Ford Motor Company and Mahindra Group entered a strategic partnership for product development in September, 2017. Under this alliance, Mahindra will leverage benefits of Ford’s expertise and global reach and Ford will expand its business in India via its sourcing and distribution experience. In this development, the American carmaker is reported to use the new Mahindra XUV500’s platform for its new C-segment SUV. While the name of the vehicle is yet to be revealed, it could be the Ford Kuga premium compact SUV.
In Ford’s Indian product lineup, the Kuga will sit between the EcoSport and Endeavour. In the premium SUV space, it will take on the Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Tucson. The upcoming Skoda Karoq and Honda HR-V will also give a tough fight to the new Ford SUV. Reports in media suggest that the Kuga might see a release towards the end of this year. Just to jog your memory, the carmaker imported the vehicle to India for R&D purposes in 2016.
Ford Kuga Key Features
– Hexagonal chrome grille
– Sweptback headlamps
– Pronounced bumper witha wider mesh air-dam
– Large alloy wheels
– Shorter rear glass
– All-black interior theme
– Large touchscreen with SYNC3 infotainment system
– Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, GPS navigation
– Dual zone climate control
– Multi-functional steering wheel
– Rear parking camera & sensors
– Six airbags
– ABS with EBD and brake assist Read: Ford FreeStyle Crossover Pictures & Details
PS – The aforementioned features are of global-spec model.
Ford Kuga Picture Gallery
Ford Kuga India Launch Date
Aiming to further expand its product lineup, Ford India might introduce an all-new premium SUV – Kuga/Escape. As of now, there is no official word about launch date and details of the vehicle. Though, this five-seater SUV is reported to roll out in late 2018. We will update you as soon as Ford announces anything on this. Read – New Ford Premium Hatchback Under Development
Ford Kuga Price in India
| Minimum | Rs 12 lakh |
| Maximum | Rs 18 lakh |
As mentioned above, the Ford Kuga will be positioned between the EcoSport and the Endeavour in terms of price and positioning. The India-spec model is likely to share its platform with the new-generation Mahindra XUV500. Reports suggest that Mahindra’s cost structure is 10-12% lower than Ford’s. This will not only help the American carmaker curb its manufacturing cost, but accelerate the product development procedure as well. If the new Ford five-seater urban premium SUV uses the XUV500’s platform, we can expect it to come with competitive price tag. The Ford Kuga price in India might start from Rs 12 lakh for the base model and go up to Rs 18 lakh for the top-spec variant. At this price point, it will field against the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson and other premium compact SUVs.
Ford Kuga India Specifications
| Specifications | Diesel | Petrol |
| Engine | 2.0L TDCi | 1.5L EcoBoost |
| Power | 147bhp/177bhp | 179bhp |
| Torque | 370Nm/400Nm | 177Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT | 6-speed Automatic or 6-speed MT |
In International markets, the Ford Kuga compact SUV is offered with two powertrains – a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel and a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol. The Duratorq oil burner comes fitted with a lean NOX trap for cleaner exhaust emissions, a variable nozzle turbocharger and a special Diamond like coating for minimizing friction. It can make a maximum power of 147bhp and 370Nm of peak torque. This motor also comes with a more powerful tune offering power worth 177bhp against 400Nm of torque.
On the other hand, the petrol unit is good enough for 179bhp and 177Nm of torque. Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost unit is benefited with twin-independent variable cam timing and high-pressure direct fuel injection system. Transmission choices on offer could be a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed SelectShift automatic unit. The SUV could be brought either front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive system (AWD). Engine details of the India-bound model are yet to be revealed. Read – Upcoming Ford Cars in India
Ford Kuga India Exterior
Some of the design and styling bits of the new Kuga have been carried over from the EcoSport compact SUV and new Edge large SUV. Face of the SUV has aggressive appeal, thanks to its large upper trapezoidal grille flanked by sweptback headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The prominent front bumper accommodates a wider mesh air-dam and fog lamps on either side with mesh surrounds. The large alloy wheels, chunky bonnet and the quarter glass pane after the C-pillar give the side profile a much-needed sporty character. The SUV comes with a new range of alloy wheels (17-18 and 19 inch) with multiple finishes including Luster Nickel. Round the back, the SUV sports revised taillamps, shorter rear glass and muscular bumper. Read About – Ford Figo 2018 | Ford Aspire 2018
Ford Kuga India Interior
The all-black interior theme looks quite premium and sporty. Ford’s kinetic design language is clearly visible in the dashboard layout. The multi-functional steering wheel has mounted air-conditioning and other controls. The automatic version of the SUV features paddle-shift controls on the steering wheel. The centre console features Ford’s new SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and GPS navigation. Other key features include dual-zone climate control, push-button start, rear AC vents, rear parking camera & sensors, etc. Read – Ford Endeavour 2018 – All You Need To Know
With respect to safety, the SUV gets six airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and brake assist. It also gets Ford’s advanced technologies including torque vectoring control, curve control, all-wheel-drive system and adaptive front lighting system.
