With the updated Escape being released last year, it was obvious that the next to come was the 2017 Ford Kuga. Even though the two cars are pretty much identical, the European Kuga has been left unchanged for a bit more in order to release it roughly at the same time with the new Edge. The car is still using roughly the same platform as the original model which has been out since 2008. Despite that, thanks to quite a few incremental upgrades, the new Kuga feels better than ever. It is not the perfect crossover by any means but it always managed to offer a great ride quality and a better than average driving experience.
2017 ford Kuga price and changes
The 2017 model received mostly exterior updates and some under-the-skin upgrades as well. However, in essence, the car is very similar to the older model so it might not be a good upgrade for those who already own one. For everyone else, though, the Kuga is a better than average crossover. Ford added an entirely new engine to the mix and all the others, while not the most powerful out there, offer a good mix of fuel efficiency and performance. The car will become available for sale in the fourth quarter of 2016 and its price should not be all that different from the older model. The old model was priced at $32.000 for a base trim model and $37.000 for Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium PowerShift AWD.
The exterior
This is where the new 2017 Ford Kuga received the most attention. The car’s profile is still pretty much identical to that of the 2008 model. Despite that, the front and rear are all new and in line with Ford’s latest cars. In the front, the new Kuga has a lot more in common with the Edge than before. Also, it is pretty much identical to the US Escape but that’s to be expected at this point. The grille features two large horizontal slats while the headlights are ranked towards the back for a rather aggressive look. The back is quite similar to the current car but the interior of the tail lights has been changed to something a bit more modern.
Inside the cabin
Here Ford tried their best in order to offer a comfortable and roomy cabin. There is just as much space as before and the seats are the same as well. However, the new Kuga now borrows the steering wheel from the latest Focus which also includes much nicer materials and it can be heated now on certain versions. The center stack has been changed with a smaller electric parking brake, two cup-holders, and a new storage space. The dashboard has been cleared out as well so there are fewer buttons on it. On top of that, the climate controls should be easier to use while the new infotainment system is the latest Ford has to offer.
Engines
Unlike its US counterpart, the 2017 Ford Kuga will be available with quite a few more engine options. For starters there will be a 1.5 liter turbocharged inline 4 petrol engine which will be available three different outputs of 120, 150 and 182 horsepower. Only the latter will be available with all-wheel drive. The older 2 liters turbocharged inline 4 diesel offering 150 or 180 horsepower will be carried over unchanged from the current model. Only the base 150 horsepower mill be available with front-wheel drive. A new addition will be the 1.5 liters turbocharged diesel. This engine comes straight from the Focus and makes 118 horsepower while offering over 60 MPG on average. Most engines will be available with a six-speed manual transmission but many people will likely go for the automatic. Unfortunately, there is no fancy dual clutch here but a rather old, yet smooth, 6-speed automatic which has been around for some time at this point.
Source: www.netcarshow.com
2017 Ford Kuga
Summary
Unlike its US counterpart, the 2017 Ford Kuga will be available with quite a few more engine options. For starters there will be a 1.5 liter turbocharged inline 4 petrol engine which will be available three different outputs of 120, 150 and 182 horsepower. Only the latter will be available with all-wheel drive. The older 2 liters turbocharged inline 4 diesel offering 150 or 180 horsepower will be carried over unchanged from the current model. Only the base 150 horsepower mill be available with front-wheel drive.
Release date: 2016
Price: $37,000
