Test drive Ford Kuga since 2008 SUV

Kuga Field

Kuga is grass that grows in the middle lane. Type of reed or reed. Its full name is a field kuga. But in the spring of 2008, another kuga appeared on the fields of the country, much more promoted.
Proops The first automobile magazine that managed to ride Ford Kuga in St. Petersburg. Around the only European crossover Ford, such a stir was formed that the editorial office almost in full force came to the novelty, and three authors decided to speak out about Kuga at once.
To the test
Roman Zubko: Why do you feel more?
What did we expect from the new Ford Kuga and why did he become the most long -awaited Russian premiere? At first glance, the Fordovites were late for the division of a pie called the crossover market, but, paradoxically, this will sound, this very crossover arrived in time!
Indeed, if you take the first generation of cars such as Toyota Rav4 or Honda CR-V as a reference point, we can say that this segment has long been divided between traditional leaders, and newcomers will get only crumbs. But, on the other hand, the triumph of the same Nissan Qashqai and the great interest in VW Tiguan and the hero of our Ford Kuga test show that the beginners have all the chances of becoming bestsellers.
And all because in Europe a real boom of sales in the crossover segment is now observed. Not all -wheel drive cars, not SUVs, namely crossovers. In Russia, such models are simply doomed to success.
We sweep everything that appears in the salons, and if it is something with all-wheel drive, a spacious salon and the emblem of a popular and very respected brand, it instantly turns into our everything! So, Kuga came to Russia as possible on time!
Now about our expectations. Kuga has already intrigued by the fact that this is the first European crossover from Ford. The previous Experiment of the Fords in the segment of light parking lots (meaning Maverick), in general, failed, and therefore it was interesting how they took into account the past unsuccessful experience. This is first.
Secondly, an attempt to realize the concept of Kinetic Design in a car of this type is curious. Well, thirdly (and in the main ones!), Since Ford decisively stated that the main competitor for Kuga is not anyone, but RAV4, it is simply necessary to check: is it a chapo-posal statements or a recognized class leader and really will have to be tight?

During the test
Alexander Korobchenko: Difficulties of translation
To understand what Ford Kuga is, you need to ride on the Land Rover Freelander and at least just sit inside the Ford C-Max. And in order for Kuga to understand you, you need to at least know English.
Kuga in English reads like a kuga. Interestingly, the name Ford Cougar (produced for the United States since 1999) was also read in the same way. The name of the crossover cannot be translated from English, but in some other languages \u200b\u200bthere are words similar in sound. For example, in the Serbian, Croatian, Slovenian and Bosnian word Kuga means a plague
However, according to our forecasts, the future of Ford Kuga is least like the ex-Yugoslav translation of its name. Interest in the car is also warmed up by the premiere of the concept in 2007, and now dealers predict the increased attention of customers to the novelty.
So far, all-wheel drive crossovers are available only with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel and a six-speed manual gearbox. In Europe, Kuga is also sold in front -wheel drive, but in our conditions they are unlikely to take root.
In principle, you can talk about the non -alternativeness of the power plant without regret: the diesel engine is not only economical and insanely burdened, but also enough for movement around the city. True, in order to maintain a fast pace, it is often necessary to act with the clutch and the lever of the checkpoint of the lower gears instantly drive the tachometer arrow from the beginning to the end of the zone of the most efficient engine speed.
The engine starts and dies with the Power button, it is located at the top of the central console, next to the emergency. During our test, such a neighborhood once led to a random pressing Power in motion. Let us pay tribute to the Ford engineers: this does not lead to a shutdown of the engine, it turns off only when the car is motionless.
Ford engineers did a good job of soundproofing: not only is the diesel engine surprisingly quietly and transfers a minimum of possible vibrations to the salon, so external noises almost do not get inside. Sitting at the wheel, I turned on the radio at the very minimum and still did not hear how the colleague signed on Focus ...
Technically, Kuga is the same Focus, only with a strongly high center of gravity. For this reason, one of the main tasks facing the Ford engineers reduce the rolls and focus control.
By passenger standards, Kuga is still decently rolling, but surprisingly! This almost does not affect his maneuverability. The steering wheel has an electric likeness of feedback, and steering, as on Focus, can be made comfortable, sports or neutral. The difference between the extreme provisions is still not as striking as it could be, but the very fact of the opportunity to intervene in the settings of the car cannot but rejoice.
And the clearance pleases: Kuga is raised above the Earth by 195 mm and is spared from many problems associated with the quality of our roads. What is nice, his suspension is quite soft for absorbing small and medium irregularities. The driver’s landing is high, as on a typical SUV. The only thing that brings the crossover closer to the hatchback, sports seats with amazing lateral support (are included in the Titanium set).
Inside Kuga is not much different from the Ford C-Max. The car adopted the most successful solutions: pretty devices, comfortable ergonomic seats, a steering wheel with a steering wheel musical remote control and control of an flight comprehensive compliance, a radio, climate control and even an elevation under the gearbox lever. At the same time, Ford saved money on the development and creation of new elements, managing to keep prices in a reasonable range.
An even more interesting toy in Kuga voice control of climate and radio. It is enough to press the button to the left of the steering wheel, as a short signal will sound, announcing the beginning of your command perception. You can begin to say the truth, to use this option, you need to know English at least at the school level.
Of course, voice control does not fulfill anything that a person could not do three times faster, but in order to surprise friends or to practice pronunciation, such an option is perfect. Who knows: maybe her next generation will swell/start the motor on its own and switch the programs?!

