… Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi AWD …
Like all other manufacturers, Ford has its detractors, but its fans far outnumber them, me included. The Kuga is a case in point. Ford was one of the first to bring a compact crossover to market and it has steadfastly remained at the front ever since.
I was amongst the first to drive the new car when it was launched way back in 2008. A memorable event for many reasons, not least of which it proved it was tough enough to withstand a charging bull and keep me and the Missus safe from harm.
It happened during the new vehicle’s launch in Spain and mixed in with the road route was one off-road section to try out the all wheel drive capability. We turned off the highway, through a gate, on to some rough ground which climbed upwards through rocks and scrub. On our way through we noticed some bullocks grazing on the rough grass.
Turns out they were young thoroughbred fighting bulls from a nearby ranch and they were supposed to have been cleared out of this area before the convoy of test vehicles arrived. Somewhere along the line the message didn’t get through. The result was some perplexed young stock and one which took particular offence to this shiny automotive invasion of his kingdom.
I was unaware of this till I felt a thump at the rear. At first I thought it was a rock, then it happened again and as I glanced in the door mirror I could see a young bull following along behind and trying to gore the Kuga. Even as I sped up he came at us again then when I got away from him he turned his attention to the next Kuga behind and attacked it.
In all , the young bull scored, scraped and even punctured the metalwork of 7 separate vehicles that day. Of course it was a big joke at the time but thinking back, those horns must have been bluidy sharp to puncture sheet metal!
Anyway, I’m reminded of this every time I step into a Kuga, even ten years on. And by the way the Missus was with me only because we were attending a social function whilst we were over there.
Even so, the Kuga has been transformed over those ten years and the test car in ST-Line X trim specification provided a rare treat for the buttocks and driving enjoyment.
The ST-Line seats are not full buckets, just nicely shaped which means that corners can be tackled rather more enthusiastically than one might otherwise with a crossover. Adding to that, the ST-Line sports suspension is firm and well controlled while the 178 bhp diesel punches out a decent bit of power and torque to make brisk progress quite enjoyable. The only drawback to that was the six speed Powershift automatic ‘box. It’s not as quick and responsive as a manual in capable hands but it does the trick well and is ideal on the Monday morning commute.
This being a compact crossover it is easier park than one of the more imposing off-road giants, and yet it offers sufficient elbow room and comfort for four Scottish-diet fed adults – and five at a squeeze.
It’s not cheap at £34,295 but it comes well equipped for the money, although the test car had another fifteen quidsworth of extras including the magnetic blue paint job, upgraded Infotainment/SatNav system and rear view camera, a larger rear spoiler, rear privacy glass and, glory be, a heated steering wheel. You never know you need one till the first frosty morning!
Oh, and by the way, the towing limit is an impressive 2.1 tonnes. I really like the Kuga, and not just because it saved me from getting my posterior punctured!