Ford Kuga
First of all - Kuga is a damn good looking car! Dynamic design line typical for new Ford models is simply brilliant.
Interior is equally impressive - solid finish and quality materials is what welcomes the driver.Driver's ergonomics is great - the only exceptions are gear stick which is positioned tad too high (in my opinion), and start engine
button - it's positioned right below the 4 lights button.
Someone wasn't really thinking there. Another thing I didn't like about it was the engine hood - it can be opened only from the outside, with the use of key.The rest is simply superb.
Despite the higher driver's position, Kuga is driven very much like a Ford Focus. That's no wonder because the suspension and many other systems are taken directly from its older, but smaller brother. Exception is 4 wheel drive; electronically regulated haldex clutch is in charge there.
Tested car had a 2,0l, 136bhp diesel engine delivers 320Nm torque (340Nm in overburst mode).If necessary, this SUV can be driven off road, too. Sounds like a silly sentence, but Ford estimates that 80% Kuga owners will never get off the road.
Kuga is a good family fun car, you will feel comfortable going to a picnic with it, and safe when taking kid to school and cool when going shopping (it has a 2 piece tailgate to help the fast shoppers).
B-Max and new Kuga will be presented in few days in Geneva, new Mondeo is scheduled for the end of September in Paris.
Electro-powered Focus sale starts in summer, restyled Fiesta is expected in September, while Fiesta ST is expected at the end of the year.
Ford has prepared another global model which will replace Europen Mondeo and US Fusion. New D-class is following name rationalization trend set in Dearborn - for a while now there is one Focus, one Fiesta and soon there will be only one Kuga/Escape.
Next Ford Fusion will be presented in Detroit in January 2012. Concept car Evos style is present in traces - new Fusion/Mondeo will have trapesoid grille without company emblem on it. Instead, it will be placed on the hood. Ecoboost petrol engines will go up to 250bhp, while diesel engines comes in 1.6l, 2l and 2.2l.
A new SUV model is announced for the mid 2012. Unlike it's American predecessor, new Ford Escape will be sold worldwide.
Exterior is Focus alike, length is approximately 4,5m.
It will have 2 main engines, ecoboost equipped, with 1.6l and 173bhp, and 2l with 237bhp. New Escape will have a new automatic transmission with 6 gears and 4 wheel drive.