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The updated Ford Kuga has changed the shape of the hood, and the headlights and radiator grille have become slightly different. The rear lights have changed the shape of the sections, which may be important for fans of the model, but this, of course, did not affect the technical characteristics of the restyled Ford Kuga. The main changes that have occurred in the car concern its electronic filling.
Like other Kugas, it is equipped with a turbo engine of the EcoBoost family, in this case its volume is 1.5 liters and the power is 182 hp, as well as an automatic transmission. This is exactly the option that is sold in Russia. If Ford cars have enemies, they don’t like them lately, primarily for the design of the interior. Indeed, the center console is designed in such a way that it literally runs over the driver. But I can't help but like the dashboard. The steering wheel is grippy, quite comfortable and easy to adjust since it is adjustable in two directions, and the instruments can even be called sporty. The Kuga has them the same as the Focus, recessed in two wells.
Innovations in the cabin
A new control unit appeared on the steering wheel, thanks to which the new Ford Kuga received adaptive cruise control and the ability to monitor lanes. Moreover, the car may even steer a little if the driver is distracted and does not pay close attention to the lane.
Video: new Kuga on the road
The center console of the new Ford Kuga now has a full-fledged large screen and a modern Sync 3 multimedia system with voice control. The navigation system and maps are in Russian. The screen is touch-sensitive, however, some functions can be controlled using buttons. There were also “remnants of the past” - the temperature indicators on the center console, as before, are green. A clear tribute to tradition, indicating that this is an American car.
Ford Kuga impresses with its enormous space for rear passengers. Even with the front seat moved back, there is more than enough room in the knees. There is no tunnel under the feet of the passenger sitting in the center of the second row, which means three people will be comfortable sitting on the back seat. In addition, rear passengers have at their disposal an adjustable backrest, an armrest and pockets in the doors. An interesting detail: the windows in the rear doors go down to the very bottom, which is not found on all cars. This is another reason why young families choose the new Ford Kuga. If we add a few more fashionable options and slightly refresh the design, the car will sell even better.
Dimensions and other dimensions of Ford Kuga:
- Length: 4524 mm;
- Width: 2077 mm, with mirrors folded 1838 mm;
- Height: 1689 mm, with roof rails 1703 mm;
- Wheelbase: 2690 mm;
- Turning diameter: 11.1 m;
- Fuel tank volume: 60 liters;
- Trunk volume: 484 liters, 1653 liters with rear seats down.
Overhangs and ground clearance allow
When you buy a crossover, especially an all-wheel drive one, its owner wants to believe that his car will be capable of at least moderate off-road driving. Ford Kuga has the prerequisites for this. In particular, it has short overhangs, thanks to which during the test drive the car moved through hilly fields without problems.
What's interesting is this. Any modern crossover is full of various electronic assistants. In particular, a hill descent assistant is found on seemingly every crossover today. Alas, for some reason it was not available on the updated Ford Kuga. We had to go down the old fashioned way, that is, on the brakes. On a dry hill this is not scary, but when you have to slide down slippery slopes, an electronic assistant would be very useful.
Video: Active Park Assist helps a girl park her car
Another question is to what extent the new Kuga is suitable for driving to the top of a particular hill. The first Kugas had a Haldex coupling, but then Ford decided to save money and began independently developing all-wheel drive systems. They coped with the task and their system works well. The only question is: why doesn’t it have a clutch lock button so that, if necessary, the driver can force the all-wheel drive to be permanent? By the way, there is no disabling the ESP system here, and this helps a lot when off-road.
However, the new Ford Kuga is capable of conquering hills quite well. Still, its engine is good, and besides, it works in tandem with a real automatic machine. The car easily climbs to the top of any hillock. In places where the car is hanging out, the traction control system is activated, the torque is transferred to the wheels that have traction with the ground, and the car successfully drives up.
About steering
What motorists have always liked about the Ford Kuga is its handling. The new Ford Kuga has retained this advantage and the restyled model still handles incomparably. This is especially felt in the version where the gearbox is a full-fledged automatic. its presence is especially valuable off-road, but it also demonstrates its advantages well on asphalt. The box does everything necessary quite quickly, especially in Sport mode.
Video: how the Ford Kuga all-wheel drive system works
However, in sport mode another feature appears. Getting into the car with a familiar movement, you switch the selector lever down and immediately enter the Sport mode, and the fuel consumption in this mode is such that it easily reaches the level of 16 liters. However, the sport mode itself is wonderful. It also has an instant response to pressing the pedal, there is also a pick-up, but the gas tank is emptied at an alarming speed. However, as soon as you move the lever up, the mode changes to the usual “Drive”, after which the character of the car changes significantly. Pickup is no longer the same, but fuel consumption is reduced to 12 liters “per hundred” mileage.
