2011 Ford Kuga Preview

The Ford Kuga is coming to the US -- but it maybe marketed as a Ford Escape

The Ford Kuga is a small compact SUV that has never been available in the United State. Fans of the car waiting for it to enter the US will have to wait a little longer. Ford Motors company stopped making the cars in Europe at the end of last year.

Production for the car ceased when Ford announced plans to close its Germany factory in Sarlouis. A new facility making the vehicle will open in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kuga resembles a cross between a station wagon and a sport utility vehicle and continues the trend of combining classes of cars to suit different purposes.

The car resembles the Ford Escape, but has a slightly longer wheel base. Unlike the Escape, Ford's smaller SUV comes with front wheel drive standard. A customer can choose to get an all-wheel drive vehicle. When the vehicle was initially released in Europe, it came with a six speed manual transmission. Ford plans to give US users the option of stick shift or automatic transmission when the car is released.

What is not certain is if Ford Motors will keep the Kuga name or decide to market it to US customers as a different version of the Escape. The newer models use a slightly more aerodynamic body type than the Escape and get slightly better gas mileage.

The preliminary review below was for the now canceled 2011 Ford Kuga

Specifications

These were the specs we knew about the 2011 Ford Kuga:

• Pricing: currently unknown. It is likely that the US Kuga will be priced differently than the European Kuga, due to differences in taxation.
• Fuel economy: 37 mpg for current model
• Engine: 2.0-liter, 161 horsepower four cylinder diesel engine. A 2.5-liter, 200 hp gasoline model is in development. Prior to its US release, a 2.0-liter, 145 hp four-cylinder gasoline engine will probably be available.
• Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 9.4 seconds
• Car safety features: should include standard airbags, stability control, and Trailer Stability Assist
• Suspension: suspension provides a comfortable, car-like ride
• Warranty: three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty; five-year/60,000 mile powertrain and roadside assistance warranties; five-year corrosion warranty

Exterior Features

The exterior of the 2011 Ford Kuga is more aerodynamic and stylish than the current Escape. It’s “kinetic design” is different than other vehicles on the American market. This vehicle is likely to offer a large sunroof, heated windshield, roof rails, and backup camera.

Interior Features

The 2011 Ford Kuga’s longer wheelbase allows the vehicle to have a roomier cabin than some other crossover SUVs. The vehicle does have a smaller cargo hold than many other vehicles, with a capacity of 47.9 cubic feet. The materials that make up the Kuga feel like they are premium quality. Keyless ignition, a sunroof, heated windshield, two-zone climate control, and a rear camera are also included with this vehicle.

Performance

The 2011 Ford Kuga is about the same size as the Ford Escape, but it is a more economical and stylish car. The Kuga is also nicer to drive than the Escape. The vehicle currently has a six-speed manual transmission, but prior to its introduction in the US, an automatic transmission should be available.

How the Ford Kuga Compares to Other Economy Cars

The 2011 Ford Kuga will likely have some differences from the European model, but it should be an improvement on the current Ford Escape. How the final version will rank against the competition remains to be seen. These are likely to be some of the Kuga’s top competitors:

• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4
• Mitsubishi Outlander

The Kuga is currently manufactured in Germany, but will be manufactured in the United States in upcoming years. A release date for the Ford Kuga in the United States is currently unknown.