2021 Ford Kuga 2.5 FHEV First Drive
2021 Ford Kuga ?
If you ought to have a 2021 Ford Kuga to your life, Ford sincerely has an engine choice to suit.
Theres one petrol, 3 diesels (one in all that is a moderate hybrid) and right hybrids - one traditional, one plug-in. Factor withinside the four-wheel-pressure variations to be had with a few and choosing the proper Kuga swiftly will become a brain-teaser.
Ford justifies imparting all this due to the fact the Kuga is now its ‘heartland’ vehicle. As a signal of the manner matters are heading, the Kuga and Puma SUVs had been each withinside the pinnacle 10 of UK vehicle income in April. The Focus? It slipped out of that pinnacle bracket.
We’re checking out the 2.five-litre Ford Duratec FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) here, with 187bhp and a 0-62mph time of 9.1sec (a torque determine isn’t to be had yet, because the homologation isn’t complete). It’s connected to a CVT, at the same time as a 1.1kWh battery and AC synchronous motor offer the electric assistance.
Official gas economic system and CO2 emissions are 49.6mpg and 131g/km respectively, that is at the cash for competitors which includes the Hyundai Tucson. As it’s a self-charging hybrid, you don’t get the gain of as tons electric powered-simplest variety, so the CO2 figures take a battering as compared with plug-in competitors.
Ford talks up the burden financial savings at the Mk3 Kuga, with masses of aluminium in locations which includes the suspension manipulate arms, plus lighter carpets and hole shock-absorbers. The organization claims an admirable 80kg saving overall, however it’s nonetheless a massive lump of a vehicle so recommendations the scales at 1701kg.
how that fill ?
2021 Ford Kuga As ever with a traditional hybrid, the Kuga begins offevolved silently on electric powered simplest, however it’s now no longer lengthy earlier than the 2.five-litre petrol engine kicks in - whatever above vehicle park-tempo begins offevolved it. To be fair, though, it’s a clean transition and the powertrain is essentially refined, with sufficient punch to make any type of adventure effortless.
The caveat above is right all the way down to the CVT: its quality for pottering about, however as quickly as you ask for more, it winds itself up, the engine be aware climbs to the pinnacle of the rev variety and there it stays, wailing away. It settles down once more after you ease off, however it lacks sophistication – and the Kuga PHEV with the identical gearbox one way or the other manages to comprise the whining better.
It’s a shame, due to the fact the auto is dynamically sound. The experience is at the organization aspect of consolation however, due to the fact it’s a Ford, the first rate damping controls the suspension over all bar the sharpest bumps.
Should I purchase one?
Of course, some of these right bits also are to be had in every other Kuga: the 2021 Ford Kuga PHEV one. It has a better price (by £2920) however a decrease tax bracket and an extended EV variety, plus you won’t pay attention the engine revving away as often.
Technical specs
Model tested: Ford Kuga 2.five Duratec FHEV ST-Line X Edition
Price: £34,735
Price as tested: £36,785
Engine: 4cyls inline, 2488cc; with everlasting magnet AC synchronous motor
Transmission: CVT automatic
Driveline layout: Front engine, front-wheel pressure
Power 187bhp 0-62mph 9.1sec
Top speed 122mph
Kerb weight (DIN) 1701kg
Fuel economic system 49.6mp CO2 131g/km
BIK tax band 31%