After the test
Alexander Mikhailov: Roll California
The world of modern compact crossovers is similar to National cooking. She captured everyone, and it seems that already grandmothers in the village learned to twist the rolls and cook Teriaki chicken. But in order to feel the true taste, you need to turn to Japanese cooks. Feel, what am I to?
Almost all Western car concerns began a modern cross -over career with the production of powerful, hefty ivory: Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7, BMW X5 and massive, but no less interesting and advanced compacts about four leading wheels, as a rule, were produced in the country of the rising sun.
Technical characteristics Ford Kuga 2.0 Duratorq TDCI, AWD:
Dimensions, mm (length x width x height) 4443x1842x1677
Road clearance, mm 195
Equipped mass, kg 1573
Engine volume and power, L (L.S./at rpm) 2.0 (136/4000)
Twisting, Nm (for / rpm) 320 (2000)
Acceleration to 100 km/h, p. 10.7
Maximum speed, km/h 180
Average fuel consumption (city/highway) l/100 km 8.1/6.4/5.4
The volume of the trunk is 360/1355
 
But where there is commercial success, there is no calm. In recent years, European engineers have created several new crossovers who, in size, finally began to fit into standard shells. And they are successful, although many of them (Audi Q5, BMW X3 or VW Tiguan) are simply reduced copies of older brothers.
Another thing is Ford Kuga. Yes, he does not have an older brother, and his creators have considerable experience in constructing compact and all-profile universals like Honda CR-V or Toyota Rav4. But there is an all -wheel drive scheme from Haldex, which promises a certain freedom of action on moderate off -road.
And, of course, kinetic design. Expression, style, challenge, novelty, this is what the bold sketches of Kuga promised, and this is what I was waiting for when I was traveling on the first date with the car! But, I admit, the meeting of enthusiasm did not cause.
It seemed that the designers went through with numerous faces of the body, which are designed to create a coveted kinetic effect. I don't know what is kinetic here; In my opinion, it turned out quite hot. Although it is quite possible that someone will select another epithet solidly and run to make a purchase. In the meantime, I will get comfortable in the cabin.
Prices
So far, Kuga is represented in Russia with only one engine with a 136-horsepower turbodiesel, in two trim levels: Trend from 880,000 rubles and Titanium from 960,000 rubles. The first includes ABS with EBD, ESP, as well as EBA (emergency braking system) and ARM (system that prevents overturning). Safety is provided by the front and lateral pillow. Of course, there is an immobilizer, an electro -hydraulic steering amplifier, on -board, computer, air conditioning, electric package. There is also an audio system with 4 speakers, FordPower system (starting an engine without a key, using a button), fog.
In the Titanium configuration, the Follow-Me-Home function, two-zone climate control, cruise control, rain sensor, light sensor, rear-view mirror, cast discs and even front rugs are added
Although why get used to it? In fact, before us is the S-Max with its flawless plastic in quality, thought out by ergonomics and gray-black tones everywhere. Is this expression? Style? Even the bright colors of the summer day could not brighten up the gloomy energy of the interior through the tinting of the glass.
The basic diesel, with all its advantages, is great inhibiting its modest 136 liters. With. Kinetic message Kuga. Although slowly and with savings you can move quite tolerably. You look, and you will be drawn to the design over time
The hype created around Kuga is enough to fill the dealers folders with a bunch of prepaid orders. Moreover: when buyers receive their cars, it is unlikely that any of them will find obvious reasons for disappointment. But many will still prefer to eat sushi in a Japanese restaurant. And you?
 
 
The car was provided for the Alarm Motors test test, the official Ford dealer
 
Text: Roman Zubko, Alexander Korobchenko, Alexander Mikhailov
Photo: Roman Ostanin

 

A source: Wheel magazine [May 2008]