Ford Kuga CUV Thread

[PanterroR]

Ford has released a sketch of its new mid-sized 4x4, and a name: Kuga

Ford is reviving an old name - but with a new spelling - for its first European 4x4. The Kuga will appear at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and it's the latest model to feature Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ language. The look has been pioneered by Ford Europe’s executive design director Martin Smith, and it was first seen on the Iosis concept that previewed the current Mondeo.

The Kuga, which was first shown as the Iosis X at last year's Paris show, has survived to production looking remarkably like the concept at first glance. Out go the suicide doors and high-mounted wing mirrors, but the car looks distinctive. We'll have to see it in the metal to be sure, and no doubt it'll come on smaller wheels.

Although we can't see the interior yet, it will be a lot more restrained than the concept's. Gone are the individual bucket seats and centre console running the length of the car. But taking the new Mondeo as an indication, expect a well built and high-quality dashboard.

The Kuga is based on the Ford Group's C1 platform, which underpins the Focus and Volvo S40/V50, meaning this 4x4 will borrow the Swedes' four-wheel drive system. Conversely, Volvo will also produce the XC60 from this platform.

CAR Online was told last September by Gunnar Herrmann, Ford of Europe’s vehicle line director, that the Kuga will be available from launch with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. The Focus ST will also lend its five-cylinder turbocharged unit to the Kuga, whilst a hybrid is on the cards.

Herrmann also claimed the Kuga will rewrite the handling rulebook for the segment (he would, wouldn't he?). It'll need to be good, as Ford is very late to the compact 4x4 party. The Japanese (Toyota, Honda, and Nissan) have dominated the sector since the launch of the Toyota Rav4 in the early 1990s.

Only now are the European manufacturers catching up. Vauxhall has recently launched the Antara, we've seen official pictures of the VW Tiguan, Peugeot 4007, Citroen's C-Crosser, and we’ll soon have the Renault Koleos.

The Kuga will be built in Germany and Ford hopes to produce 60,000 cars per year. It will be launched in spring 2008 with prices starting around £18,000. CAR Online will be at the Frankfurt show this autumn, where we'll bring you our first verdict on the Kuga the moment the covers are whisked off on 11 September.

Source: Ford Kuga - First Official Pictures - Carmagazine.co.uk

[EnI]

Kuga?

"Kuga" means "plague" (the disease) in our language.

Or in one of our dialects "kuga" (with different intonation) also means "what".

So either way we will get either Ford "Plague", or Ford "What".


Btw: bigger official sketch, and a spy pic:

[PanterroR]

LOL! Kuga...

Just for the record, if properly done (design wise), that thing is going to look nicer than ugly X3. Even in tat sketch looks better.

[MikeJ]

In Finnish, "kuka" means "who", and many Finns tend to pronounce 'g' (which has very limited use in Finnish) as 'k' anyway, so it'll be Ford "Who" then. (Or, in some grammatical cases, Ford "Flower", but explaining that would require delving into the Finnish case system and consonant gradation which would be far too much for most people to take in. )

[Kowalski]

What the F word is a "Kuga"?

[Giannis]

I like the way Ford camouflage's their concepts. Reminds me of some kind of military outfit. Or did they camo-ed it so that they can test it in the jungle un-noticed?

[EnI]

Originally Posted by Kowalski

What the F word is a "Kuga"?

I guess Kuga = Cougar.

But Ford already uses Cougar name for that coupe. Same thing with Puma.

Jaguar name is already taken.

What about Ford Leopard, Ford Lion, Ford Tiger, Ford Lynx etc ...

[PanterroR]

Source: Motor Authority » Preview: 2009 Ford Kuga Crossover

[EnI]

More Forda Kuga "Concept" pics & info:

Ford Kuga Concept Revealed Ahead of Frankfurt

[Monster]

Not as attractive as recent Ford designs. The car looks like the designers are trying too hard to fit in as much styling details as possible. It looks like a jacked up Mazda 3 hatch with a Ford nose on it. Not very exciting at all.

[Anisc]

Here's a pic of the interior from the GCF. It looks like a mix between the old fiesta and the new Mondeo..I expected it to be more modern..

[Monster]

Originally Posted by Anisc

Here's a pic of the interior from the GCF. It looks like a mix between the old fiesta and the new Mondeo..I expected it to be more modern..

Ford Europe spent all their money on the new Mondeo, so they have to compromise on this Kuga.

[Giannis]

Nah way overdone... Why can't Ford come up with a neat design?

[Anisc]

This is kind of mixed up...The central console looks new Mondeo..but the steering wheel looks like the old Mondeo...the dials look different from either one....yes definitely needs a neater and consistent design.

