FORD KUGA
Ford’s compact SUV has been a big hit with young families and is the best-selling diesel car in the UK.
The Ford Kuga is a huge car for the UK market and in turn, Synergy lease customers too. It’s Britain’s most popular diesel car in terms of sales, with over 3,000 a month finding new homes across the UK. Here at Synergy, its winning combination of enjoyable driving characteristics, style, and great value for money have made it a popular choice.
It was 2008 when the first generation of Ford Kuga came along, but the current car is the second generation of the SUV that has seemingly grown and grown in popularity over the years. 2020 is the year we’re expected to see the third generation of the Kuga, a car that could have a hybrid powertrain, but for now the Kuga is powered by either petrol or diesel engines, with the latter being the more popular choice.
Heading the diesel line-up is the 1.5-litre turbo with its output of 118bhp, 137g/km of CO2, and a claimed 54mpg. This engine is only available with the front-wheel drive version of the Kuga, though is still a popular choice as many Synergy customers don’t necessarily require all-wheel drive capability that the 2.0-litre turbo diesel provides. That engine comes in 3 power outputs – 118bhp, 148bhp and 178bhp. Manual and automatic gearbox options can be chosen with this engine, with the 6-speed manual often being preferred to the ‘Powershift’ automatic, though personal preference plays a key role here.
Though the Kuga makes headlines for being a popular diesel car, the petrol engines on offer are strong performing units in their own right. Badged as ‘Ecoboost’ the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre units are available in various states of tune and are often the preferred choice of Synergy customers who cover a lower than average annual mileage.
All Ford Kuga’s come with air condition, cruise control, Ford’s clever ‘Quickclear’ heated windscreen and keyless entry. ‘ST-Line’ has shown itself to be a desirable trim level as it gives the Kuga a sportier look without the additional running costs of a sportier engine. That model gets upgraded sports suspension, a lot of ‘ST-Line’ interior and exterior touches and an enhanced parking assistance system. For an extra touch of luxury and another different look, the new ‘Vignale’ trim level is the way to go and is Ford’s top level of trim in many of its vehicles.