The Ford Kuga range has been expanded with the addition of an all-new 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente Automatic derivative for the first time, increasing the range to a total of eight models.
“The Ford Kuga offers exceptional space, comfort, versatility, trend-setting technology and eye-catching style, and now we’re making it even more accessible with the addition of an automatic transmission on the Ambiente model,” says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA).
“There’s a growing preference for automatic transmissions, particularly in the compact SUV segment, and the new Kuga Ambiente Automatic is poised to make a significant impact in its class due to its outstanding value for money, extensive list of smart features and the performance and efficiency offered by the 1.5 EcoBoost engine combined with the six-speed automatic transmission.”
As with the existing Trend derivative, the front-wheel drive automatic model – which incorporates SelectShift manual control – is powered by the 132 kW version of the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, which delivers an equally impressive 240 Nm of torque from 1 600 r/min all the way to 4 000 r/min. The Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost manual versions have a power output of 110 kW.
Combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 7.0 l/100km*, matched to a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 162 g/km*.
The Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente Automatic boasts a comprehensive set of features. As with the rest of the Kuga line-up, the renowned Ford SYNC® multimedia system with Bluetooth and Voice Control is standard, along with an auxiliary input and USB port. Remote audio controls are included on the steering wheel for added convenience.
An integrated 230v/150W power converter is fitted in the rear of the centre console, which makes it ideal as a family vehicle with the ability to charge portable devices. This is bolstered by 12v power points in the front and in the luggage compartment.
The comprehensive instrumentation incorporates a fully featured trip computer with EcoMode, shift indicator, seatbelt warning and ambient temperature gauge.
Semi-automatic air-conditioning is standard, along with cruise control with speed limiter function, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, electrically operated heated side mirrors, and power windows all-round with one-touch operation, plus the ability to open and close the windows via the remote control.
The safety package, which features a five-star Euro NCAP rating, is equally impressive, and includes dual front airbags, side and curtain airbags and driver knee airbag.
On the active safety front, the Kuga boasts ABS with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control and Hill Launch Assist.
As with the rest of the Kuga EcoBoost models, a 4-year/80 000km Service Plan is incorporated in the purchase price. This is complemented by a 4-year/120 000km Comprehensive Warranty and 3-year/unlimited km Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are every 20 000km.
Model range
| Derivative | Transmission | Power | Torque | Price |
| 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente | FWD Manual | 110kW | 240Nm | R328 900 |
| 1.5 EcoBoost Ambiente | FWD Automatic | 132kW | 240Nm | R344 900 |
| 1.5 EcoBoost Trend | FWD Manual | 110kW | 240Nm | R365 900 |
| 1.5 EcoBoost Trend | FWD Automatic | 132kW | 240Nm | R379 900 |
| 1.5 EcoBoost Trend | AWD Automatic | 132kW | 240Nm | R407 900 |
| 2.0 EcoBoost Titanium | AWD PowerShift | 177kW | 340Nm | R448 900 |
| 2.0 TDCi Trend | AWD PowerShift | 132kW | 400Nm | R433 900 |
| 2.0 TDCi Titanium | AWD PowerShift | 132kW | 400Nm | R468 900 |
*The declared fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures were acquired according to the technical requirements and specifications (SANS 20101: 2006 / ECE R101: 2005) within laboratory conditions, as stipulated by legislation. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are used to compare different vehicle types under uniform conditions and are not necessarily indicative of real-life driving conditions. Note that the actual fuel consumption and emission will depend on many factors including your driving habits, prevailing conditions and your vehicles equipment, condition and use.