Review of FORD KUGA (click here for pricing, standard specification, options etc.)

Advantages: Striking and stylish features, good drive.

Disadvantages: Clonish to Nissan’s Qashqai.

Summary: Admittedly, the new Kuga is the first 4x4 Ford has built all by itself. It is a good strong. Built similar to Focus small family car, it's more soft-roader than proper off-roader. As such, it should be good to drive on Tarmac.



The new Ford Kuga is an exciting all-wheel drive (AWD) crossover that combines style with technology and promises impressive on-road dynamics coupled with substantial off-road ability.

On sale in the UK summer 2008, the new Ford Kuga takes many of its design ideas from Ford’s iosis X concept.

The trend-setting newcomer combines elements of SUV and estate car design with a coupé-like profile in a package similar in size to a Focus hatchback.

The new Ford Kuga is the latest showcase from the car maker’s acclaimed kinetic design.

The new Ford Kuga comes with an all-wheel-drive system that contributes positively to normal road use and helps give an almost sporty dynamic ability for those who want to use it cross country.

The car uses Ford's established and fuel efficient 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine, mated to the slick Durashift six-speed manual transmission.

The new Ford Kuga combines an athletic look with bold features like the trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line and kick-up of the rear window graphic and the dramatic swept back headlamp shapes.

It comfortably seats five with the luggage compartment accessible via a split tailgate. Together with the divided rear lights this ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading.

Inside, fine leathers and striking orange piping dominate. The Ebony interior is set off by a centre console and details in the door which also feature the piano-white finish from iosis X.

A hint of the technology coming in Kuga, and other future Ford models, is seen in the new Blaupunkt navigation system which incorporates a 7-inch colour display to also show images from a rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate.