Previously, the Escape and Kuga were two separate models, sold in the States and Europe respectively. But as part of the One Ford initiative the pair will now be virtually identical. An updated Kuga shape is teamed with Ford’s new family face, which carries over the Vertrek concept’s narrow grille and split lower intakes.
Ford has answered criticism of the current car by improving practicality. The new model has a maximum load area of 1,928 litres – that’s 600 litres more than before – and extra rear space. The dash is borrowed from the new Focus and C-MAX, updated with a large touchscreen display on the centre console.

Additional new technology includes a hands-free bootlid. Drivers approaching the car with their hands full and the keyfob in their pocket can now simply make a kick action under the rear bumper and the boot will open.

As with the Focus, Ford will also offer optional blindspot warning and self-parking systems as options, while under the skin is the same platform as used by the Focus and C-MAX.
The Kuga also features a Curve Control set-up to help tighten the car’s line in a corner, plus torque vectoring to shuffle power to the wheels with the most grip.
It’s all part of Ford’s intelligent four-wheel-drive system, which is claimed to monitor 25 different parameters from wheel speed to steering angles, to ensure the Kuga can cope in slippery conditions.

Two-wheel-drive models are also expected, while power will come from a range of EcoBoost petrol turbos, including the 148bhp 1.6-litre.
Diesels will be the big sellers, with Ford expected to offer 1.6 and 2.0-litre versions of its TDCi with 114bhp, 138bhp and 161bhp respectively.
The most efficient Kugas should return nearly 60mpg thanks to stop-start, an active grille shutter and energy-recuperation systems. A six-speed manual gearbox will come as standard, but Ford’s dual-clutch PowerShift box will be available as an option.

Prices are likely to increase slightly, with the new Kuga range costing from around £22,500 when sales start next summer.

Discuss on our forums: http://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/end-of-the-kuga-is-nigh-inc-info-on-next-gen-kuga_topic3804.html

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/motorshows/los-angeles-motor-show/275176/new_ford_kuga_revealed.html

Launched in 2000 and available worldwide from 2001, the Escape – or Maverick, as it was known in Europe – made its mark as a crossover-type vehicle, with all the best features of a top level SUV. With its chunky styling and its innovative technology, the Escape became a brand favourite.

In the early years of its 12-year history, the Escape stayed ahead of the pack in terms of efficiency, with the release of a hybrid version in 2004 – the first hybrid SUV in production. But, as time as has progressed, there’s two major things it falls down on.

With its sharp, angular bulk styling, the model has a reputation for its impressive stature, but harks back to the SUV and off-road design of the late 1990s, appearing dated when compared to other vehicles of its class.

Also, while the hybrid engine was at the forefront of development in 2004, advances in conventional fuel technology have seen it fall behind in terms of efficiency.

So with the 2013 Escape, Ford is attempting to once again put the SUV in a competitive position. To do this, it is borrowing from another past and future favourites: the European Kuga and the Vertrek concept model.

The Escape will come with a choice of three engines, although none of these will offer the hybrid option, or the traditional 3l V6.

Instead, there will be two EcoBoost four-cylinder alternatives: a 1.6l turbocharged 180bhp engine (which is expected to outperform the current hybrid’s efficiency) and a 2l turbocharged 247bhp selection.

The car will come with a 2.5l four-cylinder engine as standard – which is an updated version of the current basic option. While this is unusual for any vehicle, it shows the movement towards putting a premium on efficiency over power.

And never fear – those desperate for a hybrid compact crossover will get their wish with the updated Ford C-Max.

As well as giving the crossover compact a makeover under the bonnet, the Escape’s new look will embrace a more contemporary aesthetic.

Gone are the boxy bumpers and jutting angles. Instead, a smoother, sleeker appearance will bring the SUV in line with one of Ford’s other compact crossover triumphs – the Kuga.

Introduced in Europe in 2008, the Kuga also offers a 2.5l engine and incorporates the brand’s top technological efforts with a beautiful body design that is slick and attractive. Whereas the current Escape yells ‘practical’, the Kuga takes more influence from luxury vehicles.

However, even with its size and opulence, the Kuga has excellent green credentials, with competitive efficiency in its fuel consumption and

The Vertrek concept car, which was displayed at the Detroit auto show earlier this year, gives a sneak peak of what the 2013 Escape will look like: impressive, bold and in tune with modern car design.

