Ford expands Kuga range

New engine and transmission options headline an expanded Ford Kuga range, though the biggest news is the introduction of a new tax-friendly model that will appeal to business and private buyers alike.

The new model ditches the Kuga's four-wheel drive system with the weight and friction reductions resulting in a substantial 10g/km reduction in CO₂ output.

Although the front-wheel drive Kuga also benefits from improved economy (46.3mpg versus the four-wheel drive model's 44.1mpg), the CO₂ figure of 159g/km puts this Kuga into a lower tax band in the UK's new VED scheme, while business buyers will be eligible for a 20% annual write down allowance against Corporation Tax.

Buyers of the front-wheel drive Kuga only have the option of the current 2.0-litre TDCi unit with 134bhp though an added benefit of the new model is a slight improvement in performance.

However, if performance is at the top of your list of priorities, then you'll be more interested in the new 2.5-litre turbocharged Kuga.

Utilising the same charismatic five-cylinder petrol engine found under the bonnet of the Ford Focus ST, it's just as well the Kuga retains four-wheel drive to keep its 197bhp and 236lb.ft of torque under control.

A five-speed automatic gearbox is optional with this engine, with the six-speed manual standard across the range.

As before, there are just two trim levels (Zetec and Titanium), with the 2.5-litre engine only available with the higher specification. The new two-wheel drive Kuga starts at £18,596, while the high performance model is £23,788 with a manual gearbox.

Shane O' Donoghue