Test drive Ford Kuga since 2008 SUV

mission Possible

Ford Kuga. Price: from 880,000 rubles. On sale: since July 2008
The already dense segment of compact crossovers was replenished with Ford Kuga. After a meeting with the novelty, it became clear: competitors will have to be hard
I will not hide, I went to meet with Ford Kuga with particular interest. On the one hand, Ford Motor Co. From the moment of sudden disappearance from our market, the average size Maverick has not bothered to pamper the consumer with a compact all-wheel drive car (by the way, you should not think that the Kuga successor to Maverick in his role later the American Escape should play). On the other hand, the mass of interested parties in absentia read the Kugu by the competitor of Nissan Qashqai, who actually enslaved (judging by the queues) the market of compact crossovers. In addition, the emergence of a new player in the camp of cars of increased versatility and relative accessibility is interesting in itself.
Stunning surprises at the cost of the basic configuration of 880,000 rubles. Living Ford Kuga did not present it far from the murderously low price. However, as it turned out, the Fords did not chase the Nissan Windoderkind, but focused on more magnificent parquet authorities, in particular, to Toyota Rav4. And in order to pretty spoil blood to competitors, Kuga has a lot of trump cards.
For example, the recruit is very attractive. I admit that someone will begin to object to this message, appealing to the individuality of tastes, but I am sure that the majority will pay tribute to the bright kinetic design of Kuga, especially the expressive corporate face of the crossover, whose crystal eyes are full of automotive modern and style. The appearance of a machine, based on the concept of iOSISX, represented in Paris in 2006, is rapid and assertive. Perhaps only a hint of the sadness of the profile, most likely, due to the desire of the creators to increase the volume of the body, adds a fraction of an imbalance to the harmony of the portrait. However, it is simply inappropriate to talk about the hippo -like heavyweight characteristic of some of the opposition.
You can’t say offhand, but Kuga has outgrown its design landmark from the country of the rising sun in all sizes. It is not surprising that in the cabin of a Claustrophobia car, it does not threaten even very fat characters. And your humble servant, having a ninety -meter tall, was able to comfortably get a comfortable and behind himself, mentally remaining on the front chair. And in front of you too. Moreover, the resource of the seat adjustment range was not fully exhausted. Of course, the space in Kuga is not endlessly, and whatever it is, but the third on the gallery, if he is not a child or not a thin passenger, will still be superfluous. A similar story with the trunk. The capacity of the clothing compartment does not cause dissatisfaction either in the usual or, especially in the cargo (when the folded second row of seats forms an impressive hangar with an even floor) options.
But, excuse me, where is the reserve? It is replaced by a reptile with adhesive liquid for pumping into the damaged wheel. By the way, it is planned to equip the cars supplied to Russia with completion, which, of course, is better, but also not the optimum for our reality. But Kuga is equipped with a comfortable fifth door, which opens both completely and partially. Moreover, when the upper segment is opened, say, for loading products, only a narrow opening necessary for this operation is formed. To expand the access zone, one finger is enough, and the camouflage of the curtain is twisted deep into the trunk. The ergonomics of the salon, whether it is the architecture of the seats or the layout of the controls, seems quite meaningful and does not cause irritation, perhaps in nothing. Buttons and handles are on the spot, devices are read, the compartments for the little thing enough is enough for what is more? By the way, the aforementioned Rem -compartment for the wheels is hidden in the container under the feet of the left rear passenger. And the first -aid kit is located symmetrically on the right.
The quality of finishing materials corresponds to the canons of a civilized society, so that the residential area of \u200b\u200bthe crossover looks quite neat. Kuga has two configurations for Kuga. Even the first, Trend, which includes, for example, an electric package, air conditioning, an anti -lock system of brakes and stabilization of movement, allows you not to feel deprived. But if you want more allocated discs, bixenon or separate climate control, you should turn to the rich set of Titanium or to stuffing the machine countless add. options. Among them, by the way, there are curious ones as a transparent panoramic roof or a full-fledged 230-volt 150-volt rosette for connecting a vacuum cleaner, laptop, etc.
