Setting the Ford Ranger, Focus and Fiesta aside, there is this Ford Kuga in the SUV category that is so understated yet perform so much better than its competitors. Replacing the old Escape in Malaysia, the Kuga is the first to use the latest Ford's turbocharged, direct-injected Ecoboost 1.6-litre engine, which is capable of producing 178hp/240Nm of power.
Looking at the other top 2 SUVs in the market, one could see the competition is stiff. However, the Kuga is an Euro NCAP 5-star safety rated unit, inheriting all the best specifications it could have, which include ABS with ESP, EBA, Roll Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and the class leading airbags of 7 (driver's knee airbag, which is not available in CRV and Tucson). For other brands, you have to get the highest end unit to enjoy all the good stuff. Its design is also the most eye-pleasing, looking tough and forward, with a very nice Gingle Ale (green looking) colour. For those that need to access the boot often, the hands-free power tailgate sensor will trigger with gentle waving motion under the rear bumper, while having the key fob in your pocket. Cool feature without the additional cost...You could pay more to get similar feature in the BMW.
The Kuga is also the only car that uses a dual clutch transmission. Good or bad, the powershift unit uses dry clutch design, which could be problematic in our weather. However, there seems to be less complaint comparing to the VW's DSG. The same transmission is also being used in the Fiesta and Volvo V40.
With 9-speaker and a Sony head unit, this could be the best audio system among the competitors. However, the the tiny 4.2" control screen is a let down. All Ford models just could not have a good dashboard and meter cluster design. The blue needles in the meter cluster could be sporty to some, but could feel toy-ish to others.
Inheriting Ford's European design standard, the Kuga drives good. In fact, it is the best in its class. At RM157k, you get a fully loaded SUV that could stuff all your family luggage on travel comfortably and safely. The car comes with 60,000 km free service and carry a 5-year warranty, which provide peace of mind ownership. By the way, with a 1.6-litre engine, it is the most efficient and fuel economy SUV in the market now!
| Kuga 1.6 | CRV 2.4 | Tucson 2.4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 178HP/240Nm | 187HP/222Nm | 175HP/227Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Airbags | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wheel | 17" | 18" | 17" |
| Price | 157k | 165k | 159k |
Looking at the other top 2 SUVs in the market, one could see the competition is stiff. However, the Kuga is an Euro NCAP 5-star safety rated unit, inheriting all the best specifications it could have, which include ABS with ESP, EBA, Roll Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and the class leading airbags of 7 (driver's knee airbag, which is not available in CRV and Tucson). For other brands, you have to get the highest end unit to enjoy all the good stuff. Its design is also the most eye-pleasing, looking tough and forward, with a very nice Gingle Ale (green looking) colour. For those that need to access the boot often, the hands-free power tailgate sensor will trigger with gentle waving motion under the rear bumper, while having the key fob in your pocket. Cool feature without the additional cost...You could pay more to get similar feature in the BMW.
The Kuga is also the only car that uses a dual clutch transmission. Good or bad, the powershift unit uses dry clutch design, which could be problematic in our weather. However, there seems to be less complaint comparing to the VW's DSG. The same transmission is also being used in the Fiesta and Volvo V40.
With 9-speaker and a Sony head unit, this could be the best audio system among the competitors. However, the the tiny 4.2" control screen is a let down. All Ford models just could not have a good dashboard and meter cluster design. The blue needles in the meter cluster could be sporty to some, but could feel toy-ish to others.
Inheriting Ford's European design standard, the Kuga drives good. In fact, it is the best in its class. At RM157k, you get a fully loaded SUV that could stuff all your family luggage on travel comfortably and safely. The car comes with 60,000 km free service and carry a 5-year warranty, which provide peace of mind ownership. By the way, with a 1.6-litre engine, it is the most efficient and fuel economy SUV in the market now!