Review of the disadvantages of Ford Kuga
One of the main features of the updated Ford Kuga is the new multimedia Sync 3. There are no questions about its large screen, but now its new map is very difficult to understand. In particular, if you need to return to the main menu from navigation, then this is quite difficult to do.
By the way, in the multimedia system there was also a way to disable Traction Control, which I really wanted to do, but failed during an off-road test drive. The fact is that in most cars this shutdown is implemented very simply: by pressing a single button. It couldn't be better. For example, while driving, when the driver sees that there is dirt in front of him. In this case, he presses the desired button and the ESP system instantly turns off. As soon as the dirt is left behind, the driver uses the same button to activate the system.
On the new Kuga, this functionality is implemented much more complicated. The owner of the crossover has to go into the menu, make five or six movements there before he gets to the desired option, and only after that he can turn off the stabilization system. Why such difficulties?
Under the hood of the new Kuga
In Russia, Ford Kuga is sold with an EcoBoost gasoline engine, with a volume of one and a half liters and a power of 180 hp. There is also a second engine - this is a well-known, time-tested aspirated engine. its displacement is 2.5 liters and its power is 150 hp. It works in tandem with an automatic machine. What's good about this motor? It is, of course, much more reliable, since it does not have a turbine. On the other hand, when driving it is very sluggish and the car, as they say, does not move with it. If there is EcoBoost under the hood, the dynamics of the car are completely different.
Two versions of the new Ford Kuga:
- Engine: EcoBoost, displacement 1.5 liters, turbocharged, power 182 hp, torque 240 Nm. Drive: either four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, gearbox: 6-speed automatic.
- Engine: naturally aspirated gasoline, displacement 2.5 liters, power 150 hp. Drive: front-wheel drive only.
Options and prices
The test drive showed that the updated Ford Kuga has, in general, changed slightly, which has twofold consequences. With one of them, the good thing is that the car’s handling and cross-country ability have been preserved. On the other hand, future owners will not really like some of the electronic features of the updated model. Although, of course, the deciding factor, as usual, will be the price. It is hoped that Ford's flexible pricing policy for the new Kuga will continue. By the way, the following question may arise: where is Ford Kuga assembled? In Yelabuga, where the Russian Ford plant is located.
Video: the new Kuga received 5 Euro NCAP stars for safety
The new product is offered in four configuration levels:
- 1.379 million rubles. there is a restyled version of the Kuga in the Trend version. This is a basic package, and therefore it is not worth expecting much. Under the hood there will be a 2.5-liter engine, and the drive will only be on the front axle. However, the crossover will have both ESP and ABS, which has become mandatory today. The driver will have a number of assistants at his disposal, designed for situations such as emergency braking and starting on a slope. Moreover, the electronics will help the driver keep traction under control when cornering, as well as prevent possible rollovers on sharp turns.
- Trend Plus will be slightly better at a price of 1.469 million rubles. Here the buyer will receive a car with turbocharged EcoBoost, and most importantly, he will have the opportunity to choose the type of drive: either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
- Next comes the Titanium package with a price tag starting at 1.559 million rubles. The buyer of this version will have the opportunity to choose an engine: either the good old naturally aspirated engine or the brand new EcoBoost with turbocharging.
- The line of models is crowned by the Titanium Plus version, which costs almost 2 million rubles. It will feature all the innovations described above, such as multimedia Sync 3, as well as a parking assistant and trunk opening using the “wave your foot” method.
A dynamic crossover with a bright design and excellent driving characteristics, the Ford Kuga has won the heart of more than one motorist. But, before buying this handsome guy, drivers want to know?
The model, which the American brand created for the European and CIS markets to compete with the Nissan Qashqai, was first produced in Germany at the Ford Motors plant in Saarlouis. But the growing demand of Russian consumers made the manufacturer think about starting to assemble cars in the Russian Federation. The famous car brand chose the Sollers plant in Yelabuga (Republic of Tatarstan), where some of its models are made.
Where and how is Ford Kuga assembled in Russia
In 2012, the assembly of the first Ford Kuga began in Yelabuga. This is not the first model of the American brand to roll off the assembly line of a local plant. Successful production of other Fords has also been established here: Tourneo, Explorer, S-Max, Galaxy, Transit, EcoSport 2015.
