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NEWS
AIMS: First local glimpse of Ford's new Kuga
Mid-size SUV moves to all-new platform for 2013Ford's great white hope at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney later this month will be the new Kuga, a car expected to provide the breadth of model diversity lacking in the current model range.
“The all-new Ford Kuga opens a new chapter in the world of compact SUVs where its blend of capability, technology and fuel efficiency will ring true for the customers,” Ford Australia president Bob Graziano was quoted as saying in a press release issued yesterday.
Offering enhanced technology – including the SYNC infotainment system recently introduced to the Aussie market in the Thai-sourced Focus – and improved interior packaging, the new Kuga is also claimed by Ford to be better built and more versatile.
According to the press material supplied by Ford, the new Kuga will arrive in the local market next year with such refinements as a soft-touch instrument panel; wrapped, padded and stitched door armrests; deep padding on console armrests; soft upper roll on doors; and premium sports seats. Ford's interior engineers have eliminated exposed fasteners in the glovebox and sunvisor pivot points.
The new Kuga marks an opportunity for Ford to make some headway in the mid-size SUV segment in the local market. In recent times the company has had just the aging Escape or the severely restricted Kuga to offer buyers of smaller SUVs. While the Kuga has been praised for its dynamics since being launched in Australia (within 12 months of being replaced) its market appeal has been limited to just one powertrain variant – a petrol five-cylinder – and positioned at a starting price nudging $39,000.
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