How the fuel-efficient SUV rides with style

He Ford Kuga He is already an old acquaintance of the Argentine market. Although it has been present relatively recently (it arrived in 2010), it was established from the outset as a reference among medium-sized SUVs in terms of space and performance.

Especially for the latter is where the last generation stood out, thanks to its hybrid version. The latest update of the model enhances its virtues and gains an aesthetic improvement that leaves it in a higher place.

It is also one of the four electrified models that the oval brand presented in Argentina this year, along with the Maverick Hybrid pickup and the 100% electric Mustang Mach-E and the E-Transit utility vehicle, which included the landing of Ford Pro.

The main changes are in the nose and now it does share features with other Ford SUVs around the world. A bigger and taller grillmore stylized headlights and the simplification of its shapes give it a very modern “face” but without being overloaded.

The technological touch is given by its LED daytime running light systems, which not only highlight the shapes of the headlights but are also linked with a light strip that runs through the entire trunk.

The rest has practically not changed. They are all small tweaks that contribute to generating the harmonious figure that the Kuga now has.

Inside too There are changes that add a better perception in general. The most noticeable is in the center console, with a larger screen and fewer physical commands. The good thing is that it maintains some shortcuts.

The dashboard display has also evolved and now allows for different views and more information. The Head-Up Display, with very good image quality, adds more comfort and safety for the driver.

Space continues to be another strong point, both for rear seat passengers and the cargo area. The downside is that the trunk cover is made of a very flexible textile material that does not support much weight. The gate has electric opening and closing.

The hybrid system remains the same. 2.5-liter 165 HP gasoline engine and another 110 HP electric enginewhich together generate 203 horses.

The gearbox is a CVT automatic with a somewhat intuitive rotary selector. It doesn’t give you the option to go up or down the gears at will, not even from the steering wheel and much less from the selector. The traction is integral on demand.

It is one of the best hybrid systems on the market, both for its efficiency and its operation. It is a set that allows you to do more than 18 km/l in urban environments and that on average (adding highway sections) remains at 16 km/l.

With the L option of the selector engaged, the transmission retains much more deceleration phases to charge the batteries that power the electric motor more quickly. This alternative is recommended in the city to take advantage of those moments and, in the process, use the brakes less. But it does not completely stop the vehicle.

And when the brake pedal is used and the vehicle comes to a complete stop, a warning on the dashboard indicates how efficient the braking was in taking advantage of that deceleration to obtain power for the batteries.

But if a reaction is needed, this Kuga’s system responds without hesitation and with energy, which is why it can achieve acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds.

At low speed the vehicle emits a small hum outward to alert pedestrians that “something is approaching.” That sound increases when reverse gear is engaged.

If you do not accelerate suddenly and there is energy in the batteries, you can drive only with the electric motor between 2.5 and up to 3 kilometers. But this It is only possible at medium speeds, between 50 km/h and 70 km/hand without marked speed changes, since the combustion engine would automatically connect.

That is why it is easy to move on avenues with electricity at a stable speed. And when the gasoline engine comes into action, its presence is almost imperceptible in terms of vibrations.

The dynamic behavior is outstanding, with logical responses and a feeling of constant control of the vehicle, despite the indirectness of the steering and the little “feel” sent by the pedals.

Ride comfort is also among its high points, with a suspension system that They provide a good balance to respond on the road and to provide comfort on uneven surfaces.despite the fact that large tires (19″) were chosen for this renewal.

The one that responds a little dryly to speed bumps or very rough potholes is the front axle, which feels the impact and transmits it to the cabin.

The equipment has evolved, especially the driving assistance equipment. Now, for example, you can do the parking maneuver controlling everything, steering, accelerator and brake.

Not much changed in the new Kuga, but every addition it had enhanced everything good it already offered.

At the time of publication of this test, Ford Argentina was analyzing a new price list due to recent economic announcements that will undoubtedly impact the 0 km values ​​and especially in an imported model like this one.

Wheelbase 2,710 mm

Fuel tank 54 liters

Electric motor power 130 HP

CVT Automatic Transmission

Consumption in the city 20 km/l

ABS brakes and stability control

Front, front side, curtain and knee airbags for driver

adaptive cruise control

Lane centering system

Autonomous emergency brake

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Electric tailgate

12.3” digital board

13.2” touch screen

Apple CarPlay y Android Auto

Wireless charger for cell phone

Panoramic sliding roof