The Ford Kuga will go on sale in Zimbabwe and the region later in the year.

The Ford Kuga is a five-seater cross-over vehicle that offers an elevated seating position, versatile interior, dynamic on and off road ability and striking styling.

With its intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, the Kuga is perfectly suited to changes in road conditions. Traction is maintained by automatically applying power to the wheels that need it most, ensuring you stay in control whatever the road throws at you
An ingenious split rear tailgate means there are two ways you can access the rear, depending on what you want to load or unload. If you have something small to pop in the back or you are in a restricted area you can simply open the upper section of the tailgate.
When transporting something bigger, one can open the tailgate fully. The floor can fold completely flat, ensuring maximum load space.

The Kuga conveys a sense of energy in motion through Ford’s Kinetic Design. Distinctive headlights, a contoured bonnet and large trapezoid grille create a powerful, iconic profile that sets it apart.

The pronounced wheel arches, stylish air vents and muscular shoulder line provides an energetic stance. The sporty off-road look continues with the Kuga’s front and rear bumpers, plus standard twin exhausts.

“We are very excited to showcase the Kuga at JIMS for the first time in South Africa, and are looking forward to launch it to the local South African market,” says Ford Marketing Manager Ben Pillay.

“The Kuga joins a highly acclaimed and successful vehicle portfolio that is recognised for its safety standards, quality and performance.

Using internet quotes makes it very easy to find the best insurance for you – but at the same time it is quite difficult to decide which of the many quotes to accept. Insurances differ widely, as they each cover different eventualities. If you do not have children, it is unnecessary to have coverage for a child’s car seat included. Insurance for a younger person or someone who has not had their licence for very long is more expensive than for more experienced drivers. A standard car without any customising to the engine will also be cheaper to insure.

The less you drive, the lower your premiums will be. It is also a good idea to ensure that your Kuga has an alarm or immobiliser system installed, as this lowers the risk of it being stolen. This means that the best car insurance will be cheaper. If you park your Kuga in a lock-up facility at night, it means less chance of it being stolen and therefore a lower insurance premium.

Another way to ensure lower monthly premiums is to voluntarily offer to pay a higher excess amount in case of a claim. Make sure you are not paying for included options which you will not make use of – if you do not travel abroad with your Kuga, you do not need coverage in a foreign country.

You could find that the best insurance for you would entail not to take out comprehensive insurance, which covers more eventualities but is also more expensive. Third party and fire insurance will cover damage and injuries to the other vehicle and driver only and also cover your vehicle in case of fire.

The less you claim against your insurance, the better, as you will be awarded a no claims bonus which will lower your premiums. If you insure more than one vehicle with the same company, your premiums will be lower.

“This is big news for us and we’re very excited,” said Chris Masterson, Marketing Manager, Ford New Zealand. “The Kuga has done very well in Europe since its introduction in 2008, often topping sales charts. Locally, the small SUV market has seen substantial growth in the last few years and now with a European-proven design we have a highly compelling offer for customers in this market. As an attractive, well-designed and fully-capable crossover vehicle, the Kuga Titanium will be hard to beat. Customers will be impressed, as will our competition.”

Sound Foundation and Safety Technologies The Ford Kuga is based on Ford’s acclaimed C-car architecture – well proven in the Ford Focus.

Available with a proven powertrain and full-time AWD system, it is perfect for those drivers looking for style, presence and AWD capability. Significant driver assistance technologies will be standard in the Ford Kuga including Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) that combines Anti Rollover Mitigation (ARM) and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Kinetic Design Continues The stylish and charismatic Kuga is a further demonstration of the exciting direction Ford vehicles have taken. The fresh and modern styling is the starting point with the substance of the car matching this styling promise. This is delivered by leading driving dynamics, a strong and competent safety pedigree, high quality and craftsmanship and a competitive crossover package. A high seating position, the intelligent AWD option and large stowage volumes make the Kuga a very attractive proposition.

“Kuga’s arrival to New Zealand will certainly raise the bar in the busy and highly-competitive crossover segment,” said Masterson. “The kinetic design styling gives the car great personality and tremendous showroom appeal to potential customers.”

