Ford has announced today that it is expanding the current range of its mini 4×4, with the introduction of models at the top and bottom of the range.
Slotting in as the base model is a 2wd 2.0 TDCi which has a Co2 output of just 159g/km. This is a crucial point for businesses when the regulations change in April 2009. By coming in at under 160g/km the new Kuga will be eligible for a 20% writing down allowance, as opposed to the 10% for cars over 160g/km. It will also mean a drop in VED costs.
Ford Kuga - New Models
At the top end things get more interesting (from a performance point of view). A new Ford Kuga sporting the 2.5 Duratec engine as used in the Focus ST, together with intelligent 4WD is to be built. With 200PS the new Kuga will do the 0-60 sprint in around 8 secondsand on to a top speed of almost 130mph. There will be the option of a 6-speed manual of 5-speed auto.
The Kuga appears to be falling in to the ‘Acceptable Downsize’ category, a bit like the Mini does. People are perceiving it as an acceptable compromise in these pretty tough economic times, and the new model at the top will give more people the push to make the move.
Good little 4×4, the Ford Kuga. You can do a lot worse if you need a versatile, economic 4×4. Not terribly exciting, but good at what it does.
Motimer Duke says
As a loyal Ford owner, enthusiastic shareholder, and proud American resulting from Ford being the only of the 3 Detroit producers to survive by its own wherewithal and not requiring either bailout or bankruptcy, and particularly proud of Ford having “gotten religion” (not to mention a 3-year headstart) in embracing the change it would need to survive before its failure became a fait accomplit, Ford’s dramatic resurgence in North America has been tremendous, especially among the vehicles unique to North America that are independent from Ford’s global ONE initiative. In all respects, from aesthetics and performance to reliability and overall value proposition, Ford is truly once again consistent with “world class” standards.
Nevertheless, the Ford’s dirtiest little secret is the fantastic vehicle’s it’s offered elsewhere (specifically within Europe) while leaving its hometown fans to languish. (A little bit like Man U celebrating Amsterdam as their favorite fan base). While regulatory issues are likely to prevent us from ever seeing the likes of Focus RS, the new 400hp Mustang and the emergence of EcoBoost as a true next generation power and economy winner shows how fundamental Ford’s renaissance happens to be.