Ford's Stylish And Spacious All-New Kuga Makes European Debut At 2012 Geneva Motor Show

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – March 6, 2012: The all-new Ford Kuga unveiled in Geneva builds on the huge success of the current model and introduces new technologies as well as a more streamlined, stylish and spacious design.

Technological improvements include the introduction of a hands-free automatic tailgate which can be opened and closed simply by kicking a foot under the rear bumper.

“Innovative technologies like the hands-free automatic tailgate clearly set new Kuga apart from its competitors,” said Ford of Europe’s chairman and CEO, Stephen Odell. “But more importantly they provide customers with everyday advantages. All-new Kuga is more spacious, dynamic and capable than the current model, which continues to be popular with our European customers.”

Ford’s advanced voice control, device integration and in-car connectivity system SYNC will also be available from launch. It will include Emergency Assistance, which upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, uses the on board GPS locator and Bluetooth-paired device to set up an emergency call and provide GPS co-ordinates, in the local language, for the emergency response.

A range of driver assistance technologies including the parallel parking aid Active Park Assist, and sensor-based Blind Spot Information System, which indicates with a warning light in the door mirror that a potential hazard is in the driver’s blind spot, will also be available.

The all-new Ford Kuga features 442 litres of boot space (82 litres more than the current model), while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button.

Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s executive design director, said: “We’ve evolved the vehicle to incorporate more space and a faster silhouette, a more precise execution and a higher quality feel.”

The smart Ford Kuga AWD system pre-emptively reassesses conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction. Dynamics and cornering control are improved by the introduction of the Torque Vectoring Control (TVC) system first found on the new Focus.

Engines available from launch in the UK in early 2013 include 140PS and 163PS versions of Ford’s popular 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine, with Ford Powershift automatic gearbox an option. Kuga will also offer the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, already available in Ford Focus and C-MAX and impressing with its strong torque delivery and high fuel efficiency.

The all-new Ford Kuga launches worldwide under the One Ford strategy, including in North America, where it is badged Escape. The Kuga is one of 10 cars to be built on the same medium car segment platform as the Ford Focus.