2017 Ford Kuga (2nd Gen Facelift - Non-explosive)

Ford's refreshed Kuga arrives in SA

• Refreshed design
• Improved specification, features
• 1.5 and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol or 2.0 TDCi diesel
• Front-wheel or all-wheel drive
• SYNC3 standard on Trend, Titanium specifications

Ford’s updated Kuga SUV has arrived in South Africa sporting design tweaks throughout as well as new features.

Since the start of 2017 the Kuga has been the subject of media scrutiny, a court battle and outcry from owners. The automaker hopes to mitigate the damage caused with its extensive recall plan for existing models and the roll-out of a spruced SUV.

The refreshed SUV can be powered by either two petrol options, the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost, and a single diesel unit - 2.0-litre TDCi. Depending on model, there is the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmissions.

As before, three specification levels are available; entry-level Ambiente, the mid-level Trend and the range-topping Titanium.

Prices start from R368 800 for the 1.5 Ambiente to R506 900 for the top-of-the-range 2.0 TDCi Titanium.

The new Kuga features Ford’s latest design language manifesting in a redesigned grille as well as new headlights and fog lights.

At the rear, it gains redesigned light clusters and new tailgate design, along with the twin exhausts. A new range of standard and optional alloy wheel designs are available from 17” to 19”.

The refreshed Kuga retains Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine producing 110kW/240Nm in the front-wheel drive six-speed manual derivative.

A 132kW version of the 1.5 EcoBoost engine is fitted to SUVs equipped with a six-speed automatic– available in front-wheel drive guise and with all-wheel drive.

The petrol engine line-up is topped by the 2.0 EcoBoost, which produces 177kW/340Nm, and is available exclusively with all-wheel drive and the six-speed automatic.

For diesel fans, the 2.0 TDCi turbodiesel engine remains, capable of 132kW/400Nm, powering all four wheels through the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic.

Features

An enhanced version of Ford’s Active City Stop with low-speed collision mitigation and avoidance has been introduced, which can be specified as with the Driver Assistance Pack available as an option on the Trend and Titanium models. This pack also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid, as well as Advanced Active Park Assist.

SYNC3

Ford’s adds its new SYNC3 connectivity system, standard on the Trend and Titanium derivatives. Kuga drivers can operate the SYNC3 8" touchscreen in the same way that they use their smartphones. A new interface features larger, easier to operate buttons and enables pinch and swipe gestures for the first time.

The new Kuga now offers Perpendicular Parking, in addition to the semi-autonomous Active Park Assist technology.

Enhanced safety... for pedestrians?

The Kuga’s bonnet features a wider, central dome that, says Ford, "not only serves to complement its sporty, smart new look, but also incorporates a structural design that improves pedestrian protection in the event of an accident. The bonnet and rear liftgate also have been re-engineered to help mitigate damage to more expensive-to-replace components.

Prices:

Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente 6MT FWD - R368 800
Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente 6AT FWD - R381 900
Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Trend 6MT FWD - R406 400
Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Trend 6AT FWD - R427 900
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Trend 6AT AWD - R483 900
Ford Kuga 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT AWD - R497 900
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium 6AT AWD - R506 900

All models are sold with Ford Protect, including a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year or unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year or unlimited km corrosion warranty. A five-year or 90 000km service plan is included on the TDCi models, with 15 000km service intervals. Petrol Kuga models have 20 000km service intervals, and are sold with a four-year or 80 000km service plan.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/fords-refreshed-kuga-arrives-in-sa-20170918

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Facelifted Ford Kuga lands in SA, at reduced prices

After a troublesome year of fire-related recalls, Ford is aiming to give its Kuga SUV a fresh start with the release of a facelifted model and not only does it get a new look and added features, but Ford has lowered pricing across the board.

This means that the range now starts at R368 800, down from R383 900, while the range-topper is now R37 000 cheaper at R506 900. Full list below:

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So what’s changed?

