Ford has launched a new hybrid version of the Kuga. It joins the SUV’s existing plug-in hybrid and combustion engined models, providing Ford with a direct rival for the Toyota RAV4. It’s available to order now, priced from £33,600 with first deliveries are expected to arrive during spring next year.
Like it’s plug-in hybrid sibling, the Ford Kuga Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine and an electric motor. However, it features a smaller 1.1kWh battery pack so isn’t required to be plugged in to recharge. Combined, the system produces 187bhp, which Ford says is enough for a 0–62mph time of 9.1 seconds.
Ford also claims that the Kuga’s new hybrid powertrain will return 48.7mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while emitting 130g/km of CO2. A 54-litre fuel tank should also make 600 miles between fuel stops possible – that’s 30 per cent more than the Kuga PHEV per tank.
Buyers can choose from three trim-levels – ST Line Edition, ST Line X Edition and Vignale. Standard equipment for the entry-level model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED fog lamps and electrically adjustable door mirrors. There’s also a couple of cosmetic tweaks, such as a full ST-Line body kit, red brake calipers and black roof rails.
Inside, buyers get a sports steering wheel, electrically adjustable sports seats, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and aluminium pedals. There’s a decent level of standard technology too, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an eight-inch infotainment system and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The mid-range Kuga Hybrid ST-Line X Edition is priced from £34,740 and adds 19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic glass sunroof for the exterior. Inside, buyers get the same level of equipment, with the addition of heated front and rear seats.
Ford’s comfort-focussed flagship Vignale model starts at £36,040. It features a unique set of 19-inch alloy wheels and a less aggressive styling package, along with memory mirrors and metallic paint. The cabin also gets a few luxury tweaks, including full leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a leather-trimmed binnacle and Vignale-branded treadplates.
What do you make of the new Ford Kuga Hybrid? Let us know in the comments section below…