Test Drive Ford Kuga since 2012 Crossover
Test Drive Ford Kuga: Citizen
Every year crossovers incurred further from their progenitors, SUVs, turning into urban residents. The second generation of Ford Kuga at first glance is not from such. But is it really?
I think, it is mad, if I assume that many of the first bows were chosen for stylish appearance. Even today, five years after her debut, few producers endow their oscidences frankly at the sporting appearance. This trump card is fully preserved: heredity is obvious.
If the predecessor has a radiator grille consisting of two parts, then a fresh model of four. At the same time, it is impossible to say that the appearance of the car is aggressive. He, rather, expressive and memorable.
In length, the newcomer added 81 millimeters, height became 8 millimeters below. Changes are not as to rush into the eyes, however visually the second Kuga looks harmonious and significantly longer than the predecessor. The secret lies in just a few strokes: rounded optics and the third glass of the body sidewalls gave way to stretched, and the doorway on the doors is now running on the same line with external door handles.
Filling of beautiful headlights at the highest level: Bixenon lenses, turn backlight, LED sections of running lights. Like focus, Cuhouse can be ordered with an automatic parking machine.
The arrow tip on the front wing continues to be subset further on the body.
Ford Kuga demonstrates its friendliness before the driver gets inside. The lid of the trunk is equipped not only by the electric drive, but also the Hands-Free function. You can submit a signal to open or closure by spending a foot under the rear bumper. System's eyes are two capacitive sensors that are not afraid of abundant dirt in the zone of their work. In the automotive world, the system is not new, but there is still a rarity. Of course, the option will not enter the basic package, but the fact of its presence is happy.
Designers abandoned the two-section trunk lid. The classic option is uniquely more convenient for loading. Under the rear bumper, there are much more stated 188 millimeters of the road lumen.
The most stylish feed element rear lights with light guides of overall lights. They light up whenever the drive cover of the trunk is activated.
The tight test schedule does not give rise to the cabin, so we immediately go on the road. On the first day, we with a colleague get a diesel Cuga with a robotic box. The two-liter motor has a capacity of 163 hp Figures familiar to the first generation. Cheerfully starting at one and a half thousand revolutions, it is already jumping to 3000 rpm. With dynamic acceleration, this segment passes instantly with the hope of bright acceleration. Cuts out the box. She, according to the last fashion, has two clutches, so there are no complaints about its efficiency. It became the first bell that came across the minds of the city's city's essence. Such a character is suitable for low speeds and frequent starts from traffic lights, but on the track I would like more. It is a pity that there was no more modest, 140-strong, version of the same engine in the dough set, because this unit will be supplied to Russia. I would venture to assume that his character will be about the same, and the owner does not have to regret the owner of the lost horses. However, it is possible that if there is enough interest in heavy fuel engines, later our dealers will receive 163-strong Cures: according to the latest statistics, compatriots are increasingly choosing crossovers and SUVs with turbo diesel engines.
If both TDCI aggregates are familiar to owners of the first generation Ford Kuga, then the gasoline line has become fundamentally different. Here the manufacturer corrected his main mistake: 200-strong engine clearly scared buyers with its excessive power with all the ensuing consequences. A decent substitution provided a family of downsaysing ecobists. With a volume of 1.6 liters, two options are available: 150 and 182 hp Just once for the mid-sized oscidence!
The test drive program included an off-road site. Speaking more precisely a few kilometers of rocky village. In the road, I did not doubt the car, although the lack of metal protection of Carter was cautious. It will not be on the cars of the Russian assembly. So you have to install the neoriginal, which will violate the calculations of safety engineers and reduce the claimed clearance.
