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Ford Kuga

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Ford Kuga
Overview
ManufacturerFord
Also calledFord Escape (2012–present)
Production2008–present
Body and chassis
ClassCompact crossover SUV (C)
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Chronology
PredecessorFord Escape/Maverick (Europe)

The Ford Kuga is a compact crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by Ford since 2008 mainly for the European market, and now in its third generation. Both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are offered.

The Kuga was originally European-designed and sold in Europe and a few other markets, but beginning in 2012 for the 2013 model year it was marketed in North America as the Ford Escape.

Name

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The vehicle name, Kuga, may refer to another Ford automobile, the Mercury Cougar.[1] The final Mercury Cougar from 1998 to 2002 was sold outside of the United States as the Ford Cougar. Kuga means plague in Croatian, Serbian and Slovenian. Its sales are reportedly lower in the region due to the unfortunate naming choice.[2]

First generation (C394; 2008)

[edit]
First generation
Overview
ProductionFebruary 2008 – 2013[3]
AssemblyGermany: Saarlouis (SB&A)
Body and chassis
PlatformFord C1 platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 6-speed manual
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 6-speed PowerShift automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,690 mm (105.9 in)
Length4,443 mm (174.9 in)
Width1,842 mm (72.5 in)
Height1,710 mm (67.3 in)
Curb weight1,613 kg (3,556 lb)
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi (rear view)

The Kuga went on sale in the first half of 2008, and was built at Ford's plant in Saarlouis, Germany. In the United Kingdom, emphasising the car's premium market aspirations, only high end Zetec and Titanium specifications are offered. The combined fuel consumption is 44.1 mpg‑imp (6.41 L/100 km; 36.7 mpg‑US) and the CO2 emissions are 169 g/km.[4] It is based on the C1 platform, which also forms the underpinnings of the Ford Focus and Ford C-Max.

The first-generation Kuga was presented in September 2007, having its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Engines

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Petrol

Diesel

  • 2.0 L Duratorq, 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp)
  • 2.0 L Duratorq, 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) AWD and powershift models

Worldwide markets

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A report from 20 July 2007 indicated Ford executives were considering the prospects of sales in North America.[5] This idea was later scrapped, after they determined the car could not be sold both competitively priced and at a profit in the United States, due to the current dollar-to-euro exchange rate.

On 24 July 2008, WDIV-TV announced that Ford was reconsidering bringing the Kuga to North America after all. On 22 October 2009, news leaked that Ford would build the Kuga at its Louisville plant, possibly as the 2012 Ford Escape.[6]

On 23 June 2010, Ford announced it would end production of the second-generation Escape in 2011 in anticipation of the Kuga's North American launch as the next-generation Escape.[7] The Ford Kuga has also been available in Argentina since 2010; in Japan, South Africa, and New Zealand since 2011; and in Australia since March 2012.[8]

A facelift was released at the end of 2010, after being revealed in July 2010.[9]

The redesigned Kuga formed the basis for the 2013 Ford Escape sold in the United States. Ford announced in May 2010 that it would build unspecified hybrids at a plant in Valencia, Spain, and likely offer a hybrid option of both vehicles.[10] The Kuga Hybrid would be Ford's first hybrid to be sold in Europe, though it has sold over 100,000 Escape Hybrids and Mercury Mariner Hybrids in the United States since 2004.[11]

Second generation (C520; 2012)

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Second generation
Ford Kuga Titanium (pre-facelift)
Overview
Also calledFord Escape (Americas, Australia and Middle East)
Production2013–2019 (Europe)
2013–2021 (China)
AssemblySpain: Valencia (FV)
China: Chongqing (Changan Ford)
Taiwan: Chungli (FLH)
Russia: Yelabuga (FS)
United States: Louisville, Kentucky (Louisville Assembly Plant, Escape)
DesignerPatrick Verhee, Stefan Lamm, Andrea Di Buduo, Kemal Curic (2010)[12]
Body and chassis
PlatformFord C1 platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission6-speed manual
6-speed 6F35 automatic
6-speed PowerShift automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,690 mm (105.9 in)
Length4,524 mm (178.1 in)
Width1,838 mm (72.4 in)
Height1,702 mm (67.0 in)
Curb weight1,580–1,707 kg (3,483–3,763 lb)
See also: Ford Escape (third generation)

