Alternative review of Ford Kuga

The 4x4 is a type of car that you either like or loath. Either their aggressive grilles, flared wheelarches and ability to tame mother nature's harshest terrain speak to you on a primeval level or you think they look a bit silly and over the top. Of course, there are different degrees of 4x4 and these days, the boundary between off-roader and conventional car has never been blurrier. Perhaps the non-believers should take another look at this controversial class of vehicle? If there's any model with the qualities to persuade them, Ford's Kuga must have a chance. The Ford Kuga puts up very little pretence of off-road ability. The manufacturer has taken the refreshing approach of creating a 4x4 that's designed to travel primarily on the public highway and why not? That's where the vast majority of 4x4 drivers stay. The Kuga has the high driving position and easier access of a 4x4 thanks to its tall shape and raised ride height. It also has 4x4 transmission that will allow it to tackle the gravel driveways and grassy banks owners might occasionally encounter while also providing enhanced grip on the tarmac. Importantly, however, by doing without the heavy-duty suspension needed for serious off-road driving and borrowing its underpinnings with the Ford Focus hatchback, the Kuga has the pedigree for a car-like driving experience. All that remains to be seen is how it stacks up in the real world.

The Kuga's looks are certainly appealing. Ford has managed to strike a neat balance between the cute and the sporty with the aggressive angles of its bold front end and the compact, stocky proportions of the vehicle as a whole. The interior is similarly easy to like with lots of classy chrome and aluminium finishes, particularly on the up-spec models, and controls that are straightforward to master. Space in the front is fine but the rear legroom will cause trouble for taller occupants. The boot measures in at 410 litres which is nothing special but that capacity can be accessed either by opening the full tailgate or raising the rear screen on its own, which is a nice touch. The second row of seating has a 60/40 split and can fold completely flat to maximise the load space. Underseat storage beneath the second row with further storage under the floor of the luggage compartment area offers maximum practicality. The Kuga has a generous luggage capacity of 1,355 litres when in two-seat mode.

Most of the versions that people actually buy are powered by a Ford 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. This unit has either 138bhp or a rounder-looking 161bhp. The difference between the performance of the two versions of this engine isn't great. Torque of 320Nm or 340Nm respectively and 0-60mph times of 10.4 and 9.6s will make a lot of people favour the more affordable 138bhp option. The alternative is Ford's 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol with 198bhp which moves the Kuga driving experience in a sporty direction but costs quite a bit more to run. Fuel economy shouldn't keep prospective owners awake at night, the 138bhp 2.0 TDCi engine returning a healthy 47mpg and carbon dioxide emissions are a similarly benign 159g/km. Go for the lighter 2WD model and these figures are improved to 48mpg and 156g/km.

4x4s have developed into a bit of a touchy subject over the last few years. These vehicles have grown enormously in popularity but their owners tend never to use them off-road. This means, or so the argument goes, that they're carrying around lots of redundant capability in that heavy four-wheel-drive system and unnecessarily expending the planet's resources as a result. Ford's Kuga manages to neatly side step such criticisms with its compact design and economical diesel engine. The Ford Kuga offers the key benefits of a small 4x4 with its high driving position and easy access but will do no more damage to the planet than your average family saloon car. With driving dynamics that are at or near the top of the class and head-turning styling thrown in, the Kuga looks a great choice for today's image conscious 4x4 buyer.

TOP 5 KUGA DEALS

The results below show the top KUGA deals on buyacar

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium 5dr Diesel Estate
Price £21,282 Read Kuga Reviews	Save £4,353
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 140 Titanium 5dr 2WD Diesel Estate
Price £19,636 Read Kuga Reviews	Save £3,999
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec 5dr 2WD Diesel Estate
Price £17,991 Read Kuga Reviews	Save £3,644
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 163 Titanium 5dr Powershift Diesel Estate
Price £22,578 Read Kuga Reviews	Save £4,602
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec 5dr Powershift Diesel Estate
Price £20,522 Read Kuga Reviews	Save £4,158
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