Ford Kuga Ambiente adds value

Ford is making big claims for its base-grade Kuga Ambiente SUV. Now with upgraded SYNC2 infotainment system and dual-zone climate control as standard, the Kuga Ambiente outguns Mazda CX-5 Maxx, Hyundai Tucson Active, Nissan X-Trail ST, Subaru Forester 2.5i-L and Toyota RAV4 GX, according to Ford.

The SYNC2 system brings with it an eight-inch colour touch screen that is larger than all the competitors', plus the Kuga's digital radio (DAB+) is unavailable in its rivals as standard equipment. Satellite navigation, which is voice-controlled in the Kuga, is yet another new feature for the Ford that's not offered as standard in the competitors. Only the Forester matches the Kuga for dual-zone climate control, but the all-wheel drive Subaru is $3000 more expensive.

Existing equipment that places the Kuga Ambiente at the head of the pack include reverse parking sensors (also fitted to Tucson and RAV4), push-button starting (also available with CX-5 and X-Trail), plus leather-bound steering wheel (also fitted to Forester only). Adding a reversing camera (along with DAB+) in November of last year has brought the Kuga Ambiente up to the same level as the competitors, on that score.

"Ford has made technology available to millions ever since the Model T," said Ford Australia President, Graeme Whickman.

"The Ford Kuga continues in that tradition, even with the entry level Ambiente model that now will offer SYNC2, dual climate control, sat nav and reverse camera as standard features.

"We believe it is perfect for young families that are increasingly choosing compact SUVs, the fastest-growing part of the hot SUV market with Ford Kuga one of the top performers this year even before these upgrades."

SYNC2 allows the driver to phone, play music, adjust interior temperature settings and have text messages read aloud... all hands-free. Voice control can also be employed to enter a destination in the satellite navigation system.

"From the time you get in and see the eight-inch touchscreen – which is 40 percent bigger than some competitors – you get the sense Ford Kuga Ambiente offers a lot for the money," said Whickman. "That's like walking into a home and seeing a 75-inch TV when most others have 50-inch models – it sets expectations higher.

"And, like smart TV shoppers, customers will find Ford Kuga Ambiente offers real value when our top-selling competitors cannot match these innovations."

The cars are already in dealer showrooms, but the Ambiente variants are set to rise in price by $1260 for each variant from July 1. Pricing for the Kuga range (with post-July pricing in brackets), is as follows:

Kuga Ambiente front-wheel drive manual $27,990 ($29,250)
Kuga Ambiente front-wheel drive auto $29,490 ($30,750)
Kuga Ambiente all-wheel drive auto $31,990 ($33,250)
Kuga Trend EcoBoost $36,890
Kuga Tend Diesel $38,890
Kuga Titanium EcoBoost $45,190
Kuga Titanium EcoBoost $45,190
Kuga Titanium Diesel $47,190