The second-generation Kuga was primarily developed by Ford of Europe, developed under the "One Ford" policy, which stipulates that Ford designs only one model in each segment to be sold globally.[13] The rebadged name Ford Escape is used in North America, replacing the model of the same name there.[13]

The Kuga follows on from the Vertrek concept, developed over nine months at Ford's Cologne design studio.[14] For the production model, designers and engineers in Cologne were responsible for the body design and C1 platform, the upper body and interior come from Detroit, and powertrains are manufactured by Ford Dagenham.[15]

The patents from January 2011 list the designers as Patrick Verhee, Stefan Lamm, Kemal Curic, and Andrea Di Buduo from Ford in Germany.[12][16] Final assembly for European models is conducted at the Ford Valencia Plant in Spain.[15] Ford claims the Kuga and Escape have 80% parts commonality.[17]

The Kuga is marketed as the Ford Escape in North America, Australia, Middle East, and several countries in the Americas.

  • Ford Kuga Titanium (pre-facelift)
    Ford Kuga Titanium (pre-facelift)
  • Ford Kuga Titanium (facelift)
    Ford Kuga Titanium (facelift)
  • Ford Kuga Titanium (facelift)
    Ford Kuga Titanium (facelift)
  • Ford Kuga Vignale (facelift)
    Ford Kuga Vignale (facelift)
  • Ford Kuga ST-Line (facelift)
    Ford Kuga ST-Line (facelift)
  • Ford Kuga ST-Line (facelift)
    Ford Kuga ST-Line (facelift)

Powertrain

[edit]

Petrol

  • 1.5 L EcoBoost turbo I4, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)
  • 1.6 L EcoBoost turbo I4, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)
  • 1.6 L EcoBoost turbo I4, 182 PS (134 kW; 180 hp) 2WD and AWD models
  • 2.0 L EcoBoost turbo I4, 242 PS (178 kW; 239 hp) AWD models

Diesel

  • 2.0 L Duratorq, 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp)
  • 2.0 L Duratorq, 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp)
  • 2.0 L Duratorq, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)
  • 2.0 L Duratorq, 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp)

Ford Europe debuted the facelifted model at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February 2016.[18]

Fire hazard

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South Africa

[edit]

In South Africa, onwards from 2015, numerous Ford Kugas of the 1.6 L EcoBoost variant[19][20] caught fire.[21][22][23][24] In December 2016, Ford South Africa requested that all local Kuga owners take their vehicles in for a safety inspection.[25] As of 16 January 2017, at least 46 Kugas in South Africa had been destroyed by fire,[19][26][27][28] and Ford South Africa had confirmed that a total of 39 incidents had been reported to the company.[20] By 18 January 2017, the number of incidents had reached 50, with 13 in 2017 alone.[29] Between November 2015 and December 2017, 72 vehicles suffered fires.[24] By 4 February 2019, there had been more than 80 incidents,[30] with one as recently as 1 February 2019.[31]

On 16 January 2017, Ford South Africa and South Africa's National Consumer Commission[32] held a media briefing to announce a safety recall of the affected Kuga model, affecting "4556 1.6 L EcoBoost models that were built between December 2012 and February 2014".[19][26][33] The NCC said that it had decided to exercise its authority to authorize a recall on safety grounds, and had then been informed that Ford South Africa had decided to implement a recall.[20]

Between January 2017 and January 2018, Ford implemented three safety recalls on the vehicles.[24] Ford South Africa identified the mechanism leading to the majority of fires as overheating caused by a lack of coolant circulation, which could lead to cracking of the cylinder head, resulting in an oil leak and subsequent fire in the engine compartment.[19][20][26] The proposed solution would be first to replace and check affected components and systems, and later to improve the cooling and warning systems.[19][33]

In December 2019, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) fined the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) R35 million in connection with the numerous fires, in addition to compensation payments already offered to affected parties.[34]

New Zealand

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Television New Zealand reported that a Ford Kuga Titanium 2013 burst into flames in December 2016. The incident is being investigated by Ford NZ. Ford NZ say that the models being investigated in South Africa were built between 2012 and 2014 and fitted with a 1.6 L EcoBoost engine. They also say differences exist between the models sold in South Africa and those sold in New Zealand.

