Ford is expanding the range of its European market crossover, the Kuga, with the addition of a 2.0-litre TDCi 2WD (diesel) and a 2.5-liter Turbo gasoline engine. Retaining the existing Kuga's 136HP 2.0-litre diesel unit but with a CO2 output of just 159g/km, the new front-wheel-drive version delivers both enhanced fuel economy (46.1 UK mpg for the 2WD vs 44.1 UK mpg for the AWD) and cost benefits from the legislation changes in the U.K. in April next year.Priced from £18,595.64, the Kuga 2WD will especially benefit business customers who will be eligible for a 20 percent write down allowance against Corporation Tax for a car with less than 160g/km CO2 (compared with 10 per cent over 160g/km). Private buyers will also profit from the model's improved fuel economy as it falls into the new sub-160g/km banding for Vehicle Excise Duty.
The new performance flagship model for the Kuga range, pairs AWD with the a detuned version of the Focus ST's 2.5-litre Turbo engine. With an output of 200HP and torque of 320Nm (between 1,600 and 4,000rpm) the five-cylinder petrol-engined Kuga powers from standstill to 62mph in 8.2sec and on to a top speed of 129mph when mated with the six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic transmission is alternatively available with this engine. U.K. market prices for the Kuga 2.5T begin from £23,788.30.
FORD KUGA ZETEC
2.0l Duratorq (136PS) TDCi, 2WD - £18,595.64
2.0l Duratorq (136PS) TDCi, AWD - £20,460.64
FORD KUGA TITANIUM
2.0l Duratorq (136PS) TDCi, 2WD - £20,553.09
2.0l Duratorq (136PS) TDCi, AWD - £22,418.09
2.5 Duratec 6-spd manual (200PS) AWD - £23,788.30
2.5 Duratec 5-spd auto (200PS) AWD - £24,962.77
