The word cougar has taken on some strange connotations of late. It now not only refers to a large feline predator, but it also to a two-legged feline predator of a certain age, who’s preferred prey is largely unsuspecting young dudes.
The latter is no doubt the target market for Ford’s sexy new compact SUV of the same name (albeit with up-to-the-minute, Urban Dictionary inspired spelling). The Ford Kuga is one of those SUVs that is born not to bash the bundu, but rather to fight for the best parking space available at Sandton City when the sales hit.
With that in mind Ford have put a lot into the Kuga, ensuring that it will make the driver purr with pleasure as she navigates the concrete canyons. The Kuga comes in two models – the Trend and the Titanium. Both feature identical engines, but the latter has quite a few more features that will make the 25 grand difference seem trivial for those sugar daddies with deep pockets.
To begin with, there’s a power start button so you don’t risk chipping a freshly painted nail by messing around with nasty old car keys. There’s the Bluetooth with Voice Control so you can run the world from your vehicle without ever taking your hands off the leather-covered steering wheel.
For music there is compatibility with all the new digital music sets as well as a USB port so you can plug your iPod right in there. The lush sounds emanate from no less than 8 speakers powered by a Sony stereo with remote audio controls on the steering. It’s the perfect set-up to soothe ragged nerves while winding your way home after a heavy round of meetings and power lunches.
Your gym-trim derriere will be comfortably ensconced in full leather seats (standard in both Trend and Titanium models) with a 6 way, power-operated driver seat. This comes with heating for both driver and passenger, so even in the dead of winter you can arrive at work feeling nice and toasty.
Passengers can sit back and relax with the arms resting on the fold-down centre armrest with cupholders – ideal for long journeys, especially if you need to separate testy children fighting for more rear seat real estate.
If you opt for the Titanium model you can create your own little micro-climate with separate climate control for driver and passenger. And, get this, it’s also voice controlled. How very kewl! Other little perks of the top of the range model include auto-dimming rear view mirror, heated windscreen and illuminated footwells, presumably so you can check if your toenail polish is properly applied.
The Titanium version also offers the increasingly popular panoramic roof feature, which includes two sunblinds and infra-red coating to filter out UV rays. Let the sun shine in!
Other little conveniences include a split tailgate for convenient loading and unloading of bags while shopping and rear bumper parking sensors (on the Titanium model) tell you that Ford have researched their target market well. Plus, if you need to throw in a particularly large or unwieldy load, the rear seats are split 60/40 and fold down completely flat.
One particularly clever widget is a fuel tank inlet that prevents the wrong fuel to be fed to your new car. It would be great to see this as a standard feature on all Fords!
The Kuga comes in a wide range of sexy colours, including Panther Black, and offers a choice of slinky designs in alloy wheels (the must-have accessory this season, dahlings!) ranging in size from 17 - 19 inches.
But what about under the hood? Well, Ford have ensured there is enough voomah there by installing its 2,5l Duratec turbo engine that shoves out a very decent 147KW with plenty of torque (320Nm to be precise). Not only that but Ford have equipped the Kuga with its intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.
Basically this means you have the correct amount of torque and traction being applied to individual axles (front or back or all together) depending on the conditions you find yourself in. So you get improved handling in wet and icy conditions and a much safer driving experience all round.
Speaking of safety, the Kuga is well-specced in this key department, thanks to Ford’s proprietary Intelligent Protection System which comes standard on both models. This monitors the readiness of the vehicle’s airbag system (dual front, side and curtain) as well as the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
All in all, the Ford Kuga is clearly a very well thought out and sophisticated package that will appeal to anyone looking for a capable and feisty lifestyle companion. Most importantly, it has plenty of that undefinable ‘oo-la-la’ factor and seems to be specifically targeted at the ladies, which is an interesting tactic from the manufacturer, best known for its super macho pick-ups.
Along with the new Ford Ranger and Ford Focus, the Kuga will no doubt do plenty to keep Ford fans lining up at the dealership doors. Visit McCarthy Ford and get behind the wheel of a Kuga today! Click Here
Price list :
Trend – From R375,000
Titanium – From R395,000
Includes 4 year/80 000km service plan