A year later, in 2013, the company began producing the second generation of the popular model using full cycle technology: body welding, painting, final assembly. These are the cars that travel on domestic roads and neighboring countries. And they are not at all inferior in quality to their analogues created on the European assembly line.
It is known that the cost of a car depends on who assembles it. The Russian production of Ford Kuga did its job: the price of the crossover turned out to be quite affordable.
The model pleased the consumer with everything: spectacular design, economical engine, high-quality interior trim. Still would! After all, the Tatar assembly line, where Ford Kuga is assembled for Russia, fully complies with the standards of the auto brand. Each part goes through several stages of control to guarantee the impeccable quality of the crossover beloved by many.
Russian version of Ford Kuga. What is she like?
The current Ford Kuga model is equipped with 1.6-liter EcoBoost gasoline engines. They produce from 150 to 185 hp, and are coupled with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. But, in 2014, the line of engines was replenished with another one - a 2.5-liter gasoline unit. A diesel option is also presented: a 140-horsepower Duratorq engine is paired with a six-speed PowerShift robot.
The manufacturer calls the crossover the most “smart” in its history and invites motorists to appreciate a lot of electronic assistants and innovative technologies.
But, in practice, the locally assembled Ford Kuga still has flaws: the turbine requires repair after a couple of hundred kilometers, and the suspension gets “naughty” when driving over speed bumps.
The second generation Ford Kuga for the American market is produced in Louisville (USA).
Let's get acquainted with the modernized Ford Kuga crossover from the first, pre-production batch. The car has become more courageous, acquired new engines and improved electronics. Ford Sollers also listened to the comments of the “Behind the Wheel” experts.
Kuga-2017 is essentially a deep modernization of an already well-known car. But for some reason Ford people call it a new model.
At the entrance of the Ford Sollers plant in Yelabuga we are met by a thin guy.
My name is Mikhail Melnikov, I am the leading engineer for the launch of new models.
Mikhail shakes my hand, and in his left hand he holds the March issue of the magazine “Behind the Wheel”, in which the pre-restyling Kuga was unable to beat its competitors in a comparative test. No other way, a debriefing awaits me.
I am your long-time reader; I haven’t missed a single issue since I was five years old! During my school years, I even sent a letter to the “You wrote to us” section. A week later, Mikhail Kolodochkin called me from the editorial office and upset me: it turned out that the illustrations I sent were not suitable for printing. Well, okay, communicating with him for me, a boy, was already happiness! Here we are - this is your Kuga. Really, beauty?
I didn't find anything to answer. Yes, Kuga has become more beautiful. But the huge mouth of the radiator grille gave the crossover a fair amount of brutality and masculinity. Not a beauty - a handsome man!
The bumpers, hood and head optics have been transformed - now the headlights have bi-xenon filling and can change the configuration of the light beam depending on driving conditions and external lighting. The rear lights and trunk door have been adjusted, but this can only be noticed against the backdrop of the pre-restyling car.
I arrived in Yelabuga long before sales began, so in my hands is a car from the first, pre-production batch. As you understand, I don’t know the prices yet. (Prices were published on December 8. - Ed.)
I jump into the salon. Yeah, we made do with spot improvements. New three-spoke steering wheel with a more comfortable rim to grip. Instead of the usual handbrake, a button for the electromechanical parking brake appeared - and space was freed up for a niche with a neat sliding curtain. A module of the ERA-GLONASS system was installed on the ceiling. The chairs, which I already liked, became even more comfortable thanks to the elongated cushion and tucked sides on the back.
In the initial modifications, the display, on the contrary, is too simple. Find a middle ground...
The trip computer screen in advanced versions is overloaded with information. Its abundance dazzles the eyes.
The SYNC multimedia system has received new “brains”. Ford employees claim that its performance has increased by an order of magnitude, and the navigator is trained to plot a route taking into account traffic jams.
The interior design has not changed fundamentally - it still looks relevant. A button to turn on the heated steering wheel has appeared on the center console. It is high time!
The climate control buttons have become larger, so now the likelihood of missing the right one is minimal.
Steering wheel paddle shifters (basic equipment) are one of the main acquisitions of Kuga.
Kuga became the first Russian Ford with the ERA-GLONASS module.
-In addition, the temperature at the first stage of seat heating was reduced by two degrees, since there were many complaints about excessive heat. We are very attentive to constructive criticism and try to respond promptly to it. In your comparison test, you wrote that a car of this level must have a heated steering wheel and at least two USB ports. Receive it and sign it! Are you intimidated by the abundance of buttons on the center console? Their number was almost halved. They also introduced heating for the parking area of the wipers, which turns on along with the heating of the side mirrors and rear window. In our climate it is a necessary thing.