[888]

LMAO >>> Kuga aka Plague

[EnI]

Production car ...

[Centurion]

^^
Gorgeous, looks amazing for a Ford, even beats VW, Honda, Toyota and Huyndai's SUV in the same class.

[rev]

Ford will be showing its Kuga crossover vehicle at the Geneva International Motor Show. Ford, clearly impressed with the name Kuga – remember the Ford Cougar? – are adamant this vehicle signals a new direction for them, especially in Europe.

Two versions of drive come into play, with the Haldex intelligent AWD system at the top, while FWD will be the cheaper option for those who are quite satisfied with climbing city pavements rather than taking bush expeditions.

Both derivatives will be fitted with the working Duratorq TDCi from Ford which makes 100kW and 320Nm at 2000rpm, with an overboost function that’s good for temporary power need like while overtaking. Fuel economy of 6.3 and 6.4 litres per 100km for the FWD and AWD is claimed. This is obviously a Euro-targeted vehicle, telling not only by its diesel engine, but also the fact that the only transmission available at launch will be a Getrag Ford Durashift 6-speed manual.

Based on the iosis X Concept of Paris 2006, drama was the buzzword for Ford at that period as other distinctive models such as the F250 Super Chief and 4-Trac Concept were shown. The Kuga will be manufactured in Ford’s German plant at Saarlouis.
Press Release

The all-new Ford Kuga is Ford of Europe's first entry into the highly competitive crossover market and promises a blend of rewarding on-road driving quality and surprising off-road capability.

The genesis for Kuga was first seen in the dramatic iosis X Concept vehicle which made its debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. John Fleming, the company's President and CEO confirmed that Ford of Europe would be developing a production vehicle inspired by the iosis X Concept for launch within two years.

At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford demonstrated that this commitment was soon to become reality with a preview of the production model. Signalling its significance as a new direction for Ford of Europe, the new model was given its own name; the Ford Kuga was born and destined to join the Ford of Europe model portfolio during the first half of 2008.

"With the new Ford Kuga we are keeping the promise we made at Paris in 2006, and delivering a highly capable, expressive and charismatic vehicle which will extend the Ford model range further," said John Fleming. "I firmly believe Kuga will appeal to many loyal Ford customers looking for something a bit different, but will also be capable of repeating the success of S-MAX in bringing new customers to the Ford brand. A distinctive 'kinetic design' exterior, Ford's acclaimed on-road vehicle dynamics and premium-like product quality are just some of the highlights Kuga will bring to this fast-growing market segment."



Sound Foundation


The new Ford Kuga is based unashamedly on Ford's acclaimed C-car architecture – well proven in both the Ford Focus and the Ford C-MAX.

"We have an established portfolio to use as a basis and our shared technologies initiative within Ford Motor Company allows us even more possibilities to develop niche vehicles like Kuga," said Gunnar Herrmann, C-Car Vehicle Line Director, Ford of Europe.

Available with a proven powertrain and two series levels the full-time Haldex intelligent AWD system is complemented by a front-wheel-drive (FWD) version that is perfect for those drivers that are attracted by the style and presence of Kuga but do not require AWD capability. The Ford Kuga is available in a choice of two distinct series levels with further options available that enable the driver to personalise the car exactly to their needs. The standard Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with combined Anti Rollover Mitigation (ARM), and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are just two of the significant driver assistance technologies of the new Kuga.

Taking a New Direction

The stylish and charismatic Kuga is a further demonstration of the exciting new direction Ford of Europe's products are taking. The fresh and modern styling is the starting point with the substance of the car matching this styling promise. This is delivered by leading driving dynamics, a strong and competent safety pedigree, high quality and craftsmanship and a competitive crossover package. A high seating position, the intelligent AWD option and large stowage volumes make the Kuga a very attractive proposition.

"Kuga's arrival will raise the bar in the crossover segment," said Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe's vice president for Marketing, Sales and Service. "Our 'kinetic design' styling has given the car great personality and this gives it tremendous showroom appeal to potential customers."

A carefully selected palette of ten body colours is available for Kuga. A specially developed and brand new metallic colour – Chill – is available for both Kuga series options and drive choices. As a reflection of its iosis X Concept roots the production Kuga is available in two shades of white; solid Frozen White and a brand new metallic Electric White. This colour was first seen on the iosis X Concept car and the pre-production Kuga shown at Frankfurt. The Kuga is the first Ford of Europe production model to use Electric White which uses a specialised application method.

