Geneva 2008: 2009 Ford Kuga

[Blake Noble]

Ford @ Geneva 2008: 2009 Ford Kuga
New Ford Kuga ready to pounce into action

Link to Original Article @ Autoblog

When Ford introduced the Iosis X Concept back in 2006, it proved that the Blue Oval's European Kinetic design language could transfer over to a CUV remarkably well. And when the Kuga Concept made its debut in Frankfurt, it was obvious that much of what made the Iosis X such an eye-catcher would come to the production model. It's done just that and Ford will be pulling the wraps off its first CUV in Europe next month in Geneva.

The Kuga CUV is based off the C-car platform that underpins the C-Max and Euro-Focus (also our Mazda3 and Volvo S40/C30), and is motivated by Ford's 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel. 136 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque can be sent to either the front wheels or all four depending on the model (Trend or Titanium, respectively) and the Kuga comes standard with ESP, Anti Rollover Mitigation, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Inside, Ford boasts a handsomely outfitted cabin, with seating for five and a 60/40 split rear seat that offers a bit of practicality alongside the Kuga's style.

As much as we'd like to bemoan the fact that Ford is still offering products abroad that we think would do wonders for the marque here at home, we can only hope that Mr. Mulally's plan to globalize Ford's lineup happens soon and sends over some of the Kuga's mojo.

[Farkas]

Why can't Ford Europe share the love with Ford NA? Seriously. The interiors on ALL of the recent Euro-Fords have been amazing, but what are we left with? Honestly, it's called parts sharing. Do more of it.

Kuga:

Focus:

[regfootball]

kugas nice. i would do well here if the price was right.

[Blake Noble]

I honestly like it. If Mullaly knows what's good for Ford's North American operations, he'd start bringing over Ford Australia's Falcon and, well, all of the European offerings. This is one case where rebadging wouldn't actually hurt.

It's like I've said before to all of my relatives who've put Ford down in the past: they actually do make nice cars ... just not here in the United States. (Mustang and maybe F-150 excluded.)

Focus:

The power of Christ compels you! THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU!

... Some good that did. Guess not even God can help the pile of $h! that is the 2008 Focus.

Edited February 15, 2008 by YellowJacket894

[pow]

I'm not crazy about that interior... it seems like a mix of new and old clashing together. The Mondeo's is more cohesive.

[Cory Wolfe]

Exterior = Yay. Interior (the dashboard specifically) = Nay.

[91z4me]

Heck if Ford can't bring that to the states let Mazda do it. Call it the CX-3 and bring it over pronto!

[regfootball]

I'm not crazy about that interior... it seems like a mix of new and old clashing together. The Mondeo's is more cohesive.

the euro ford interiors kind of have a dated look to them. on other cars its not so bad....on this one the big silver splotch in the center looks tacky and overall there's not much to make you interested. very generic, almost bordering on typical asian.

[regfootball]

Kuga:

similarly bland to the 05 focus, if ford of europe brought the kuga here it would require an all new dash

Edited February 15, 2008 by regfootball

[Intrepidation]

Kuga:

The Kuga's interior may not be revolutionary, but it does have an upscale feel that vaguely reminds me of the Passat. What really sets it apart from Ford's NA products is the superior quality of the interiors.

[SuperSport623]

looks pretty damn good considering i dont like crossovers!

[turbo200]

The Kuga would make a great chick ute, competitor to the CR-V and Vue. It looks butch from the front and cute from the rest, and overall it's a good looking ride, inside and out. With Explorer moving to a more crossover look and a larger body, Escape has room to maintain size and the traditional SUV look, which it's doing so well with. This could be the cute ute under all those for girls looking for a nice wagon.

[ocnblu]

I like it, but... why on earth does EVERY small SUV need to have a reverse-angle rear quarter window? Who started this trend? Was it the first-gen Vibe? Waaay overused design element.