Ford Kuga spy pics
Ford Kuga spy pics New compact SUV is spied almost undisguised ahead of its LA Motor Show debut later this month
The new Ford Kuga is getting ready for its worldwide debut. Our spies have snapped the new compact SUV, which rivals the VW Tiguan, almost completely undisguised ahead of its unveiling at the Los Angeles Motor Show in a week’s time. It will be revealed in US-specification at the show, wearing the Escape badge.Â
Going on sale in north America first – where it replaces the current Escape – it will be re-badged Kuga for Europe, arriving in the UK late next year.
The new model is a global car, just like the latest Focus and Fiesta, and has been developed under the One Ford philosophy. As a result, it will be sold largely unchanged in a variety of different markets.Â
The mild camouflage shows the company has stayed true to the original Vertrek concept, which debuted at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year. It retains the Vertrek’s sharp lines and Kuga-inspired shape, bringing in an updated front end with a thin upper opening, larger lower air intake with triangular grilles and bold LED headlights.Â
The sloping rear roofline and angular C-pillars of the Vertrek are carried over too. The whole car is finished off with rugged protective cladding for the bumpers, wheelarches and sills. Â
Also obvious is the longer wheelbase. Current Kuga customers have complained about a lack of space, so the new model has a 100mm longer wheelbase, which is also 50mm wider. Ford estimates that the Kuga will have 20 per cent more space inside as a result.
Under the bonnet, the Kuga will use the latest 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine as seen in the Focus, along with a host of TDCi diesels.
It is likely the next model will continue to offer part-time four-wheel drive as well as a regenerative braking system and stop-start. This will see CO2 figures tumble and efficiency increased, but expect a slight price hike over the existing model, which currently starts at £21,645.
For an alternative review of the latest Ford Kuga visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
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