Gasoline engines have a gearbox simpler classic 6-speed automatic. By speed, he significantly loses the PowerShift robot, especially when accelerating into the floor. When, on a narrow Spanish serpentine, the driver of the Renault Magnum showed the turn signal that you can overtake, the box did not immediately understand the sharp change to the change of mood. At the same time, the machine is very precisely guessing, of which acceleration is waiting from the car, and makes the necessary transmission. But it would be even a little bit of ram, it is noteworthy that the unit has no kick-down in the usual understanding of a button or step in an effort at the end of the gas pedal stroke.
Powerful gasoline engine, to put it mildly, did not hit. The character is smooth, without pickups and even unnecessary phlegmatic. Confirm this and the figures of the technical characteristics. Overclocking up to 100 km / h 9.7 seconds, 0.7 less than a diesel engine in 163 hp At the same time, the latter clearly exceeds the opponent in the city feature, and the partner-robot has a more fun robot. I understand everything, the mass, almost 1.7 tons in the exacculent state, but also 182 horses under the hood strength is considerable. Moreover, a diesel version is harder to 25 kilos.
On the primer, the suspension of new cars began to draw off unpleasant knocks. This is the reverse side of the stiffness on asphalt and short-spectability. It is not worth sinning for 18-inch tires: they are quite decent, 50%, profile.
In the new Kug, the designers abandoned the Haldex coupling in the second axis drive. Instead, an analogue of its own development is used. The unit is familiar with EDGE and Explorer models. Back to 50% torque can be transmitted. The control unit of the intelligent full drive system analyzes 40 signals from different sensors every 16 milliseconds. The redistribution of thrust on the axes is constantly. The driver has the ability to observe the process on the display of the instrument combination. As before, no forced blocking is provided.
In the advantages of EcoBoost 1.6, we write out the best acoustic comfort. At high speeds, diesel rocks are heard in the cabin, while the gasoline engine allows himself to disturb the seds only during acceleration. Although the word to disturb here is not very appropriate. The sound of both aggregates, ecobist and TDCI, very pleasant. Interestingly, the gasoline Cuga inside the characteristic point of the turbine inside. Lovers of this accompaniment will have to open the window to hear it reflected from the adjacent cars or walls. Generally insulation Ford Kuga at height. Linking to the highway behind the hot Spaniards, we brought the speedometer arrow a couple of times to one and a half hundreds, however, the car never allowed the raw rage wind to dominate their possessions.
The fact that the Kuga athlete prefers to appear, and not to be, you understand on winding mountain paths near Valencia. And the point here is not even in engine moral. More than the rest of the active chassis displeased. It starts all promising. Small casual rolls and excellent side support of the chair are waved to take place every next turn faster and faster. Not against and steering, ensuring that not sports, but still sufficient accuracy and effort. Pushed only the chassis settings. At a certain point, the car suddenly curses the back of the back. It happens already at the exit from turn when the driver begins to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction. At first, you perceive it as an excessive care of the trajectory control system in turn (CURVE CONTROL). Isn't it harsh? Further experiments show that the phenomenon, alas, systemic. Some other times, the crack of the stabilization system of stabilization is also attached to the throw of the stern. And this, notice, on dry asphalt and new tires! But at speeds below 70 km / h, an unpleasant effect passes, and the crossover again pleases with predictable reactions and small rolls.
As the official data say, the Ford Kuga gasoline versions are on average by 26% more economical than previous ones. Diesel changes in motors are almost invisible, however, there are improvements, by 10%. Fashionable start-stop system is allowed only with gasoline machines with manual gearbox.
In everyday use, the more in the city, a calm driver, most likely, the specified lack never felt. In turn, buyers with Schumacher ambitions are unlikely to leave for Ford Kuga. It is a pity that it is impossible to completely discharge such a nuance of manageability: the need for a sharp maneuver can arise from any driver. It is not yet clear how the velocity threshold is shifted on a wet road and worn tires. Of course, on guard there is a stabilization system with overturning protection and notorious trajectory control. I hope they are tuned with all the features of the chassis of the new Kuga.
Panoramic roof has a sliding section. On the ceiling console, the control keys of the hatch, opaque curtain, as well as brightness and color of the background LED lighting of the cabin.
