Ford Kuga gets more powerful engines and lower emissions

The 2015 Ford Kuga is being updated with a more powerful 2.0 litre TDCi engine and a new 1.5 litre EcoBoost with lower emissions than the outgoing 1.6 litre.

If you need evidence of just how much UK car buyers have taken to diesel engines (despite many being better off with a petrol) you need look no further than the Ford Kuga.

In the first nine months of 2014, 95 per cent of all Kugas sold in the UK came with the 2.0 litre TDCi engine (which makes you wonder if it’s worth the effort Ford offering anything else to buyers?), but maybe, just maybe, a few more buyers will be seduced by the petrol option with the arrival of a new 1.5 litre EcoBoost for the Kuga.

The new 1.5 litre EcoBoost engine, which replaces the old 1.6 litre lump, comes with lower emissions – down from 154g/km to 143g/km – and a choice of either 150PS in the FWD manual version or 182PS in the AWD auto version (although emissions are a lot greater on the auto – 177g/km thanks to the less than brilliant auto ‘box).

But the truth is that the new petrol option will be completely ignored by buyers who will still opt for the 2.0 litre diesel.

However, Ford has also had a play with the 2.0 litre diesel, increasing its output to 178bhp and torque to 295lb/ft, with a lower output version getting 118bhp and 122g/km.

Other updates for the 2015 Kuga include Stop Start, Active Grill, Cruise and Tyre Pressure Monitoring across the range, Adaptive Cruise, Blind Spot Info and Driver Alert, SYNC with AppLink now working with voice control and three new colours – Ruby Red Metallic, Magnetic Metallic and Tiger Eye Metallic.