Marton Pettendy•2 Mar 2013
NEWS
New Ford Kuga from under $30K
Ford announces expanded model line-up for its new-generation Kuga on sale next monthFord has confirmed it will release a full line-up of variants starting from under $30,000 when it launches the all-new Kuga in April.
That’s in contrast to the outgoing Kuga, which is available in just two 2.5-litre petrol specifications priced from $38,990, and the even older Escape, a single 2.3-litre petrol entry-level version of which continues to be available at $28,990.
A sub-$30,000 starting price will see Ford match the Kuga’s key mid-size SUV rivals – including Toyota’s new RAV4, Subaru’s new Forester, Honda’s new CR-V, Mitsubishi’s new Outlander and Mazda’s top-selling CX-5, a volume-selling 2.5-litre version of which was introduced this week.
The CX-5 has become the benchmark by which other medium SUVs are now judged, attracting more Australians than any of its rivals since its launch a year ago.
What’s more, while entry-level variants account for more than 70 per cent of the sales of many rival SUVs, 75 per cent of CX-5 sales go to mid-range and flagship variants, and the vast majority go to private buyers.
Ford hopes to share in a slice of Mazda’s lucrative SUV action with the new Kuga, which it describes as the most technologically advanced Ford to be sold in Australia, thanks to SYNC connectivity with Emergency Assistance, Active Grille Shutters, Active Park Assist, intelligent all-wheel drive and a host of advanced safety features.
While seven airbags including a driver’s knee bag will be standard, the latter will include (as part of an optional ‘Technology Pack’ not available on entry-level models) Active City Stop, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System and Lane Keeping Aid.
The Kuga will be the First Ford Australia model to come with an EcoBoost engine as standard, with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine opening the range, matched with both manual and six-speed SelectShift automatic transmissions.
Matching its key rivals for the first time, there will also be a 2.0-litre Duratorq turbo-diesel option, fitted as standard with a six-speed Powershift auto.
Ford has also confirmed the Kuga will be available in three equipment grades – entry-level Ambiente, mid-range Trend and range-topping Titanium.
The company says a myFord capped-price service plan will be available across the entire Kuga range, which will also come with a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.
“We will be pitching the newcomer with a sub-$30,000 entry point, which we expect will hit a sweet spot for buyers,” said Ford Australia General Marketing Manager, David Katic.
“We put more smart stuff in, so our customers can get more fun stuff out. It is by far the most advanced compact SUV Ford has ever developed.”
Mr Katic said the Kuga attracted a strong response from the public at last October’s Sydney motor show, where it made its Australian debut.
Ford attracted more than 8000 people to its ‘Smart Drive’ event and more than 3000 people saw the Kuga’s segment-first ‘open sesame’ hands-free tailgate function in action.
“We had a great response from families, who were able to experience the hands-free function of the ‘open sesame’ rear door,” said Mr Katic. “They also loved the styling, roomy interior and luggage area.”
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Written byMarton Pettendy
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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