12 Sep 07
Ford's Focus-based Kuga is scheduled to go on sale next year as a direct competitor for Nissan's successful Qashqai. Like the Nissan, the Ford is billed as a crossover rather than a serious SUV, reflecting its limited off-road ambitions and conveniently distancing it from worries over the political correctness of 4x4s.
Using elements from the Iosis X shown in Paris 12 months ago, the Kuga revealed at Frankfurt is very similar to the Qashqai in both concept and execution, so it rides high but has a car-like cabin. It has a part-time four-wheel-drive system; in normal use only the front wheels are driven, but the rear wheels join in automatically if the car starts to lose grip.
Ford says the Kuga is very close to the final-production car, with a higher roof line than the Iosis X. Expect the production version to lose the 19" alloys, orange piping and white paint, but to keep the practical split tailgate.
The concept Kuga's 2.0-litre diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox will be offered, and expect other engine-transmission options as available in the Focus range.
Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage
