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Our Score:
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Styling & Design
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Score:
9/10
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Of all the cars in the crossover segment the Kuga is by far the best looking. The proportions are spot on, the detailing is the right mix of urban cool and off-road rugged and on its 17-inch wheels it has a delightfully purposeful stance. The wheels are steel on Zetec models, which is just wrong.
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Engine Spec
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Score:
8/10
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Only one engine is offered in the Kuga at launch but more powerful diesels are expected in time. in terms of specification, its 136hp and 320Nm of torque are about average for the class, although it is refined and responsive unit. There's also only one transmission offered.
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Performance
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Score:
7/10
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The Kuga is about average for the class, reaching 100km/h in the mid-10-second range. Interestingly, the AWD and FWD version are almost identical in terms of acceleration, top speed, economy and CO2 output, making the AWD the automatic choice for its added all-weather traction.
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Ride & Handling
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Score:
9/10
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As you'd expect from a car based on the Focus, the Kuga handles with finesse and eagerness, while still offering a supple ride and proper refinement. It's a little busier over rougher surfaces but that's a small price to pay for superior body control and overall manners.
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Interior & Ergonomics
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Score:
9/10
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The Kuga's cabin will be familiar to anyone with a C-Max, which means excellent ergonomics and a surprisingly driver-oriented driving position. Visibility out the rear is a slight issue but for the most part it's an easy place to get familiar with.
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Space & Practicality
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Score:
7/10
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As with all cars in this class, the AWD hardware eats into rear space so you'd be better off with a small MPV if your kids are less than eight or nine years of age. Access is a little tight and legroom could be better, too. Boot's a good size, though, and up front its very comfy.
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Safety
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Score:
8/10
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The Kuga has a 5 star NCAP score, plus 4 for child protection and 3 for pedestrian protection, making it safe car in the event of an accident. All have ESC, rollover mitigation, as standard, as well as six airbags, ISOFIX & belt warning chimes. Bluetooth, parking sensors, tyre monitors are optional.
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Value & Running Costs
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Score:
8/10
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The Kuga benefits from a low CO2 rating which means lower VRT. For basic VW Tiguan money you can have a top-of-the-line Kuga with just about everything you need bar full leather and nav. The basic model is great value but steel wheels are grim. Running costs will be below average, resale above.
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Quality & Refinement
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Score:
8/10 |
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Ford has come a long way in terms of quality in recent years and even though the Kuga has the C-Max's interior, it feels better made and more upmarket. Refinement is excellent as well, although the sporty suspension can get a little intrusive over rough surfaces.
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Equipment
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Score:
8/10
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Zetec gets the pointless 'Ford Power' starter button, trip computer, sports seats, leather steering wheel, fog lamps, A/C, aux port, 4 electric windows, ESC & 17-inch steel (?) wheels. Titanium adds half leather, cruise control, auto lights & wipers, 2-zone climate control & 17-inch alloy wheels.
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Bad
Late to the game
small range
Good
Handsome
fine handling
well equipped
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