2016 Ford Kuga facelift on-sale 24 | 10 | 2016
THE 2016 FORD KUGA has got on-sale at Scottish dealerships with prices starting at £20,845. Customers should expect first deliveries of the facelifted car before the end of the year (Related: Interview — Ford UK boss Andy Barratt).
In addition the latest version of Ford's infotainment system, Sync 3, the latest Kuga also gets a new diesel option, the 120bhp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine with front-wheel drive, which returns 64.2mpg and emits 115g/km of CO2.
There’s also a 150bhp 2.0TDCi diesel, available as either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which returns 60.1mpg and emits 122g/km CO2. There’s also a 180bhp Intelligent All Wheel Drive version which, according to Ford, is good for 54.3mpg at the pumps and emits 135g/km CO2.
Petrol lovers can opt for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost in either 120bhp or 150bhp forms. An all-wheel-drive 182bhp variant of the petrol engine returns 38.2mpg and 171g/km of CO2.
This latest, facelifted Kuga is identifiable by its more heavily sculpted bonnet which gives it a more chisled look and, according to Ford, increases pedestrian protection in the event of an accident.
There’s also new self-adjusting bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and new fog lamps at the front, while the rear gets restyled tail-lights and a power-operated tow bar that stores itself out of sight when not in use. The tailgate can also be opened with a kicking motion below the rear bumper, and buyers get the option of a new range of 17in, 18in and 19in alloys.
Inside the cabin, there are noticeably fewer buttons a new electronic parking brake and an improved design.
Key is the new Sync 3 system which comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The system allows drivers to control functions using conversational voice commands.
Ford’s semi-autonomous perpendicular parking technology, which helps drivers to park hands‑free in spaces alongside other cars, is on offer with All Wheel Drive versions.
Further safety systems include traffic alert, which aids drivers reversing out of a parking space, while park-out assist helps drivers as they exit parallel parking spaces. There’s also a new enhanced version of Ford’s active city stop is also onboard, now operating at speeds up to 31mph, an increase of 12mph.
The range starts with the £20,845 Zetec, and climbs to the better-specced Titanium, which starts at £24,245. The sporty-looking ST-Line (pictured) is priced from £25,845.
The range-topping Kuga Vignale starts at £30,745 and includes features such as bi-Xenon headlights, LED tail-lights, full leather seats and keyless start as standard.
Related: Roadtest — Ford Edge 2.0TDCI 210 Sport
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Jim McGill