Some inconveniences are caused by the hood opening procedure. It is traditional Ford: the ignition key behind the leaning emblem. But with a non -contact engine start -up by the button, which is endowed with Kuga, the key is made in the form of a keychain with a sting integrated into it. Use this device is not quite with your hand. Plus, the wipers, whose leashes, being rejected by a completely small angle (for example, for wiping glass), rest against the edge of the hood. One hope for the service position of the wipers.
Ford Kuga is equipped with a 2-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 136 hp. and a 6-speed manual gearbox. In principle, a combination of what is needed. The motor, pleasantly rumbling, like a well-fed bear, assertively pulls the 1600-kilogram kugu during acceleration, at speed and in off-road conditions. No wonder: 320 nm of maximum traction are available at 2000 min-1. Sitting behind the wheel, you physically feel the indefatigable power potential. And focusing on a slight fuel consumption, you get double pleasure. However, the swiftness with which the engine promoted during an active driving is a little embarrassing the working revolutionary zone and five thousand with a penny rests on the limiter. Often because of this, for example, during overtaking, you have to switch a step higher inappropriately. However, it is procedural to do this for pleasure: the box functions with precision forms of clarity. The steering wheel is good too. Moderately sharp, moderately suppressed, it is convenient in hands and can be adjusted by effort through the settings of the flight comprehensive menu. Nothing bad except the good can be said about the soundproofing of the salon, and about the brake safety systems controlled.
Being elastic-firing and at the same time energy-intensive, the suspension is not bad damping the body fluctuations on irregularities, but on a wavy road in a speedy turn, the crossover is subject to diagonal rise. The suspension capabilities allow you to move temperamently along the lane, although breaks occurs on serious potholes occasionally. Kuga does not graze before relative off -road. It is safe to say that the automatic all -wheel drive system, with a lightning speed, sells traction from the front axis to the rear wheels (up to 50%) using an electronly controlled Haldex coupling, will allow you to get to a snowy cottage, crawl through a crashed primer to your favorite forest, go to Sandy shore of the lake for fishing. A little embarrasses the 188 -million clearance. However, the road clearance is enough to overcome most cataclysms. Including water barriers, when a highly located air intake of the engine, allowing the movement along the ford up to 45 cm deep.
In general, Ford Kuga inspires optimism. He, as they say, will fit both yours and ours. Beautiful, convenient, dynamic, universal. But the question is: to whom is the car specifically intended? Probably, first of all, the machine in this configuration will appeal to the seeker of suburban adventures. Glamorous ladies and individuals appreciate the comfort of individuals will surely fall about an automatic box. But having learned that it, like a gasoline engine, will be available for Kuga later, many of them are likely to peck at an attractive novelty now. Be that as it may, there is no doubt that the mission to conquer consumers to the double agent Kuga will be fulfilled.
Nuances
Ford Kuga the first compact crossover Ford of Europe. Popular Ford models Focus and C-Max were used as the basis. The machine has plastic front wings that reduce the mass of the car and damage during traffic accidents. Ford crossover is produced exclusively in Germany.
Driving
Kuga confidently accelerates, steer well and effectively slows down. The rolls are moderate in corners.
Salon
The salon is spacious, comfortable, well equipped. Curious additional options socket 230 B and glass roof.
Comfort
The car is quite comfortable. It is especially worth noting good vibro and sound insulation.
Security
Ford Kuga is equipped with a full package of active and passive security systems.
Price
The price of a car at the cost level of most competing crossovers.

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Stylish design, spacious interior, low fuel consumption.
- Unknown opening of the hood, short gears, relatively high price.

Specifications
Mark and model - Ford Kuga
Dimensions - 4443x1842x1710 mm
Engine-turbodiesel, in order, 4-cylinder, 1997 cm3, 136 hp/4000 min-1
Transmission - mechanical, 6 -speed
Dynamics - max180 km/h; 10.7 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Toyota Rav4, Honda CR -V, Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Our opinion
Ford Kuga is bright in design, a convenient, well -equipped crossover with a well -thought -out ergonomics of the salon and attractive road and off -road qualities. Undoubtedly, this car will find a lot of its fans. A little embarrassed by a relatively high starting price of 880,000 rubles.
Author: Igor Kuznetsov
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [June 2008]