Although the Kuga’s familiar shape remains, Ford has completely redesigned the front and rear sections.

The new Everest-inspired face features a much larger grille that now has a trapezoidal shape, while chunkier taillights and a newly designed tailgate bring some of that aggro attitude to the back end.

Rounding off the design changes are a fresh range of alloy wheel designs ranging from 17- to 19-inches in diameter.

Three turbo engine options

The Kuga is powered by the same range of engines as before.

The range kicks off with Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol, which drives the front wheels and produces 110kW in six-speed manual guise and 132kW when mated to the six-speed autobox; maximum torque is 240Nm in both variants.

Topping the pile is a pair of 2-litre engines, both mated to Ford’s all-wheel-drive system as standard. The 2.0 EcoBoost petrol motor is mated to a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and produces 177kW and 340Nm; the 2.0 TDCI diesel is paired with a six-speed Powershift dual-clutch automated transmission and this one’s engine’s good for 132kW and 400Nm.

Now with Sync3 infotainment

Although actual interior design changes are limited to a few new buttons and switches, the new Kuga does gain Ford’s latest Sync3 infotainment system, which is standard on Trend and Titanium models.

The 20cm touchscreen system, with pinch and swipe functionality, brings improved voice command as well as Apple CarPlay and (subject to SA release) Android Auto smartphone integration.

There’s also a Sync3 version with 3D navigation, offered as a R5044 option across the Kuga range.

A walk through the range

As before, the Kuga is offered in Ambiente, Trend and Titanium guises.

The base Ambiente comes with push-button start, cruise control, a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and voice control, multi-function leather-covered steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, seven airbags and trailer stability function.

The Trend grade adds dual-zone climate control, Sync3 with 20cm touchscreen and nine speakers, Torino leather seats (with electric power adjustment for the driver), rear parking sensors, and rain sensors.

Over and above all that, the Titanium range-toppers gain 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, smart keyless entry with hands-free powered tailgate and Roll Stability Control.

Trend and Titanium buyers can also opt for a ‘Driver Assistance Pack’, for R15 450, which comes with an enhanced version of the Active City Stop auto-braking function, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Lane Departure Warning and Advanced Active Park Assist.

All models are backed by a four-year/120 000km warranty. Petrol models come with a four-year/80 000km service plan (with 20 000km intervals), while the diesels are sold with a five-year/90 000km service plan, with 15 000km intervals.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...d-kuga-lands-in-sa-at-reduced-prices-11261795
 
Facelifted Ford Kuga Launches in SA (2017) Specs & Price

Ford has introduced the facelifted Kuga SUV in South Africa with a fresh design and enhanced feature specification. Take a look at specification and pricing for the new Kuga.

There’s a new Ford Kuga in town and it has just been launched in South Africa. The facelifted Kuga introduces a new exterior and interior design as well as Ford’s latest SYNC3 in-car connectivity system and improved safety specification. The Kuga is available in either Ambiente, Trend or Titanium trim grades

"We are thrilled with the new Kuga offering, with stunning new design inside and out, smart technologies, fuel-efficient yet powerful engines, and five-star safety, it's a vehicle that will stand out for our customers," says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

What engines are available?

The Kuga range includes 2 petrol engines and 1 diesel engine. The previous 1.6-litre engine is no longer offered.

There are 2 petrol engines and 1 diesel engine that now powers the Kuga. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine offers 110 kW/240 Nm of torque for the front-wheel drive derivative equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission.

A more powerful version of this engine offers 132 kW and is offered on both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive derivatives equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The petrol offering is headlined by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 177 kW and 340 Nm of torque and is exclusively offered in all-wheel drive guise with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The only diesel engine available is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 132 kW and 400 Nm of torque and is offered in all-wheel drive only and features a dual clutch automatic transmission.

What’s changed in terms of design?

