By Ian Strachan.
The revitalised Ford Kuga has taken a further step into motoring of the future with the launch of a plug-in hybrid version. The Kuga’s 2.5 litre petrol engine is helped by an electric motor to give better mpg and lower emissions.
The Kuga PHEV’s range on just electric power is just 35 miles, so if you’re a high mileage driver you’ll need to keep the electric motor charged. This can take up to six hours with a domestic electricity supply, but you can almost halve that with a high power wallbox. Your reward will be average fuel consumption of 201.8 miles per gallon.
Ford’s SUV has a pleasing design, with lots of curves, a strong front end with a deep grille and large sloping headlights.
I test drove the Kuga PHEV in top-of-the-range ST Line spec, with selectable drive mode and a CVT automatic gearbox.
The Kuga has a quality feel to it inside and out. It feels substantial, both to sit in and to drive. The doors close with a satisfying clunk – always a good sign.
The Kuga is certainly a good looker – every bit as attractive as some of its more exalted competitors. It has a strong side-on presence, helped by beefy 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the car has a lot of class about it. My test vehicle had black leather trimmed upholstery of a very high quality on its sports seats, with attractive red stitching. The dash is simple and attractive, with sensibly placed, easily accessible controls. Ford has added an electronic park brake and extra storage.
Interior space is good, and can be further improved with the 60/40 folding split rear seat which can be folded flat. Specification includes all-round parking sensors, satellite navigation via an eight-inch colour touchscreen, automatic climate control and a good DAB radio with MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth.
You also get red brake callipers, a large rear spoiler, front LED cornering fog lights, a panoramic roof, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free powered tailgate, mobile phone charging pad and lane departure warning.
I drove the 2.5 litre petrol version which, with its electric motor, gives a sprightly 225 bhp. Acceleration is pleasingly brisk for a vehicle of this size with a 0-60 mph time of around nine seconds.
The Ford Kuga ST-Line X 2.5 PHEV automatic comes at £37,655 on the road. My test vehicle came with a Lucid Red paint finish (£850) a mini spare wheel (£100) a technology pack with head-up display (£550) a winter pack including heated rear seats and steering wheel (£400) and a comprehensive driver assistance pack which includes adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front and rear cameras, park assist and blind spot monitor (£1100) .
It’s difficult to fault this offering from Ford which has won awards and deservedly so. It’s a good way to dip your toe into the waters of electric vehicles.