The exterior design features of Kuga naturally incorporate a wealth of practicality. The ‘Liftgate’ tailgate offers maximum flexibility and convenience with separate access via micro switches to either the upper tailgate section only or both sections simultaneously.

The materials chosen for Kuga’s interior also demonstrate the close links to the original iosis X Concept. The eye-catching and lavish Kuga interior incorporates fine Napoli leather and gloss finishes. Colour-matched details of the interior design and integrated trim colours highlight the instrument panel and door trims, creating a complete, unified look of design-led quality and premium sportiness.

Kuga offers comfortable and spacious seating for up to five adults. The second row seating has a 60/40 split and has been designed to fold completely flat to maximise the usefulness of the available load compartment in two-seat mode. Underseat storage is a practical feature beneath the second row with further storage under the floor of the luggage compartment area which is divided into compartments to offer maximum practicality.

A luggage compartment sill height of 758mm aids the loading of heavy items into the car. The Kuga has a generous luggage capacity of 1355 litres when in two-seat mode, while the enclosed luggage compartment achieves a volume of 360 litres.

Capability and Performance The Kuga Titanium will be available in New Zealand with the renowned 2.5-litre turbo charged I5 petrol engine (147kW 320Nm) mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. As proven in the XR5 Focus, the engine combined with intelligent AWD provide exceptional torque, performance and pulling power under various engine and vehicle load conditions. The Ford Kuga has been engineered for class-leading on-road driving dynamics and exceptional off-road capabilities for expanded leisure time use. The vehicle also returns favourable fuel economy figures of 10.3 litres of fuel per 100 km, using the combined fuel consumption figures and a figure of 244 g/km of CO2.

Using proven and established Ford C-car chassis components and technology as a solid basis, Ford’s engineers tailored, tuned and calibrated each component and aspect of the ride and handling to ensure Kuga carries the blue oval family pedigree for strong driving dynamics.

The key overall target was to ensure that Kuga achieved the highest levels of ride, handling, braking and steering performance within the segment.

The Ford Kuga joins a highly acclaimed and successful portfolio that is recognised for its safety standards as being a key attribute. The first element contributing to Kuga’s safety is the stiff and rigid passenger cell designed and built to resist deformation. A host of active, passive and dedicated pedestrian safety features further contribute to Kuga’s safety story.

Manufactured at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany the new Kuga will be built alongside the new Focus three-door, five-door and wagon variants and C-MAX.

Specifications

Gross Vehicle Weight 2130kg

Wheel Base 2690mm

Kerb Weight 1653kg

Power 147kW

Gross Combined Weight 3630kg

Cc 2522

Emission Level Euro Stage V

CO2 244g/km

Fuel Economy (Urban) 14.6L /100km

Fuel Economy (Extra_Urban) 7.8L /100km

Fuel Economy (Combined) 10.3L /100km

Max Towed Mass (braked) 1500kg

Max Towed Mass (unbraked) 750kg

Transmission 5 Speed Auto

Features

Exterior

* Front & rear fog lamps

* Halogen headlamps

* Follow Me Home lighting

* Power heated side mirrors with side indicators and puddle lamps

* Roof rails

* Rear privacy glass

* Dual exhaust pipe with chrome finish

* Split tailgate

* 19″ Alloy wheels with 235/45 V tyres

* Rain sensing wipers

* Rear parking sensors

Interior

* Premium Napoli leather seat trim

* Heated front seats

* Seatback mounted tray table

* Rear seat centre armrest with cup holders

* Cruise control

* Power windows

* 60/40 Split Rear Seat

* Rear tonneau cover

* Premium centre console

* Overhead console with map reading lamps and sunglass holder

* Dual zone electronic air conditioning controls

* Electrochromatic mirror

* Bluetooth Voice Control with Connectivity module (USB/iPod/audio streaming)

* Keyless Start/Stop Push Button

* Front floor mats

Safety

* 5_star NCAP rating

* Driver & Front Passenger Airbag

* Driver and Front Passenger Side Thorax and Pelvis Airbags

* Side Curtain Airbags

* ABS with DSC (with Anti Rollover Mitigation) including EBA

* Driver & Front Passenger Beltminder

* Allergy tested interior

* Emergency brake light – automatic hazard warning under emergency braking

According to Autoexpress, the new “baby Kuga” will be powered by two petrol engines, a 1.0 liter three-cylinder unit developing 90 BHP, and a powerful 1.6 liter unit powering the Focus. Diesel engines are also part of the plan but specifications remain unknown for now.