SYNC3 makes its way into the Kuga and integrated navigation is an option.

The latest Kuga wears a large upper trapezoidal grille along with a lower grille that’s complemented with slim headlights and fog lights. The taillights, tailgate and twin exhaust system have been redesigned and the Kuga is now available with a new range of alloy wheel designs ranging in size from 17- to 19-inches in size.

As for the interior, the Kuga now features an updated cabin with enhanced storage in the centre console, rear tray tables, rear air vents (Trend and Titanium only) as well as an electronic parking brake. The Kuga’s steering wheel and air conditioning controls have also been updated to improve ease-of-use.

Kuga's design has been improved and an electronic tailgate is now offered.

The tailgate is now electrically operated for added convenience and all automatic Kuga derivatives feature paddle-shift controls for manual gear changes.

SYNC3 is offered in the facelifted Kuga via an 8-inch touchscreen and all audio and connected smartphones can be controlled with conversational voice commands. SYNC3 is offered as standard on Trend and Titanium derivatives and integrated navigation is optionally available across the range. SYNC3 also offers Apple CarPlay and Android AutoT.

Safety features

Standard safety features on the facelifted Kuga include 7 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), trailer stability function, hill launch assist and rollover mitigation. ISOFIX child seat mounts are also standard.

The latest Kuga also introduces an enhanced version of Ford’s Active City Stop with low-speed collision mitigation and avoidance which is offered as part of the Driver Assistance Package on Trend and Titanium derivatives. The package also includes features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot information system, lane departure warning, lane keeping aid and advanced active park assist.

Perpendicular parking functionality is also offered on the Kuga to help drivers locate parking spaces alongside other cars and parallel to the road and will steer into spaces while the driver controls the throttle and brakes. The facelifted Kuga has a 5-star Euro-NCAP safety rating.

New Ford Kuga - Price in South Africa

Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente 6MT FWD - R368 800

Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente 6AT FWD - R381 900

Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Trend 6MT FWD - R406 400

Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Trend 6AT FWD - R427 900

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Trend 6AT AWD - R483 900

Ford Kuga 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium 6AT AWD - R497 900

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium 6AT AWD - R506 900

A 4-year/120 000 km warranty is standard as well as a 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited corrosion warranty. Petrol Kuga derivatives are sold with a 4-year/80 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 20 000 km while the diesel derivatives have a 5-year/90 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 15 000 km.

http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/facelifted-ford-kuga-launches-in-sa-2017-specs--price/43986/

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Ford Kuga Facelift (2017) Launch Review

After a troublesome (to say the least) 12 months, the Ford Kuga has returned to the market as a facelifted offering that hopes to avoid and allay the negative public sentiment towards its maligned predecessor.

As crises go, the Ford Kuga fire saga is a major one and, judging by the preceding 48 hours of emotive, sometimes acerbic, twitter conversation about the introduction of this facelift model, the proverbial dust has not settled.

In the media conference for the introduction of its updated family car, Ford did not deny its Kuga predicament but focused the firm's message on efforts to improve the firm's overall customer satisfaction in the local market. For the record, more than 90% of affected Kugas have received a phase 1 upgrade, which is a software update to the engine management system. Around 60% of affected cars have had a phase 2 upgrade that includes hardware and software upgrades to the cooling system.

Suffice to say the maligned 1.6-litre Ecoboost engine does not feature in the facelifted model's lineup, but it’s interesting to note that despite the negative publicity, sales of other Ford models do not seem to have been negatively affected. Kuga sales took a hit, but trust in the Ford brand still appears to be strong as the Ranger leads vehicle sales in the first half of 2017. The Blue Oval also plans to invest significant capital in its dealer network in order to improve service delivery, experience and delivery.

The facelift

Top spec Titanium model with its black-outlined taillamps shows a strong, muscular design.

