You are a fan of SUV or hate? Big, voracious and look beautiful, only when washed — like there are a lot of them! Cute, true? Yes, true! After all, there are among them those that we love, those that are controlled as cars. And here is another replenishment in the lists of our favorites. Which car for every day from the Ford line is controlled best? Of course, Focus. So let’s take its beautiful platform, install a spectacular body, having previously increased the clearance, and connecting the Haldex clutch, we will act. What happened? Ford Kuga! Outside, the novelty presented in Geneva looks great. When moving from the IOSIS X concept car to the production of a serial car, the external attractiveness of the prototype was not lost. The impudent Kuga features distinguish a crossover from a number of fellow tribesmen on the segment. Although, as we have already said, to create an SUV, engineers took as a basis the aggregate base from Focus and C-Max, outwardly Kuga looks larger. Embossed wheel arches, a massive front with a trapezoidal grate of the radiator, high waterline and an impressive road clearance — these are the expressions that Kuga told the world about the involvement in the family of crossovers. Air intakes under the headlights and decor of the front wings give the appearance of aggression and sports. The back looks no less expressively due to large lanterns and two exhaust pipes sticking out from under the patch panel that goes under the bottom. Since you are a lover of SUVs, you should know that the secrets of its controllability and cross -country ability are primarily not in the transmission, but in the salon. “How is it?» — you ask. And very simple. What pleasure from driving can be obtained, sitting in an uncomfortable chair of an uncomfortable salon? That’s the same. The novelty has no such problems. It is likely that Kuga will be purchased both as an SUV and as a family car. It is very suitable for this role with capacity and spaciousness. Access to the trunk — through the back door, the department can be expanded by folding the seats. From the driver’s seat, the interior resembles C-Max-its central console migrated here, however, with additions. And Focus shared the instrument panel with Kuga. Finishing materials with tactile contact are pleasant and soft. It was convenient to sit down immediately: Kokpita has a complete set of electrical controls, and the steering wheel can be moved by departure and height. The landing is vertical, high: from the pilot’s chair the terrain is observed perfectly, the dimensions and the road situation are easily controlled. In the most expensive configuration, Kuga is equipped with an interior in the Titanium corporate style or neat, but also expressive Trend. He pleases the riders with atlase-blue and orange shades. The newcomer in terms of dimensions is inferior to Frelander and does not seem to promise the boundless abilities of off -road, but it is quite easier to do with tasks. The machine is equipped with a two-liter turbodiesel with a 6-speed mechanics, and soon a 5-cylinder 2 will appear. 5-liter gasoline turbo engine. Excellent manageability of the SUV makes it possible to frolic, like no other compact SUV. Ford really has a serious emphasis on the dynamics of control: there are three operating modes of the steering drive amplifier. Choosing a sports regime, it becomes clear: the control accuracy is much higher than that of many “hot” hatchbacks. The properties of the chassis also deserve kind words. In a bend, the SUV sticks to the asphalt, confidently passes the turn and again dives into the turn. There are no frightening rolls, excess or insufficient rotation. From other off -road skills, we note short overhangs that allow us to climb the slopes and move off them. Well, how not to mention the all -wheel drive system, in which up to 50% of the moment from the engine can be directed to the rear axle. The car is natural, consistent, possibly a little heavy in Sport and Comfort modes. Let the car go a little, but goes smoothly and calmly. We were a miracle — the best compact SUV! And sings properly for modern turbodiesel. And carbon dioxide emissions are only 169 g/km. Well, ate, SUV-adapters?