Mikhail cannot be contained. A minute later, I learned that Ford’s main reason for pride is the improved SYNC 3 multimedia system with voice control. Compared to the previous one, it is much more productive, and interaction with smartphones on the Android and iOS platforms is expensive. And instead of a small display, there is an eight-inch touchscreen on the center console. The navigator was taught to plot a route taking into account traffic jams. Everything we like.
The basic multimedia system has a display no larger than that of a Soviet Elektronika watch.
In the Trend Plus version, the screen is already more solid - with a diagonal of five inches.
There is progress in other electronics as well. In particular, the Active City Stop automatic braking system now operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h (previously up to 30 km/h). The self-parking driver now parks the car not only parallel to the curb, but also perpendicular. In addition, it will help you get out of a tight parking lot - for many this is a real challenge. Finally, the Cross Traffic Alert system makes reversing out of a parking lot safer - it warns the driver with sound and light signals if he is driving across the path of an approaching car.
In addition, we introduced the MyKey system, which allows you to program keys at your discretion. You can keep the “unlimited” one for yourself, and give your wife a “prepared” copy with built-in restrictions on the speed and volume of the audio system, a ban on assigning a goal to the navigator while driving, and a lowered threshold for reporting low fuel levels - for her own benefit.
After the update, diesel engines disappeared from the range of engines - with a tiny demand, it is unprofitable to tinker with them. The 2.5-liter 150-horsepower naturally aspirated gasoline engine is combined exclusively with front-wheel drive: such cars are chosen by more than half of buyers. 
The 1.5 turbo engine replaced the 1.6-liter. The power is the same, but the air coming from the turbine is cooled by a liquid rather than an air intercooler. Fuel consumption decreased by 7%.
The previous 1.6-liter turbo engines (150 or 182 hp) gave way to the 1.5 EcoBoost engines of similar power already known from the Focus. The reduction in cubic capacity was achieved by reducing the piston stroke. New engines have made Kuga a little more economical. They comply with Euro 6 econorms and are adapted for 92-grade gasoline, while previously only 95-grade gasoline was required.
At my disposal is a top-end 182‑horsepower Kuga. It doesn't drive as quickly as you'd expect; acceleration to 100 takes more than ten seconds. The extra “horses” are lost in the jungle of all-wheel drive and the six-speed automatic 6F35, which was included in the basic equipment of the Kuga (there is no longer a manual version, since it was not in demand). Even in sport mode, the box shuffles gears lazily.
The only good thing is that in manual mode, gears are now changed using the usual paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and not with a key on the selector, which was inconvenient to use.
The old engine, when accelerating to the floor, squealed as loud as it could, but the one and a half liter engine did not scream. And road noise is now muffled better than before. Did the use of double-layer side front windows really make that much of an impact?
This is the result of the work of our specialists. The modernized Russian-assembled Kugas received additional sound insulation of the bottom, therefore acoustic comfort has significantly improved. You also criticized him in that comparative test...
And Melnikov pointed his finger at our text. Nothing, nothing, constructive criticism has never bothered anyone - so Kuga has been transformed. 
The front seats are good: good profile, wide range of adjustments, grippy upholstery. 
I really liked the practical troughs nestled between the seat and the threshold. 
Rear passengers are spacious and comfortable. They offer a backrest with an adjustable tilt angle and folding tables. In rich modifications, rear passengers are offered a 220-volt socket (on the left). In simple versions, there is a 12-volt power supply instead (on the right).
The chassis has not undergone any transformations. And it is right. Driving properties have always been Kuga's strong point. In sincerity of efforts on the steering wheel, stability on the trajectory and delicacy of settings of the stabilization system, only the Volkswagen Tiguan can compete with Kuga.
It’s a pity we couldn’t get a 150-horsepower turbo version! Judging by the technical data, it is not particularly inferior to the flagship. Therefore, I see no reason to pay extra for a more powerful modification. The only reason to buy it could be the equipment that is not available for versions with weaker engines. By the way, all trim levels have become richer. Thus, in the basic version of Trend (available only with the 2.5 engine), in addition to electrical accessories, an audio system, air conditioning, heated side mirrors, seven airbags, ESP and foglights, LED running lights, paddle shifters for the automatic transmission, and the MyKey system appeared.