As it turns out, facelifted Kugas have been in the country for some time – Ford employed them as courtesy cars for owners affected by the Kuga recall campaign. Now, however, the newcomer's officially available – it’s better priced than before (offers a lot of value), plus it appears to be particularly well-specced on the safety front.

The styling upgrade is quite comprehensive; in line with Ford's new familial design language, the front end features a much sharper, more front-on face with outlined grille and headlights... It’s a handsome (if brutish) look and the rear of the car, where black-outlined tail lights create a very prominent and muscular appearance, mirrors the theme. Overall, it appears to be quite a distinctive contender in a segment that’s already got some stylish competitors in the forms of the Tiguan, Tucson and 3008.

All-turbo lineup

The mid-range Trend model is available in 1.5 turbopetrol and 2.0 turbodiesel guises.

The engine range is an all-turbocharged lineup. It’s in line with its global downsizing trends and all powerplant have been used either in the pre-facelift Kuga, current Focus and the slow-selling Fusion family sedan. The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox and is only available in front-wheel-drive. The outputs are good with the manual models producing 110 kW and 240 Nm and the autos upped to 132 kW and 240 Nm. Our experience with the automatic on the route from East London up to Hogsback at the foot of the Drakensberg revealed that the engine and transmission are well-matched and power delivery is more than adequate, but the claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.2 (manual) and 6.9 L/100 km (auto) is going to take some doing. We averaged 11.0 L/100 km!

Ford also offers a 2.0-litre turbopetrol with 177 kW and 340 Nm of torque if you feel you need more grunt on long-haul journeys. It’s only available in all-wheel-drive configuration and with a 6-speed auto. Despite market trends, the obvious choice is the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, its 132 kW and 400 Nm are delivered smoothly and with a refined engine note. Fuel consumption is vastly superior to the petrol derivatives with a claimed 5.4 L/100 km. We averaged about 7.5 L/100 km during our 200 km stint.

Inside story

Kuga cabin less full of buttons thanks to Sync3 but also more soft-touch materials in use.

We’ve found that in recent Ford models, a measure of build quality and attention to detail have gone awry... Casual panel gaps and flimsy plastic joins haven’t really engendered a premium feel. The facelifted Kuga addresses some of those issues, however. The cabin is neat and most of the touchable surfaces are plush and soft-touch. Dig a little deeper and the build integrity remains a trifle questionable. The gaps in the interior door panels are quite large and the glovebox seal isn’t exactly tight.

Gripes aside, the seats are very comfortable over long journeys and passenger space is roomy with a pleasingly expansive feel to the design. The luggage bay capacity is in line with segment standards at 456 litres and, with the rear seats folded down, utility space of up to (a claimed) 1 653 litres becomes available.

The installation of Sync3 across the range brings the connectedness of the Kuga right up to date: navigation is optionally available, plus Android Auto and Apple Carplay are supported. Sync3 is one of the best touchscreen systems on the market with a simple interface and big buttons that are easy to press when stabbing on the move.

The Sync3 interface is characterised by big buttons; it makes pressing menu options on the move easier.

The drive

The Kuga rides and drives extremely comfortably. The suspension is on the firmer side for an SUV, but it’s supple and soaks bumps up well. It’s not quite as firm nor quite as dynamic as the Mazda CX-5, but as a compromise between comfort and sportiness, it probably strikes a better balance.

Safety

Ford has loaded the Kuga with safety features to a virtually family car/compact SUV class-leading level, especially with regards to those systems that enable motorists to avoid an accident altogether. As standard, the Kuga has ESP with traction control, ABS, EBD, hill start assist and a reverse-view parking camera. What's more, there’s an optional pack that adds kit such as automatic parking, blind spot detection, lane keeping aid, active city stop and adaptive cruise control.

Cruise control buttons, complete with adaptive cruise control settings.

Summary

Putting the Kuga fire sage aside for the moment, in terms of value for money the facelifted Kuga appears to be an excellent offering. In fact, in order to try and entice buyers back to the Kuga, the local subsidiary of the Blue Oval has reduced the asking prices of the derivatives compared with those of the previous model.