The new Fiesta SUV will probably be fitted with the stop-start system as standard and it will eco-friendly with low CO2 emissions.

Customers of the new Ford mini SUV will also get the choice for two or four-wheel drive with a starting price from around 16.000 pounds for the entry-level.

According to Autoexpress, the new Ford Fiesta SUV could make its official appearance during the Frankfurt Motor Show, which will start in September this year. The “baby Kuga” is expected to arrive in showrooms sometimes next year, probably in the summer. Ford is also set to release a ‘baby’ C-Max named the Ford B-Max – the B-Max is set to replace the Fusion.

The Ford Vertrek concept is based on Ford’s global C-segment platform, which includes the all-new Ford Focus range launching early in 2011 in North America and Europe, plus the latest C-MAX and Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles. It represents the vision of the company’s top design and engineering talent on how best to attract and satisfy future sport utility vehicle customers around the world.

“Vertrek concept is a no-compromise solution we feel utility vehicle customers will embrace around the world,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “It is a revolution compared to what is typically seen in this segment in North America and is a stylish evolution compared with products outside North America. This new design is sleeker and more fuel efficient and delivers the capability, including people and cargo volume, customers demand globally.”

The Ford Vertrek concept combines the best of Ford’s distinctive European kinetic design styling and driving quality with outstanding levels of cargo space, trailer-tow and off-road capability for North America, promising a vehicle that meets the needs of next-generation compact utility vehicle customers around the world.

The sleek appearance of the Ford Vertrek concept has been honed aerodynamically to help support the program target of class-leading fuel economy and low CO2 emissions and complement the high-tech powertrain solutions Ford envisions.

Ford preliminary data show that a production vehicle based around the Vertrek concept would be at least 5 percent more aerodynamically efficient than current comparable Ford North American and European models, such as the Escape and Kuga.

Global solution for global needs
Ford’s global C-segment platform allows for the efficient creation of vehicles that address consumer tastes around the world.

“Customer demands are converging globally toward a compact sport utility vehicle that is stylish and great fun to drive while at the same time providing the package, capability, engaging technology and fuel economy they expect,” said Jim Farley, group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “The Ford Vertrek concept will allow us to hear directly from these customers about trade-offs they are prepared to make as we look to deliver a future production model that brings to life all these attributes.”

At least 10 new models will be built on the new global C-segment platform, which replaces three platforms currently in production regionally. By 2012, the new platform will account for more than 2 million units of sales, providing Ford with unprecedented economies of scale and an opportunity to offer customers around the world an array of new technologies and product features usually reserved for premium vehicles.

The compact sport utility vehicle segment is one of the largest (consistently in the top five), most competitive and fastest growing segments – more than doubling in market share since 2000 – in the U.S. It also ranks among the top four most cross-shopped segments in the U.S. It is a segment that Ford helped pioneer with the popular Escape model.

Growth in Europe of crossover products, similar to the compact sport utility vehicle segment in the U.S., has been astounding – up more than 200 percent since 2000. The Ford Kuga has consistently ranked third in its segment, in which all major manufacturers compete, since its launch in 2008. Nearly 70 percent of Kuga customers opt for the high series.

Globally, the compact SUV segment has shown growth since 2009, led by China and the U.S. The market in China is projected to increase 60 percent by 2011 compared with 2009.

“This segment is uniquely diversified across the globe,” said Farley. “In the U.S. these are considered small cars, while in Europe and other markets they are considered midsize cars. No matter how you classify it, the segment is vitally important and only those manufacturers who demonstrate leadership in design, customer-focused technology, capability and fuel-efficient performance will succeed.”

Kinetic design taken to the next level
The sporty, sleek Ford Vertrek concept builds on Ford’s global kinetic design philosophy. This distinctive and continually evolving design language is rooted in creating cars that appear to be in motion even when stationary, while at the same time communicating the engaging driving experience that Ford cars deliver.

