Ford South Africa has confirmed that the all-new Ford Kuga will be available with a 1.6L EcoBoost petrol engine with 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and a 2.0L TDCi turbo diesel engine with PowerShift automatic transmission.
Apart from fuel efficient engines, the newest compact SUV to join the Ford family will combine striking design and functionality with a rewarding driving experience. Smart technologies like Ford’s voice activated in-car SYNC connectivity system will be available as standard while features such as Active Park Assist will be available as options on certain models.
Using the latest powertrain technologies such as EcoBoost and twin independent camshaft variable timing (Ti-VCT), Ford has given its newest SUV a range of engines that are capable of high power and high torque while consuming less fuel.
The global EcoBoost technology also features turbocharging and direct injection so that the EcoBoost engines can rival the power and performance of a larger engine – but at a fraction of the fuel consumption.
These engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and exceptional performance for millions of drivers around the world. Ford holds more than 125 patents on this engine technology.
Further aiding fuel efficiency is the Kuga’s sleeker design. The new model is almost 10% more aerodynamic than the outgoing model, while the Kuga’s Active Grille Shutter system further enhances fuel economy by reducing wind resistance.
Grille slats stay open when extra engine cooling air is required, such as low-speed stop-and-go driving. When cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Kuga will also introduce a “smart” AWD system that pre-emptively reassesses road conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction.
A number of advanced safety technologies will also be available as options Adaptive Cruise Control senses when traffic is slowing, and regulates the vehicle’s speed accordingly. When the traffic clears, it goes back to the vehicle’s pre-set speed. The Kuga’s Blind Spot Information System lets you know when there’s a car in your blind spot, while Lane Keeping Aid alerts the driver via a steering wheel vibration if they inadvertently drift into another lane and simultaneously directs the driver back their lane. Active City Stop also ensures a safer driving experience in slow moving traffic. If the traffic ahead should suddenly stop, while moving at speeds less than 30km, the brakes will automatically be applied ensuring a collision is avoided.
Among the customer-focused features being shown for the first time in South Africa on a Ford product is “open sesame” - a hands-free automatic tailgate, allowing customers to open or close the rear tailgate by simply sweeping a foot under the rear bumper.
Using the same motion technology found in today’s video game systems, a gentle kicking motion under the centre of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the tailgate when the driver has the Kuga key fob. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig out keys. The same process closes the hatch.
Full details of the line-up, specifications and features will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch in 2013.
STORY BY FORD
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