Ford certainly isn’t the first brand forced to perform a sudden, wide-ranging recall and, in all likelihood, it won't be the last. In the eyes of many observers and commentators, the aforementioned crisis was handled poorly at times; it has tarnished the brand’s name to such an extent that every tweet about a Kuga seems to be accompanied by a fire-extinguisher-related verbal barb. It appears Ford is going to significant lengths to rectify the situation, but it may be a case of closing the latch after the horse has bolted. It will be interesting to see if this aggressive pricing strategy and new customer-driven approach results in a favourable return for the Kuga – it might.

http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/ford-kuga-facelift-2017-launch-review/43990/
 
Launch drive: Updated, more affordable Ford Kuga

The South African launch of the facelifted 2018 Kuga line-up was the first time I had driven Ford’s C-segment SUV, so these driving impressions may be somewhat different from those of journalists more familiar with the breed.

It's bigger than I expected, especially vertically, requiring a distinct step up into the cabin – and that is not a criticism. The view from the driver’s seat is commanding; heading out of East London in early morning traffic at the start of the launch drive, I could see why soccer moms love SUVs.

The chunky styling of the revised Kuga lends visual heft to its size and stance on the road. Seen against photos of its predecessor, it’s also a little more polarising; either you like it or you don’t. While the chromed trapezoidal grille gets most of the attention, the squared-off lines of the tailgate give it a capable air, as if it’s not shy to be seen as a practical family wagon.

The only time the Kuga’s perceived size and high waistline can be an issue is when reverse parking – which may be why a reversing camera is standard across the range.

The interior design has apparently changed very little; the dashboard layout shows a marked family resemblance to the 2010 Fiesta of She Who Must Be Obeyed. It’s perhaps a little dated in concept, but exudes a comforting air of quality, with chunky switches and buttons, firm and positive in operation, framed by a soft-touch fascia above and metal-look buttresses below.

The standard leather seats feature 10-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way manual tuning for the front passenger.

Deeply recessed - perhaps a little too deeply for intuitive operation - in the middle of the fascia is the 20cm touchscreen display for the new Sync 3 infotainment system. All the Kugas on the launch drive were fitted with embedded navigation – which came in very handy when I got us lost.

Thus I can vouch that it is straightforward and intuitive to programme, but not something you can safely do on the move if you’re driving (I think that applies to all satnav systems, although apparently many drivers disagree with me, judging by how many of them I see concentrating on the centre stack while driving).

On the road

The first variant I drove was a 1.5-litre EcoBoost automatic in Trend trim (all the derivatives, prices and trim specifications are detailed in our launch story) which is rated at 132kW and 240Nm. While this is not a fireball of an SUV, the 1498cc turbopetrol four is quietly capable around town and the six-speed conventional self-shifter was never guilty of hunting, even on long uphills, only shifting down for acceleration when I asked it to.

In typical Ford fashion the steering was sharp and predictable, the ride firm and stable - perhaps a little too firm for comfort on the deplorably unkempt gravel road between Hogsback and our lunch stop at The Edge, but its excellent road manners on tar made up for that.

The entry-level 1.5 is, after all, front-wheel drive only; few will be expected to brave roads this badly rutted - but it’s nice to know they can.

Four-footed Kuga always went exactly where it was pointed

After lunch we moved up to a two-litre TDCi AWD turbodiesel with six-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission (there’s no manual option). The improvement in ride, with torque-vectored all-wheel drive and roll stability control, was immediately apparent.

The steering was also a little firmer, once we got back onto a tar road good enough for that to matter, and the four-footed Kuga always went exactly where it was pointed.

What was not apparent, however, was diesel clatter – there wasn’t any. Sceptical though motoring journalists are about carmakers’ claims of vast improvements in NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) damping, Ford seems it have got it right this time.