Ground clearance of 198 mm and a sloping bumper allow you to confidently move over difficult terrain. For complete happiness, the multi-disc clutch locking is not enough. 
The lidar of the autobraking system, now operating at speeds of up to 50 km/h, is installed near the interior mirror.
Adaptive bi-xenon headlights are an option even for the flagship Titanium Plus version.
The Trend Plus version (offered with both 150-horsepower engines), in addition to roof rails, dual-zone climate control, electrically heated washer nozzles, windshield and front seats, received a heated steering wheel and rest area for wipers, a parking brake button, and an audio system with a larger color screen and a second USB port, as well as 17‑inch alloy wheels.
Titanium is available with any of the offered engines. If previously it added a combined trim (leather plus fabric), a keyless entry system, cruise control, a self-dimming interior mirror, light and rain sensors, a 220-volt socket for rear passengers and tinted rear windows, now the SYNC multimedia system has been added to this list 3.
Shortly before my trip to the Elabuga plant, I became acquainted with the European version of Kuga. With the exception of the Russian adaptation package (ERA-GLONASS, additional sound insulation of the bottom and all kinds of heating), everything is the same - both design and technology. The only thing that stands apart is the 182-horsepower Kuga in the sporty SL Line version. Its body is decorated with an aerodynamic body kit, and the radiator grille and lighting equipment are decorated with gloss black instead of chrome. The key differences are in the suspension: stiffer springs, shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar are installed. In addition, the ground clearance has been reduced by 10 mm. All this made the Kuga a little more composed and precise in turns, but there is no fundamental difference in handling between it and the standard car. Now, if, in addition to the listed innovations, Ford increased the power to at least two hundred “horses”... However, what do we care? Kuga ST Line will not be sold in Russia.
The flagship version Titanium Plus can only be equipped with a 182-horsepower engine. As before, the list of equipment includes a leather interior, electrically adjustable driver's seat, panoramic roof, mirrors with illuminated door area and electric folding, contactless trunk opening function, and an enlarged rear spoiler. And what’s new is a self-parking system, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a rear view camera, and a navigator. This version offers only one additional option - a package of electronic assistants.
When fully equipped, the updated Kuga is perceived as nobler and more luxurious than its predecessor. During the modernization, it got rid of many shortcomings, and in the next comparative test it will have a chance to win back.
The world-famous automaker, Ford, is implementing a unified quality control and standardization system at all its production plants. The main European plant for the production of American cars is located in Saarlouis (Germany). The Americans began building the enterprise in 1996. It is considered one of the largest engineering complexes in Germany. The plant employs about 6.5 thousand workers and more than a thousand robots, all of them working in three shifts. Together, the company assembles 1,650 cars of different models every day. Almost 80% of all assembled cars are exported to more than eighty countries, including New Zealand and Australia. But many Russian car enthusiasts are wondering where FordKuga is assembled for the Russian Federation?
Assembling the model for Russia
The first generation Ford Kuga for Russian consumers was assembled in 2012 at a plant in Yelabuga (Republic of Tatarstan). And in 2013, the second generation of the American crossover rolled off the assembly line.
The Ford Kuga assembly plant for the Russian market also produces:
- FordTransit
- FordExplorer
- FordTourneo
- FordS-Max
- FordGalaxy
- FordEcoSport 2015.
However, it was the Kuga model that was warmly received by Russian car enthusiasts, because in addition to the low cost (due to production in the Russian Federation), every potential owner can expect a car with low fuel consumption and a modern, aggressive design.
This American crossover is in great demand in the Russian segment. Because machines that meet all quality control standards come off the Tatarstan assembly line. The components and materials that Kuga is equipped with are checked many times before assembly.
But, even in the case of this model, car owners cannot avoid minor problems. The Russian-assembled Ford Kuga had some electronic faults:
- errors occur that can stall the engine
- the turbine will have to be repaired after covering a distance of several hundred kilometers
- The crossover has problems with the suspension.
For our consumers, Kuga cars are equipped with a 2-liter diesel engine with a choice of power - 140 and 163 horsepower. Also, there are crossovers with a gasoline 1.6-liter power plant (175 hp). In the basic version, the car is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. And additional options include a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive models are available for Russian buyers. Each car has an independent suspension and electric steering with variable characteristics. The manufacturer offers as additional options:
- a roof with a panoramic view
- leather interior trim
- automatic braking system
- automatic valet
- heated windshield
- navigator and rear view camera
- eight-inch touch screen multimedia system
- xenon and more.