The starting point is creating an athletic stance for the vehicle, almost like a runner in starting blocks poised and ready to burst forward. Other key elements include dynamic lines and taut surfacing, again conveying muscularity and athleticism.

Vertrek concept builds on these kinetic design fundamentals, underscoring its on-road characteristics and off-road capability.

“The Ford Vertrek concept is inspired by contemporary compact sport utility customers’ expectations and aspirations,” said J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer. “It unites stylish design, world-class craftsmanship and outstanding capability to present a fresh vision that we believe will resonate globally.”

High-tech gasoline and diesel powertrain solutions
The Ford Vertrek concept shows how the vision of a next-generation, fuel-efficient compact SUV could become reality by extending the reach of the company’s growing EcoBoost™ engine and advanced turbo diesel common-rail direct-injection (TDCi) engine families while introducing Ford Auto Start-Stop technology.

EcoBoost is fundamental to Ford’s strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger, less-efficient engines.

In addition to turbocharging with direct injection, Ford powertrain engineers have enhanced EcoBoost’s technology capabilities by adding variable valve timing and precisely controlling all aspects of the engine. Ford has at least 125 patents on its EcoBoost technology.

Ford Vertrek concept features the highly efficient 1.6-liter four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine, giving the vehicle the power of a larger engine yet delivering significantly better fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

By 2013, 80 percent of Ford’s global nameplates and 90 percent of Ford’s North American nameplates will have an EcoBoost option.

Advanced diesel engines
Outside the U.S., Ford also offers customers a wide range of efficient and powerful Duratorq® TDCi engines, many of which could be applied to a future production model based on the Vertrek concept. Advanced diesel technology is especially vital in Europe – 96 percent of Kugas sold are diesel-powered.

The acclaimed 2.0-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi engine has recently been upgraded to deliver even higher efficiency with improved performance, fuel economy and refinement.

A more efficient combustion system enables greater peak power, significantly improved driveability with increased responsiveness and more pulling power at low engine speeds. It also delivers reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Depending on application, CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 7 percent compared to the previous 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi engine.

Paired with the engine will be a fuel-saving six-speed transmission. By 2013, 100 percent of Ford vehicles in the U.S. will incorporate a six-speed transmission as part of the company’s commitment to leadership in fuel-economy performance in all vehicle segments.

Automatic shutdown of engine saves fuel
Another key enabler of enhanced fuel efficiency is the Ford Auto Start-Stop system. This system automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle – at a stoplight, for example – and quickly restarts the engine when the driver wants to move off.

An Auto Start-Stop system can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 5 percent in mixed driving conditions. In city driving and in heavy traffic with frequent stops, the savings could increase to as much as 10 percent.

The advanced new Ford Auto Start-Stop system has been carefully designed with customer comfort in mind, providing consistent starting and stopping performance that is smooth, quiet and seamless, requiring no changes in driver behavior. When the engine shuts down, the electronic control unit immediately prepares the engine’s systems for an instant restart. An integrated system of sensors is then used to detect when the driver performs an action that signals the intent to drive off, such as pressing the accelerator or clutch pedal.

As soon as the driver prepares to move away, the engine starts quietly and almost instantly; it takes the system only around 0.3 second to fire up the engine. The process is near imperceptible and happens before gear selection is completed. To support the increased number of engine starts, the starter motor is upgraded with a high-performance electric motor and a stronger pinion-engagement mechanism with reduced noise levels.

Smart Regenerative Charging
Advanced battery technology is required to ensure the main vehicle battery copes with the frequent charge-discharge cycles common with start-stop operation. Additional technologies ensure the battery is kept charged in the most efficient way.

A Smart Regenerative Charging system increases the alternator output when the vehicle brakes or decelerates. This converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy without using additional fuel.

The “free” electric current is used to recharge the battery, so it can be used by the electrical systems at a later stage. This could be when the engine is switched off during a stop phase but also can be when the generator is operating in a less-efficient mode.

The battery has an advanced management system that continually monitors its status and communicates with the Ford Auto Start-Stop system, so that the regenerative charging feature can charge the battery in the optimal way. The Auto Start-Stop system knows how much battery charge is available, so that it can leave the engine running if the battery does not have a sufficient level of charge.