Until the investigation into the New Zealand incident has been completed, no decision can be made about recalling the 1,300 cars of the same model sold in New Zealand.[35]

Third generation (CX482; 2019)

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See also: Ford Escape (fourth generation)
Third generation
Overview
Also calledFord Escape
Production2019–present
Assembly
DesignerAndrew Bazinski[36]
Christopher Giroux, Nedzad Mujcinovic, Jordan Demkiw (facelift)
Body and chassis
PlatformFord C2
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
List
Power output
List
  • Petrol:
  • 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) (1.5 L EcoBoost)
  • 175 PS (173 hp; 129 kW) (1.5 L EcoBoost, non-European markets only)
  • 240 PS (237 hp; 177 kW) (2.0 L EcoBoost)
  • Petrol hybrid:
  • 190 PS (187 hp; 140 kW) (2.5 L Duratec iVCT, combined)
  • Petrol plug-in hybrid:
  • 225 PS (222 hp; 165 kW) (2.5 L Duratec, combined)
  • Diesel:
  • 120 PS (118 hp; 88 kW) (1.5 L EcoBlue)
  • 190 PS (187 hp; 140 kW) (2.0 L EcoBlue)
  • 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) (2.0 L EcoBlue, with mild-hybrid)
Transmission
Hybrid drivetrain
Battery
  • 48 V (mild hybrid)
  • 1.1 kWh lithium-ion (hybrid)
  • 14.4 kWh lithium-ion (plug-in hybrid)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,690 mm (105.9 in)
Length4,531–4,541 mm (178.4–178.8 in)
Width1,838–1,856 mm (72.4–73.1 in)
Height1,694–1,703 mm (66.7–67.0 in)
Curb weight1,591–1,716 kg (3,507.6–3,783.1 lb)

The third-generation Ford Kuga made its debut on April 2, 2019; it went on sale in the third quarter of 2019 as a 2020 model for markets in North America (as the fourth-generation Escape for the region).[37][38][39] There are five new engine transmission combinations, including a plug-in petrol electric hybrid that can go 30 mi (48 km) on electricity, as well as a conventional hybrid and two turbocharged four-cylinder engines mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions along with Android Auto.

The third-generation Kuga is the company's first SUV to use the C2 platform, also found in the latest Focus, making it longer, wider and with a more generous wheelbase. Ford claims that the new model is up to 90 kg lighter than the outgoing Kuga.

  • Rear view (Plug-in-Hybrid)
    Rear view (Plug-in-Hybrid)
  • Kuga Vignale
    Kuga Vignale
  • Kuga Plug-in-Hybrid ST-Line
    Kuga Plug-in-Hybrid ST-Line
  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Interior (ST-Line)
    Interior (ST-Line)

Facelift

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The facelifted Kuga was introduced in January 2024, a year after its North American market counterpart, the Escape, received the design refresh.[40]

  • 2024 Kuga (facelift)
    2024 Kuga (facelift)
  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Kuga ST-Line X
    Kuga ST-Line X
  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Interior (ST-Line X)
    Interior (ST-Line X)

Sales

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Year Europe[41] China[42] Taiwan
2008 26,761
2009 64,773
2010 72,878
2011 68,604
2012 62,951
2013 64,767 95,891
2014 86,445 135,998 5,187
2015 102,464 135,194 6,634
2016 119,433 115,083 5,950
2017 151,451 92,455 7,502
2018 153,259 31,149 5,551
2019 161,635 8,898 4,558
2020 80,177 10,905 12,132
2021 107,966 3,506 13,312
2022 127,266 9,914
2023 6,722

Chinese sales does not include the third-generation Kuga which is sold as the Escape.

References

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  1. ^ "Car names: what do they mean?". 8 August 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Ford Kuga – nesretno ime ostalo, no nema veze" [Ford Kuga - the unfortunate name remains, but no matter] (in Croatian). autonet. 3 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021.
  3. ^ "Ford Kuga production start". Worldcarfans.
  4. ^ *Ford Kuga Press Release (UK) Archived 20 November 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ Ford Kuga and C-Max destined for US? Archived 29 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine - Motor Authority
  6. ^ "Ford to build European small SUV in Kentucky". July 2010. Archived from the original on 26 October 2009.
  7. ^ "Report: Ford to halt Missouri Escape production in 2011" from Autoblog (23 June 2010)
  8. ^ "2012 Ford Kuga compact SUV here in March". Retrieved 28 April 2012.
  9. ^ "Ford Kuga gets a facelift | Spy-Shots". Auto Express. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  10. ^ "2013 Ford Kuga". Electrical cars 2013-14. Latest electric cars 2014. 30 April 2013. Archived from the original on 8 November 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  11. ^ "2012 Ford Kuga". GreenCarReports. Archived from the original on 4 December 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  12. ^ a b "US D667341 S1". Google Patents. 5 January 2011. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  13. ^ a b Cato, Jeremy (24 April 2012). "Ford's Escape plan drives auto maker into the future". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  14. ^ Pettendy, Marton (27 January 2011). "Ford Escapes to Vertrek". GoAuto. Archived from the original on 5 August 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  15. ^ a b Barry, Ben (18 December 2012). "Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI (2013) review". Car. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  16. ^ "US Patent for Vehicle hood Patent (Patent # D 645,384)". Justia. 5 January 2011. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  17. ^ "Global Suppliers to the 2013 Ford Escape/Kuga" (PDF). Ford (Press release). 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  18. ^ Pollard, Tim (7 March 2016). "The 2016 Ford Kuga's mid-life pick-me-up shows its face". Car. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  19. ^ a b c d e IOL Motoring Staff (16 January 2017). "Ford SA to finally recall fiery Kugas". IOL. Johannesburg: Independent Media. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  20. ^ a b c d Maromo, Jonisayi (16 January 2017). "No brand is bigger than the law". IOL. Johannesburg: Independent Media. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  21. ^ "Ford Kuga owner leaps from burning vehicle in Durban". Herald Live. Port Elizabeth: The Herald (Times Media Group). 19 December 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  22. ^ Manda, Sihle (22 December 2016). "Pretoria man falls prey to Kuga fire fiasco". IOL (Pretoria News). Johannesburg: Independent Media. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  23. ^ Manda, Sihle (3 January 2017). "Three more Ford Kugas burst into flames". IOL (The Mercury). Johannesburg: Independent Media. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  24. ^ a b c Hosken, Graeme (12 January 2018). "Ford offers Kuga owners settlements to squash class action suit". Times Live. Johannesburg: Times Media Group. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  25. ^ "Ford to inspect every Kuga sold for safety - Consumer Commission". Times Live. Johannesburg: Times Media Group. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  26. ^ a b c Pather, Ra'eesa (16 January 2017). "Combustible Kugas recall does little to extinguish criticism of SA inaction". Mail & Guardian Online. Johannesburg: Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  27. ^ Hosken, Graeme (12 January 2017). "Kuga catches fire on way to dealership - driver says his 'guardian angels worked overtime'". Times Live. Johannesburg: Times Media Group. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  28. ^ iNet Bridge staff (9 January 2017). "More Kugas aflame". enca.com. Johannesburg and Cape Town: eNews Channel Africa. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  29. ^ Hosken, Graeme (18 January 2017). "Woman jumps from burning Ford Kuga outside Pretoria prison". Times Live. Johannesburg: Times Media Group. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  30. ^ Hosken, Graeme (4 February 2019). "Family hopes court case on Ford Kuga fires will bring justice". Times Live. Johannesburg: Times Media Group. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  31. ^ Dayimani, Malibongwe (1 February 2019). "Ford Kuga burns on East London expressway". Times Live. Johannesburg: Times Media Group. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  32. ^ "About the NCC". thencc.gov.za. Pretoria: National Consumer Commission. 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  33. ^ a b Knowler, Wendy (12 April 2018). "Ford offers Kuga owners settlements ahead of consumer commission report". Times Live. Johannesburg: Times Media Group. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  34. ^ "Closure for family four years after Reshall Jimmy's death in Ford Kuga fire". IOL. Johannesburg: Independent Media. 6 December 2019. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  35. ^ "'I had to rip the car seat out and just got him out in time' – Auckland woman reveals terrifying close call after her car bursts into flames". 1 NEWS NOW. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
  36. ^ Bruce, Chris. "2020 Ford Escape Lead Designer Was Inspired By Motorcycles".
  37. ^ Holder, Jim (2 April 2019). "New Ford Kuga revealed with fresh design and hybrid option". Autocar. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  38. ^ Capparella, Joey (2 April 2019). "The 2020 Ford Escape Looks to Fill a Car-Shaped Hole in the Lineup". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  39. ^ Capparella, Joey (2 April 2019). "2020 Ford Escape Revives the Hybrid and Adds a Plug-In Variant". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  40. ^ Edkins, Jamie (17 January 2024). "New Ford Kuga facelift revealed: price and specs". carwow.co.uk. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  41. ^ "Ford Kuga European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 28 January 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  42. ^ "Ford Kuga China auto sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 22 April 2015. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
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