Ford Kuga PHEV delivers impressively in all areas

Ford is working on some pure EVs in this segment and in this they are a bit behind the competition but maybe they were right to take their time as now the ban on the sale of new ICE (Internal Combustion Engined) vehicles has been pushed out to 2035 and maybe even further who knows!

The revised and updated Kuga I am testing here then is the plug-in hybrid promising up to 56 km of electric driving from its plug-in battery and electric motor. 

The Kuga has been a great seller for Ford so the arrival of this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) will no doubt broaden its appeal. The model on test this week is the S-Line specification so how does it stack up against rivals?

First Impressions

Stylish, trendy and contemporary looking best describes the new Kuga. It really looks very well indeed. My test car was finished in dark metallic blue and with the grey alloy wheels, the combination does look classy.

Behind The Wheel

The cabin is equally impressive with clear logically laid out digital instruments, very comfortable and supportive 10 way electrically adjustable and heated sports front seats, a centrally mounted touchscreen and lots of standard kit.

The digital instrument display is beautifully clear, thankfully uncluttered with useless information and easy to read. The central touchscreen works well but frankly the graphics look a bit dated now. It has Apple Car Play but its not wireless (needs to be via a cable) to work which again is now a bit behind what rivals offer.

That all said great praise must be given to Ford for sticking with proper buttons for the main functions, such as climate control, heated seats etc. I am constantly infuriated by some manufacturers' insistence in putting all functions through a touch screen. It’s not safe and should be banned.

A simple easy-to-use tactile button (without having to endlessly produce a distracting touchscreen) works much better. Ford well done here!

The high driving position gives an excellent view of the road ahead while the level of standard equipment is very good indeed. It is a super package.

So What is under the bonnet?

Some may be surprised to learn it's a quite large capacity 2.5 litre Duratec 4 cylinder petrol which is mated to an auto CVT gearbox in combination with a 14.4kWh battery and an electric motor. With some 225 PS available performance as you might expect is good. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

I achieved a real world 50km on EV power only from a full charge which is very close to Ford’s claim. Equally impressive is that  I found the Kuga is able so put quite a bit of charge back in the battery from regenerative braking and the engine meaning even when you run out of battery the car is able to produce some charge to the battery giving some limited EV driving without having plugged back in to fully re charge. This is most impressive.

I tested it from an empty battery on a 10km journey and 3.4 km of that was EV driving and that’s starting with an empty battery!

Overall fuel consumption during my week's test was just 5.1 litres per 100km again impressive.

Road Behaviour

The  Kuga is nicely set up with a decent level of ride comfort and solid safe handling. There is a little body roll in tighter corners but not unduly so. Noise levels are commendably low and the car generally feels pretty refined. Accommodation is very good both front and rear and the boot is a decent size 

Verdict

Overall then the Kuga is a competent, stylish crossover SUV. I like the detail touches, the Kuga impresses in all areas! It's one of the best PHEVs I have tested of late. With superb build quality and great standard kit its a very appealing hybrid SUV. The new Kuga PHEV costs as tested €53,876.

Lots more from Hugh Maguire in Express Motoring.