The exterior design features of Kuga naturally incorporate a wealth of practicality that provides much more than first meets the eye. The 'liftgate in liftgate' tailgate offers maximum flexibility and convenience with separate access via micro switches to either the upper tailgate section only or both sections simultaneously.

The materials chosen for Kuga's interior also demonstrate the close links to the iosis X Concept. The eye-catching and lavish Kuga interior incorporates fine leathers and gloss finishes on key areas that were first seen on the iosis X Concept car in piano white but now have a choice of shades depending on the series chosen. Colour-matched details of the interior design and integrated trim colours highlight the instrument panel and door trims, creating a complete, unified look of design-led quality and premium sportiness.

Kuga offers comfortable and spacious seating for up to five adults. The second row seating has a 60/40 split and has been designed to fold completely flat to maximise the usefulness of the available load compartment in two-seat mode. Underseat storage is a practical feature beneath the second row with further storage under the floor of the luggage compartment area which is divided into compartments to offer maximum practicality.

A luggage compartment sill height of 758mm aids the loading of heavy items into the car. The Kuga has a generous luggage capacity of 1355 litres when in two-seat mode, while the enclosed luggage compartment achieves a volume of 360 litres.

The Kuga offers customers two distinct series; Trend and Titanium. These have been developed to provide a clear customer choice of a well-equipped cool and colourful series – the Trend – and the modern, techno premium-feel Titanium.

Trend and Titanium series offer customers a wide range of equipment, technology and styling options. They also provide a strong platform for further personalisation and items to tailor the car exactly to each customer's needs. These needs are further-enhanced and satisfied by the provision of dedicated Packs which provide additional protection, transport, stowage, styling and aftersales products.

The Ford Kuga features some technologies first showcased on Ford's large and luxury segment – and more recently seen on the new generation Ford Focus – while also bringing new features to the segment and the Ford of Europe portfolio for the first time, such as a 'liftgate in liftgate' tailgate.
Capability and Performance

The Kuga will be made available with a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 136 PS 100kW engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Applicable to both FWD and intelligent AWD derivatives the torque, performance and pulling power under all engine and vehicle load conditions have been perfectly calibrated to the new Ford Kuga. This engine provides high levels of torque – 320 Nm at 2,000rpm and 340 Nm in transient overboost. FWD and intelligent AWD variants return favourable fuel economy figures of 6.3 and 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 km respectively, using the combined fuel consumption figures. The intelligent AWD figure of 169 g/km of CO2 is class-leading.

"Kuga has a 'can-do' attitude and 'go-anywhere' ability and the powertrain perfectly plays its part." Said Herrmann.

The Ford Kuga has been engineered for class-leading on-road driving dynamics and exceptional off-road capabilities for expanded leisure time use.

Using proven and established Ford C-car chassis components and technology as a solid basis, Ford's engineers tailored, tuned and calibrated each component and aspect of the ride and handling to ensure Kuga carries the blue oval family pedigree for strong driving dynamics.

The key overall target was to ensure that Kuga achieved the highest levels of ride, handling, braking and steering performance within the segment. The all-new Kuga uses many new systems and components in order to achieve the programme's targets.

The Ford Kuga joins a highly acclaimed and successful portfolio that is recognised for its safety standards as being a key attribute. The first element contributing to Kuga's safety is the stiff and rigid passenger cell designed and built to resist deformation. A host of active, passive and dedicated pedestrian safety features further contribute to Kuga's safety story. Integrated electronic systems including Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) add to the Kuga's safety and instil driver confidence.

"We put a lot of resources into making our cars as safe as possible for our customers and all other road users," adds Herrmann. "We employ a whole-vehicle holistic and no-compromise approach."

Manufactured at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany the new Kuga will be built alongside the new Focus three-door, five-door and wagon variants and C-MAX.



2008 Ford Kuga to Show at Geneva

[siko]

From WCF...


LINK

[Yannis]

Ford has stolen so many elements from the Nissan Quashqai that it's not even funny.

[hussein]

Originally Posted by MikeJ

In Finnish, "kuka" means "who", and many Finns tend to pronounce 'g' (which has very limited use in Finnish) as 'k' anyway, so it'll be Ford "Who" then. (Or, in some grammatical cases, Ford "Flower", but explaining that would require delving into the Finnish case system and consonant gradation which would be far too much for most people to take in. )

lol so its like if some guy askes you what kind of car do you have. just tell him i have a ford who. then hell get mixed up then yull start arguing lol who? huh you huh? who who!!!!!!!!!! dude its called a ford who?

[ateekt]

K: Kill
U: Ur
G: Gathered
A: Attitude

And if you don't have any, just buy a used Rav-4 with over 150,000 miles on the clock ...!