Ford finally released the official photos and details on the Ford Kuga that will be presented in Frankfurt. The Ford Kuga is inspired by the iosis X concept that was revealed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.
The latest showcase for Ford's 'kinetic design', the Ford Kuga will be powered by a 2.0 liter 136 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.
The Ford Kuga is the first crossover designed and developed in-house by Ford of Europe and will be produced in Germany.
Ford Press Release:
KUGA'S THE CROSSOVER KING
- Innovative Ford Kuga Crossover will be revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show
- Inspired by the iosis X Concept revealed in Paris 2006
- On-road Focus DNA with 'intelligent' AWD for substantial off-road ability
- Powered by Ford's efficient 2.0-litre 136PS TDCi engine
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 05 September, 2007 – Ford's product portfolio is expanding again – and in another new direction. The new Ford Kuga is an exciting AWD crossover that combines style with
technology and promises impressive on-road dynamics coupled with substantial off-road ability.
On sale in the UK summer 2008, the new Ford Kuga will be unveiled to the public at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show in near production form. This trend-setting newcomer takes many of its design ideas from the iosis X concept shown at Paris Motor Show last year.
Combining elements of SUV and estate car design with a coupe-like profile in a package similar in size to a Focus hatchback, the Ford Kuga
is the latest showcase for Ford's acclaimed kinetic design.
The Ford Kuga will boast an intelligent all-wheel-drive system which contributes positively to normal road use and helps give an almost sporty dynamic ability for those who want to use it cross country.
Ford Kuga's powertrain will feature Ford's established and fuel efficient 2.0-litre,
136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine, mated to the slick Durashift six-speed manual transmission. Further details of the Ford Kuga powertrain will be released closer to launch in early 2008.
Adopting many of the styling cues from Ford's iosis X Concept, and finished in the same unique "Ice White" body color with the bold wheel arches filled with the same 19 –inch alloy wheels, the Ford Kuga has poise and presence. The athletic look is highlighted by bold features such as the trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line and kick-up of the rear window graphic and the dramatic swept back headlamp shapes.
For the production Ford Kuga the roof profile of the iosis X Concept has been adjusted to a slightly higher silhouette offering comfortable accommodation for five people. Practicality is a key attribute and the luggage compartment is accessed via a split tailgate. Together with the divided rear lights this ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading.
Inside, fine leathers and striking orange piping dominate. The Ebony interior is set off by a center console and details in the door which also feature the piano-white finish from iosis X.
A hint of the technology coming in Ford Kuga, and other future Ford models, is seen in the new Blaupunkt navigation system which incorporates a 7-inch color display to also show images from a rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate
FRANKFURT PREVIEW FOR NEW FORD KUGA CROSSOVER
COLOGNE, Germany, September 5, 2007 – Ford is releasing the first details of its new Ford Kuga crossover at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the car will be previewed ahead of production early in 2008. The Ford Kuga will be previewed alongside the new Ford Verve Concept small car and other exciting new products yet to be revealed on the show's first press day, September 11th.
The All-New Ford Kuga in Brief
- Stylish Ford Kuga crossover will be previewed at Frankfurt Motor Show in near production form ahead of sales launch in early 2008
- Inspired by the iosis X Concept that was revealed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show
- Ford Kuga is the latest showcase for Ford's 'kinetic design'
- Impressive on-road driving dynamics with substantial off-road ability
- Model range features 'intelligent' 4WD and FWD systems
- Powered by Ford's acclaimed 2.0-litre 136 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine
- Benefits from strong Ford Focus lineage
- First crossover designed and developed in-house by Ford of Europe
- To be produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany
Ford of Europe's product portfolio is expanding again – and in another new direction. The new Ford Kuga is an exciting 4WD crossover that combines style with technology and promises impressive on-road dynamics coupled with substantial off-road ability.
The new Ford Kuga will go on sale throughout Europe during the first half of 2008. "When we unveiled the stunning iosis X Concept car at the 2006 Paris Motor Show I promised that in less than two years we would enter this segment with an all-new vehicle developed and built in-house," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe.
"In delivering that promise, the commitment we also gave in Paris two years ago to add new and exciting niche vehicles to a newly energized Ford of Europe portfolio was also kept," Fleming added.
"Ford Kuga offers a rare blend of a wagon and SUV features together with coupe-like sporting qualities," said Stephen Odell, Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.
"A major element of our strategy to return the Ford of Europe business to sustained profitability is the introduction of exciting new products – like Ford Kuga – that attract new customers to the brand," explained Odell. "The S-MAX proved to us that there is demand for vehicles which offer the customer universal usability for work, leisure and family roles and where "driving pleasure" is also very important."
Unmistakably a Ford
One of the challenges of the Ford Kuga development team was to give the vehicle Ford's acknowledged driving quality while at the same time delivering substantial off-road ability.
For this reason, the Ford Kuga will be available with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system which contributes positively to normal road use and helps give the vehicle an almost sporty dynamic ability. The fact that the Ford Kuga will also be available as a front-wheel-drive only version simply emphasizes the crossover concept of the vehicle.
Ford Kuga's powertrain will feature Ford's established and highly fuel efficient 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine mated to a Durashift 6-speed manual transmission. Further details of the Ford Kuga powertrain will be released closer to launch in early 2008.
Kuga Design - Standing Out
"Our kinetic design form language is very flexible and is giving an exciting look to all our new vehicles," said Martin Smith, Executive Design Director, Ford of Europe. "The iosis XConcept demonstrated how kinetic design could be adapted to the C-sized crossover segment of the market. All the expressive design elements of iosis X are clearly visible in the production vehicle. The new Ford Kuga is a dramatic addition to the Ford portfolio which develops our brand significantly."
Ford Kuga closely follows the proportions and basic dynamic forms of the iosis X. This relationship is enhanced by the paint finish in the same unique 'Ice White' body color and the bold wheel arches are filled with the same alloy wheels, as seen on iosis X which will be available to customers as a 19-inch option. Strength and athleticism in the design are key attributes of Ford's 'kinetic design' philosophy. Ford Kuga demonstrates this through its dynamic lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic form language is highlighted with the bold kinetic graphics such as the trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line and kick-up of the rear window graphic and the dramatic swept back headlamp shapes.
For the production Ford Kuga the coupe-like roof profile of the iosis X Concept has been adjusted to a slightly higher silhouette offering comfortable accommodation for five people.
The luggage compartment is accessed via a split tailgate and this, together with the divided rear lights, ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading.
Finally, the rear end design of Kuga also incorporates the graphic elements of 'kinetic design' such as the high mounted tail lamps, facetted rear glass and sculptured rear bumper. The rear bumper neatly integrates the tailpipes into the contours of the diffuser.
Kuga Interior – Space and Comfort
The interior of the new Ford Kuga has a spacious feel – and not just because of the large panoramic glass roof fitted to the preview model and available as an option in production.
The clean, ergonomic design of the instrument panel and center stack converge into a voluminous center console for maximum accessible storage. These interior components contribute to a comfortable surrounding for the driver and front seat passenger. The high seat and shoulder line position of the doors offers the opportunity for maximum glazed areas to give a light and airy environment for passengers and provides the driver a commanding view of their surroundings.
The materials chosen for Ford Kuga's interior also demonstrate the close links to the iosis X Concept. In Ford Kuga we see once again technical materials, fine leathers and striking orange piping. The Ebony interior is set off by a center console and details in the door which also feature the piano-white finish from iosis X. All these elements together show how Ford intends to enable Ford Kuga customers in the future to personalize their vehicle.
A hint of the technology coming in Ford Kuga is seen in the new Blaupunkt navigation system which incorporates a 7" color display to also show images from a rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate. This new feature, to aid reversing maneuvers, will find its way to the production version of the Ford Kuga.
"We're very excited about Ford Kuga, and believe that its blend of great looks, compact exterior dimensions, superb on-road driving quality, spacious and high quality interior and good off-road ability will allow it to stand out from the crowd," said Fleming. "We can't wait to see it on and off road early next year"