The 132kW turbodiesel was a heartbeat slower than its petrol sibling on initial response but as soon as the revs picked up its 400Nm came to the party and it wasn't necessary to rev it to its power peak at 3500, other than when overtaking heavy vehicles at highway speeds.

The transmission provided seamless upshifts, downshifts nearly so, except under duress, when the slightly scary hesitation common to most dual-clutch ‘boxes became noticeable.

According to Ford’s spec sheet, the diesel Kuga is 130kg heavier than the FWD petrol variants, and you can actually feel a not unpleasant difference in their road manners. In a sporty sedan or hatch, that would be commendable; in an SUV, it’s remarkable.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...ve-updated-more-affordable-ford-kuga-11281564
 
DRIVEN: Ford Kuga 1,5 EcoBoost Trend Auto

Like sands through the hourglass, one of the most talked-about characters in the South African C-segment SUV daily soap opera has returned to our screens. Once a hero, but most recently cast in the role of villain, the Ford Kuga is back, offering its most convincing “good guy” persona to date.

Fully aware (though constantly reminded via various social media platforms) of the repair work required in order to begin to rebuild both confidence in the brand and the Kuga name, Ford Motor Company South Africa under the new leadership of ex-Toyota man, Dr Casper Kruger, has been working tirelessly on reconnecting and harnessing its relationship with its customer base.

As such, I was pleasantly surprised to note that up to 93% of the Kuga models affected by the recall to mitigate potential fires have been tracked down and have undergone the phase 1 maintenance updates. Though satisfied with this progress, Dr Kruger insists that the remaining 7% will still be accounted for. Of the models that underwent phase 1 work, which includes new cooling system components, engine software updates and a cylinder head oil leak check, some 60% have returned for their phase 2 (new hardware, including coolant level sensors) work.

It was at the start of this second phase that Ford introduced its “white glove” experience, aimed at rebuilding trust in both the brand and product. Accordingly, customers delivering their vehicles for recall work were offered, well ahead of any media launch of the vehicle, the facelifted Kuga as a courtesy vehicle.

Greeting these customers and, indeed, the media over the course of the vehicle’s official launch, is an altogether sharper-looking Kuga complete with a fresh family grille and new, more compact head- and taillamp clusters.

Inside, updated Trend and top-of-the-range Titanium models feature Ford’s impressive new Sync3 infotainment system (which can be optionally updated to include satellite navigation). Including as it does smartphone mirroring technologies, this remains one of the best, most user-friendly systems currently on offer.

Also included from Trend specification upwards (Ambiente remains the entry-level model) is an electronic handbrake that not only adds convenience but also frees up valuable storage space within the cabin. A welcome inclusion is also the standard fitment of a reverse camera (with sensors).

While these interior updates may seem minimal, their neat inclusion within an already well-put-together and impressively comfortable cabin (including leather upholstery with electrically adjustable seats) is welcome.

While a total of seven derivatives (four front-wheel-driven and three all-wheel-driven) complete the updated Kuga portfolio, the pick of the range for me is the 1,5 EcoBoost Trend Auto. Mated with a well-sorted six-speed automatic transmission, this proven petrol-powered engine offers 132 kW at 6 000 r/min with 240 N.m of torque between 1 600 and 4 000 r/min. Accordingly, it’s a drivetrain that never feels overwhelmed and is more than capable of both relaxed cruising, as well as some mildly spirited performance should the want arise. Ford claims a respectable 6,9 L/100 km combined fuel consumption for this model.

Fitted with 17-inch wheels as standard, there’s enough built-in compliance in the suspension to tackle the odd gravel road section, while tarred surfaces are handled with class-leading levels of confidence.

