Kuga debuts in domestic market

SURENDRA TANDUKAR

KATHMANDU: Ford Kuga, the latest SUV from the Ford stable was sighted plying on the roads of Kathmandu. GO Automobiles,

authorised distributor of Ford, is expected to launch the vehicle at the NADA Auto Show 2012, which is slated for September 19. The compact SUV from Ford — 2012 Kuga — is manufactured in Germany. According to a source at GO Automobiles, two units of the SUV are already in the city while they are planning to introduce the vehicle at the NADA Auto Show 2012.

“We expect this SUV to perform well in the domestic market as it is superior in terms of features as compared to its competitors,” said the source, adding that it ensures powerful performance with a great deal of luxury. According to him, the intelligent all-wheel drive, auto front and rear sensors, voice

command, steering wheel adjustment, push-button start and panoramic sunroof are some of the alluring features of the SUV. He

informed that Ford Kuga will

compete with the rivals like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Tiguan and Subaru Forester and will tentatively be priced at above Rs seven million.

The 2012 Ford Kuga is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged Duratec petrol engine with 147 kw of power and 320Nm of torque at 1,600

to 4,000 rpm. It is teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, leading to the mileage of 10 kmpl. The Kuga will come with 17-inch standard alloy wheels, front fog lamps, keyless

entry and push-button start,

manual air-conditioning, cruise control, and an eight-speaker Sony audio system with voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB

port, auto climate control a/c,

auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, and heated front seats.

With aggressive yet stylish looks, Ford Kuga appears sporty as well. Similarly, the interior of the SUV is impressive with well trimmed-in charcoal leather, smart graphite trim highlights, soft-touch plastics and Ford’s familiar brushed alloy console and centre-stack. The multi-function leather-trimmed wheel adjusts for tilt and reach, and the steering wheel can be adjusted in four ways.

Meanwhile, passengers will not have any complaints as the SUV

offers a plenty of room in the back too; there is enough legroom and good headroom there. The split-lift tailgate, also a feature of the territory, is a useful touch. It allows access to the good-sized boot through

the rear-glass, or, if loading up for

a holiday, through the tailgate.

In terms of safety, it received the five-star nod from ANCAP. It comes with driver and front passenger belt-minder, driver and passenger front and side airbags and thorax and pelvis airbags. Dynamic safety includes traction control, ABS

with electronic brake-force

distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA) and DSC with anti-rollover technology.

This five-seater petrol run SUV suits both on- and off-road performance and comfort. Its ground clearance is 201 mm with wheelbase measuring 2,690 mm. Equipped with 2,500 cc, Kuga

ensures a comfortable drive with five speed automatic transmission. The company claims it offers a mileage of 14.6 kmpl.