Ford Kuga Pre Model Titanium 2.0 TDCi (163ps) 5dr Car Review - May 2013

REVIEW
List Price: £26,015
Tax Band: F
Insurance Group: 21
MPG: 49.6
CO2: 149
0-62 Mph: 9.9 secs
BHP: N/A BHP
Range: 655 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.75/5
The Ford Kuga was one of the original crossovers to be launched on to the market, and the high driving position and the space in the car still makes it a very attractive prospect to drive. The Titanium trim level does mean that the car is very well equipped, and the four wheel drive does mean that it is a lot more practical for those likely to be driving in the country or taking the car off road from time to time.

PROS:  The engine for this version of the Kuga is quick and smooth for a vehicle of this size, while it enjoys good practicality, and the Titanium trim comes packed with equipment.

CONS:  The engine is not particularly efficient when compared to other similar vehicles, and the purchase price is also quite high.

Behind the Wheel

The 2.0 litre diesel engine is designed to offer a balance between performance and efficiency, but the inclusion of four wheel drive does have an impact on both, meaning acceleration from 0-62mph is a steady 9.9 seconds. The top speed of 123mph is more than enough for taking the Kuga on the motorway, but be prepared for some wind noise from the sides of the car and the engine can get audible at higher revs too. Generally, the Kuga handles pretty well with plenty of grip through the corners, although there is a bit of body roll when you go through at pace.

The Titanium level of trim means the driver should be very comfortable behind the wheel, with full adjustment for the seat and steering wheel available. Visibility is generally good, with the higher driving position being welcome for many drivers, although the controls on the centre console could be a little easier to use.

Looks & Equipment

The Kuga has been designed to appeal to the international market, and as such has shed some of the more adventurous design of the previous generation in favour of a look that puts it much closer to the Ford Focus and the B-MAX. The narrow grille and large triangular headlight clusters give it more of a typical Ford design, while the roof slopes gently towards the tidy tail end. The car is supplied with a nice set of alloy wheels and similarly coloured roof bars to complete the look.

As you'd expect with a car of this price the Titanium level of trim does mean that there are some nice touches included with the car, including an upgrade to the entertainment system. Part leather seats are supplemented with cruise control and climate control to help the cabin be very comfortable on longer journeys, while the rain sensing wipers are a stylish touch too. It is a shame for a car of this size that parking sensors aren't included as standard, but on the whole this version of the Kuga is well equipped.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

Inside the cabin there is plenty of space in the front and the rear, with four adults able to travel in comfort, while the rear seats recline for additional comfort. The space in the boot is quite limited compared to some rivals, but those looking for additional load space can fold the rear seats forward.

The safety equipment that is included as standard is pleasing, with stability control, seven air bags and an emergency assistance system that contacts the emergency services in case of an accident. These features helped the car to achieve the top mark of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests. The engine and many of the parts have been well tested in the previous generation of the Kuga and in the Ford Focus, but reliability surveys of drivers suggests that it is quite average on the whole.

Value for Money

With a list price of £25,550 this version of the Kuga is on a par with similarly equipped rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, but there are cheaper and more efficient models available depending on your individual priorities. Running costs are fairly good with the engine able to deliver an average 47.9mpg, while the insurance is fairly reasonable too.

One of the benefits of buying a Kuga is that it does enjoy better residual values than much of the Ford range, which should mean the well cared for examples will be able to recoup a fair amount of the purchase price. The car is supplied with a one year roadside breakdown assistance and a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty.

Ford Kuga Pre Model Titanium 2.0 TDCi (163ps) 5dr Car Review - by 
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