Despite the unfortunate events that led to the recall of 1,6 EcoBoost models within the pre-facelift Kuga range, as well as the (at times justified) backlash that still haunts Ford Motor Company South Africa, the Kuga, as a whole, remains a very good product. Certainly, even though only one derivative was at the heart of the recall, resale values of the greater outgoing range will ultimately have been harmed by the saga, and some owners will feel suitably aggrieved at Ford SA by this fact alone.

Yet it’s difficult to ignore the newfound (though perhaps forced) eagerness to do whatever it takes to make things right again exuding from within the local Ford team.

That the updated range has been launched with a pricing adjustment downwards of up to about R50 000, depending on the model, should be seen a gesture of good faith from Ford SA rather than any indictment on a product that should easily still be competing for top spot within this highly competitive segment.

Fast facts

Model: Ford Kuga 1,5 EcoBoost Trend Auto FWD
Price: R427 900
Engine: 1,5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol
Power: 132 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 240 N.m @ 1 600 - 4 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 10,1 secs
Top Speed: 200 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 6,9 L/100 km
CO2: 159 g/km
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
4 year/80 000 km service plan

http://www.carmag.co.za/driving_impression/driven-ford-kuga-15-ecoboost-trend-auto/
 
Here's what the 'new' Ford Kuga is all about

Ford has launched its updated Kuga in South Africa with the automaker sporting design tweaks and improved fuel efficiency..

Ford SA General Marketing manager, Tracy Delate says: “We are thrilled with the new Kuga offering.

“With stunning new design inside and out, smart technologies, fuel-efficient yet powerful engines, and five-star safety, it’s a vehicle that will stand out for our customers.”

The new Kuga joins the EcoSport compact SUV and the Everest seven-seater.

Two petrol engines, one diesel

In the new models, buyers can choose from two petrol engines in the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol units, as well as the 2.0-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine.

Three specification levels are available, starting off with the value-oriented Ambiente, the mid-level Trend and the range-topping Titanium.

Wheels24's Janine Van der Post says: "The new 'Face of Ford' design makes the Kuga fit in with the rest of the stable, topped with enough bells and whistles even from the entry-level Ambiente model.

"The new Kuga is not only easy on the eye but it also feels a whole lot better to drive. Whether that's because Ford promises the new model has none of the current issues plaguing the car, only time will tell, but it actually feels very solid on the road too.

"Did I feel unsafe driving it? No, since the 1.6-litre is no longer a part of the range, their were no concerns at all.

"Has Ford done enough to fix its problems? They are most certainly trying, and like many manufacturers who has gone through the same fate, or even worse, everyone deserves a chance to rectify the wrongs. The new Kuga might just be the change the brand needed."

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/heres-what-the-new-ford-kuga-is-all-about-20170924
 
Half a million for a Ford? Don't think so.
 
It's worth an extra 5% for similar spec VW Tiguan rather. Resale on these Kugas will mean it's competing with Volvo For Life...
 
Ford to trim car range, focus on bakkies and SUVs

Ford's new CEO plans to cut $14 billion (R190bn) in costs, drop some car models and focus the company's resources on pick-up trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles as part of a renewed effort to win over skeptical investors.

Jim Hackett, who became Ford's CEO in May, met with around 100 investors in New York on Tuesday to lay out his plans for the future. He said getting the company lean and flexible will help it handle the changes that the motor industry is facing, from car-sharing to self-driving vehicles, to the shift to electric cars.

"I feel a real sense of urgency for what we're doing here," Hackett said.

Hackett and his executive team spent the summer reevaluating Ford's operations after former CEO Mark Fields was ousted in May. Hackett traveled to Russia and Turkey and visited North American plants and Ford's Silicon Valley research center as part of his review.

He said he was impressed by the talent at Ford, but wants to update factories and speed product development and decision-making. One of his first moves was to pare down the number of people reporting to him. Hackett has eight direct reports, compared to 18 for Fields.