For manual shift, the key on the sidewalls of the gearbox selector responds. Unusually, but quite convenient. Gym, according to the constructors, changes the algorithm of work not only the engine and gearbox, but also a full drive.
Distracted by driving characteristics. In all, as for the comfort and set of Ford Kuga options deserves the most flatter words. The driver's seat and passenger seats are very comfortable, despite the fact that there are not the most implanted version in the test machines. The rear passengers will delight the sufficient stock of space in the legs. A set of amenities for them is very generous: There are ventilation deflectors, a socket, spacious pockets in the backs of the front armchairs and doors, a pair of cup holders in the central armrest and adjusting the seat back to the angle of inclination. Against this background, it is not even necessary to regret the loss of folding tables is not most practical accessory.
From the driver's seat in two days, I managed to detect only one ergonomic miscalculation. In sunny weather, it is strongly impossible to see the information on the climate control display. Neither the closed panoramic roof curtain, nor lowered sun visors do not help. Yes, and the font itself makes you remember the American models of 10-15 years ago.
Special thanks to Ford ergonomists I want to say that they still did not introduce completely sensory control on the central console. Round joystick in the center interacts with the navigation display menu. The only defame interface is the lack of a back key.
In the maximum configuration, the steering wheel is overloaded with the keys, and their location requires addiction. The readability of the devices is excellent, and their backlight does not strain the eye. The readings of the route computer can be displayed all together or one by one, but large font.
Manage numerous options is convenient. For most of the settings, the display is answered on a combination of instruments. The control panel is always at hand, on the left knuckle. The navigation monitor is borrowed as many elements of the interior, the youngest focus could be more. However, there is no problem with reading information.
Of all the Assistants of Active Security to Russia, only those worked on the basis of the testimony of the laser emitter will be distinguished. These are emergency braking systems in the city and control distance until the car is ahead. The rest of the luxury of the road sign scanner, active cruise control, the automatic switching on the high light uses the camcorder that gives the three-dimensional image. Referring to the difficulties with certification in our country, Fordovians do not plan to install them for the local market.
The trunk added in the volume from 28 to 71 liters depending on the configuration. The hatch for the carriage of longs is not provided.
On the way back from a business trip, I thought about the target audience of Ford Kuga. Despite the imperfect chassis and do not hit the increasing motors, there will be a considerable interest in the crossover. Options, pretty appearance and modern stuffing with the support of adequate price form a serious threat to competitors. For life in the city, where and spend the abilities of Kuga enough and excess: four-wheel drive and clearance of 188 millimeters of this warranty. But in terms of the comfort and quality of finishing materials, the next global model of the American concern will easily shut up for a belt of direct competitors from Japan.
The prices of the novelty are still unknown. Representation will make them in the second half of March. In April, the first cars will come to dealers. Imported Kug Russians will not see, all of them will bearing from the Ford-Sollers plant in Elabuga. After a while, the large-sized assembly will give way to the production of the full cycle. It will not affect prices. Ford promises to make the basic version almost cheaper than today! A audio system, air conditioning, electric car, 17-inch wheels, and engine start button are included in TREND base. All equipment levels are provided by four: Trend, Trend Plus, Titanium and Titanium Plus.
Mondering the fatal miss-generation Ford Kuga, marketers will launch only one modification with a manual transmission in our market. It will get the front actuator and the 150-strong version of the 1.6 EcoBoost gasoline engine. All others exclusively with 4x4 transmissions and two pedals. Although the exact price list is still kept secret, the price-ratio is obvious. With the same equipment, the gasoline car in 150 hp will be cheaper, a little more expensive for 140-strong TDCI, and at the top of the gamma ecobost with a capacity of 182 hp With such a set, the second CUGU is clearly waiting for greater success than the predecessor. And personally, I will be glad to see this model in the upper lines of sales statistics.
A source: Carclub.ru.
