Ford’s all-new Kuga Smart Utility Vehicle (SUV) will be available from £20,895 – over £1,000 less than today’s model, as volume production commences in Valencia. Ford has sold more than 45,000 Kuga models in UK since 2008. Like its predecessor, the all-new Ford Kuga will feature a three-series line-up in the UK – Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X. All like-for-like models are lower in price with significant additional standard specification. The UK’s best-selling 2.0-litre TDCi 163PS model, at £25,545, is £355 less than the outgoing model, with new standard equipment including fold-flat seats, reclining rear seats, adjustable load floor, Ford SYNC with Audible Text Messaging and Emergency Assist, Visual AWD Monitor, Electronic Power Assisted Steering, Hill Start Assist and enhanced Cruise Control with Active Speed Limiter. Now in production at Ford’s Valencia plant, the all-new Kuga offers segment-first technology including hands-free tailgate; class-leading handling with Ford’s new global intelligent all-wheel drive system and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control. “The first-generation Kuga was a hugh success with customers. The all-new, second-generation Kuga is a smarter, more fuel-efficient and even more fun to drive SUV,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “Ford has a deep heritage and expertise in SUVs that we plan to leverage in Europe starting with the all-new Kuga.” The all-new Kuga offers a choice of 150PS and 180PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engines, and 140PS and 163PS 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engines. AWD diesel models are available with Ford’s PowerShift transmission; and FWD diesel models now feature CO2 emissions from just 139g/km. A range of driver assistance technologies including the parallel parking aid Active Park Assist, and sensor-based Blind Spot Information System, which indicates with a warning light in the door mirror that a potential hazard is in the driver’s blind spot, will also be available. The all-new Kuga features 82-litres more boot-space than the current model, while the new Fold Flat Seating system enables over 200 litres of additional space. The smart Kuga AWD system continually assesses road conditions, adjusting the AWD torque split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction. Driving dynamics and cornering control are refined by the introduction of the Torque Vectoring Control system first made available on the new Focus. Ford’s advanced voice control, device integration and connectivity interface, SYNC, will also be available. It will include Emergency Assistance, which upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, uses the on board GPS locator and Bluetooth-paired device to set up an emergency call and provide GPS co-ordinates, in the local language of emergency response units. SYNC can also read aloud incoming SMS text messages from compatible mobile phones. All-new Kuga heralds the start of Ford’s delivery of a comprehensive SUV line-up in Europe. It will be followed by the arrival of the modern and innovative EcoSport, Ford’s entry into the small SUV segment, and the Edge – a larger, more premium crossover that is a success in North America and other markets. From Motorin News