Ford told investors it expects to reduce material costs by $10 billion (R135bn) by 2022 through new deals with suppliers and simpler designs. The company plans to share more parts between vehicles and reduce the options available for configuring a car. For example, customers can now order a Ford Fusion sedan in 35 000 possible combinations. Ford is reducing that to 96.

Ford also says it will cut $4 billion (R54.2bn) in engineering costs through 2022 by making fewer prototypes and reducing product-development time.

It plans to cut one-third of its engine development costs and redeploy them to electric and hybrid vehicles. Ford plans to introduce 13 new electrics and hybrids over the next five years, including a small electric SUV that's coming in 2020.

The company plans to reallocate $7 billion (R95bn) from cars to SUVs and trucks. Global demand for those vehicles is rising, and they are critical to Ford's bottom line. Jim Farley, head of Ford's global markets, said Ford plans more off-road SUVs like the upcoming Ranger-based Bronco for North America and more low-end small SUVs as well as seven-passenger SUVs for China.

The carmaker plans to cut some cars from its lineup too, but didn't name them. Farley said Ford will still offer small cars, like the Focus, but will stick to more expensive - and more profitable - versions.

Ford emphasised that it's open to new partnerships, such as its recent agreement with Mahindra to cooperate on mobility, electric cars and other projects. It is also working with ride-hailing company Lyft on self-driving technology and with China's Zotye Automobile about an electric car partnership.

The company says its vehicles will get smarter, with 90 percent of its global vehicles getting modem connectivity by 2020. That will allow things like software updates or apps that help drivers find parking. Ford can differentiate itself by offering, say, connected commercial vans that help small businesses keep track of their deliveries.

"We have created a box of assets that we can pull out and use for various things," Klevorn said.

"Straddling the now and the future will be tricky, especially in terms of profitability," said Michelle Krebs, an executive analyst for the car-buying site Autotrader.com.

Investors have been critical of Ford for waiting too long to bring a long-range electric vehicle to market, as GM did with the Chevrolet Bolt. They also struggled to understand Ford's plans to compete in autonomous cars.

"In the past few years, Ford simply hasn't had a compelling narrative that investors could latch onto," Barclay's analyst Brian Johnson wrote in a recent note to investors.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indu...-car-range-focus-on-bakkies-and-suvs-11485461
 
FORD TO INVEST MORE IN BAKKIES AND SUVS, LESS IN CARS

Back in May, Ford Motor Company relieved Mark Fields of his duties and promoted Jim Hackett to the position of president and CEO. And now Hackett has revealed his blueprint for the Blue Oval, including investing more money in bakkies and SUVs and less in traditional passenger cars.

Providing “a strategic update to investors”, the US automaker detailed plans to leverage “its unique product strengths, trusted brand and global scale to refocus and thrive in an evolving and disruptive period for the auto industry”.

Hackett said that Ford would improve its operational fitness, refocus capital allocation and accelerate the introduction of smart vehicles and services.

The company explained that it would “reallocate” $7-billion of capital from passenger cars to SUVs and bakkies, including the Ranger and EcoSport in North America and the all-new Bronco globally.

Hackett added that Ford was “attacking costs”, with the plan of reducing automotive cost growth by 50 percent through 2022. As part of this, the company was targeting $10-billion in incremental material cost reductions, while reducing engineering costs by $4-billion from planned levels over the next five years by increasing use of common parts across its full line of vehicles, reducing order complexity and building fewer prototypes.

Ford furthermore revealed plans to build the next-generation Focus for North America in China, saving capital investment and ongoing costs. In addition, Ford said it would reduce internal combustion engine capital expenditures by one-third and redeploy that capital into electrification – on top of the previously announced $4,5-billion investment.

“When you’re a long-lived company that has had success over multiple decades the decision to change is not easy – culturally or operationally,” Hackett said.

“Ultimately, though, we must accept the virtues that brought us success over the past century are really no guarantee of future success.”

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/ford-to-invest-more-in-bakkies-and-suvs-less-in-cars/
 
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