Ford’s Smart SUV arrives in Ireland

THE all-new Ford Kuga which has arrived in Ireland is the most technologically advanced car that Ford has ever launched in Europe.

The car includes an array of new and upgraded technologies, including Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system; Curve Control (providing for safe cornering); segment first hands-free tailgate that operates with a gentle kicking motion; class-leading fuel efficiency; and Ford SYNC with Emergency Assist.

New Kuga delivers class-leading fuel economy through significantly improved fuel efficiency. Diesel engine fuel consumption has been improved by 10 per cent.

In Ireland, the new Kuga is available with a 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine with 140 PS in front-wheel drive and AWD versions.

The stylish new Kuga offers space for more luggage than the previous model and a luggage compartment that can be accessed more easily. Ford’s hands-free tailgate can be opened or closed simply by a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper to either open or close the powered tailgate; and new Kuga offers 46-litres more luggage compartment-space than the current model, while the rear seats fold flat in one movement.

The new Kuga was awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP after achieving an overall protection score of 88 per cent, the highest-ever for a mid-sized SUV. The independent vehicle safety organisation awarded the Kuga an Advanced reward for Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance. Upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, Emergency Assistance uses the on-board GPS locator and Bluetooth-paired device to set up an emergency call and provide GPS co-ordinates, in the local language.

The Kuga will be offered in two series: Zetec and Titanium.