Australia family, provided there is a case for solid local sales.Ford plans to push harder with the Fiesta and Focus in the next fee months, and a new Fiesta is expected next year. But it has rejected the baby Ka and is yet to begin selling the promised Mondeo diesel.The first sign of the potential of the S-Max and Kuga will come in less than a month after a European assessment is made of the two vehicles as part of a potential business case for Australia.