Vehicle: 2010 Ford Kuga 2.5T
Price as tested: CDN$37000 (Estimated)
Performance: Given Kuga is a performance-oriented crossover to begin with, it doesn’t come as a surprise that our tester comes with one performance-oriented engine. This Volvo-sourced 2.5 liter straight-5 20-valve turbocharged engine comes with 220hp and 240 lb/ft of torque. Given this application works like a dream in Focus ST and RS, it works equally good in a much heavier Kuga. The maximium torque arrives at 1600rpm would only make it even better. Its not only it doesn’t come with any annoying turbo lag, its a smooth operator that is simply silky smooth all the way through the rev range. Thanks to variable valve timing, it also enhances its mid and upper ranges when pushed. Our tester happens to come with 5-speed manumatic which is a surprisingly good mate to this turbocharged engine. The gear ratio is well-matched with its engine characteristics. The 1st and 2nd gears are low enough for peppy launch, as well as good enough to eliminate any annoying turbo lag. 3rd and 4th keep the engine in full boil while 5th works amazingly as a highway cruising mode. All of these combined, it is able to haul Kuga’s 2130 kg of curb weight with surprising authority.
Handling: No one has ever doubt about Focus’s dynamic capbilities. Add a very good AWD system which works hand-in-hand with the electronic stability control and you got a very tidy crossover package. The Kuga is exactly that. Even with the extra ride height, Kuga handles as sharply and entertaining as its lighter Focus silibing. The credit has to go to its world-class chassis that is completely free of any flex and rattles, then add a very good AWD that is able to distribute power whenever its needed. The electric power steering provides excellent road feel with wonderful precision, which should be considered as best-in-class when it comes to feel and feedback. There are some safe understeer and body rolls when pushed, which is more than understandable given its a crossover. In a nutshell, Kuga is a very entertaining to drive crossover that would surprise anyone behind the wheel.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Kuga’s brakes are as impressive as its dynamic and performance. The stopping distance is short while pedal feel is excellent. The pedal always feels crisp and alive, on the other hand, ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily is an added bonus.
Interior: Slip behind the wheel of the Kuga, you got everything else you expect from an upscale crossover. That means nice materials used all over the cabin. In the past, Ford interiors are drab and boring. The Kuga is anything but as it uses different varieity of colors and materials to break through the cabin. The leather seats are comfortable with decent thing and back support. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Both the auto climate control and stereo are placed on the right location for excellent ergonomics.
The only disapppointing area about Kuga is the back legroom, which is at a premium compares to other equivalent crossovers. Headroom is more than adequate.
In terms of cargo space, Kuga aces it with a completely flat loading floor when mated with a rear fold-down rear seats. The side sills and liftover are designed like a box, so that anyone can load anything else easily. If there is one drawback. Its the rear glass which should open independently from the tailgate, which it doesn’t.
Conclusion: The Ford Kuga is a very nice piece of machinery. As it got an excellent powertrain, great driving dynamics and a superb interior to match its good looks. By the time it makes it across the Atlantic Ocean, Ford will have another homerun on its hands.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Ford Kuga
=====================================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5
Overall rating: 4.25/5