Cork, 27 May, 2008 – The new Kuga, Ford’s first entry in the compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment, is set to benefit from the Government’s emissions-based taxation regime starting in July.

 

Prices will start at €32,565, a saving of over €2,700 on the pre-July price. At just 169 g/km, the Kuga achieves the lowest emissions in its class. It has also claimed best-in-class NCAP safety ratings, with a 5 star rating for adult occupancy protection.

 

Making Ford’s kinetic Design language a stunning reality, Kuga is the newest model from Ford’s acclaimed C-car platform– well proven in both the Ford Focus and the Ford C-MAX. With Kuga, the designers and engineers have successfully integrated all the key driver and passenger requirements for a crossover model into the distinctive new design.

 

Well-balanced and beautifully proportioned, the dynamic Kuga provides spacious accommodation for driver and passengers despite being based on a compact footprint.

 

A high quality interior has been designed to complement the exterior to offer a highly practical and contemporary vehicle. These styling elements combined with the new drive systems and proven powertrain are a clear invitation to customers to 'Feel the difference'.

 

The Kuga comes in both front wheel drive and intelligent all-wheel-drive, in both Zetec and Titanium specification series. The compact SUV is powered by the engaging 2.0 TDCi Duratorq 136PS powertrain.

 

Standard on the Zetec is Electronic Stability Programme, 6 airbags as part of Ford’s Intelligent Protection System, air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, 6-speaker remote radio CD, electric heated door mirrors, front fogs, trip computer, keyless start with Ford Power button, body colour rear spoiler and leather steering wheel.

 

The sporty Titanium boasts, in addition, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, cruise control, partial leather trim, tinted glass, automatic wipers and headlights and auto-dimming rear view mirror.

 

A panorama roof, heated seats, deflation detection system and solar reflective windscreen are among the high-tech options.

 

Kuga is launched in Ireland in the same week that it has attained a best-in-class result in NCAP safety tests. It has received a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection, 4-star for child occupant protection and 3-star for pedestrian protection. This is an unprecedented achievement in its segment.

 

“Kuga is quite literally a vehicle for its time,” comments Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. ”It enters a burgeoning marketplace for the compact SUV with the lowest CO2 emissions out there. That’s timely, of course, as it brings with it big savings when the July tax regime comes in. People might not expect an SUV to benefit from an emissions–based tax system. Kuga does, because its emissions are lower than those of even a Mondeo 1.6 petrol.”

 

The Kuga Zetec FWD is available in July from €32,565 with the all wheel-drive version from €34,400, a reduction of €2,880 over the pre-July price.

 

“Kuga also represents the state of the art when its comes to safety in the segment – a family segment where much emphasis is placed on child protection in particular,“ continues Eddie Murphy. “The inclusion of ESP as standard is a major part of this. I believe the car has class-leader written all over it.”

 

KUGA	ENGINE			CO2	VRT%	PRICE*
Zetec	2.0TDCI 136PS	5 Dr	6 Speed FWD	165	24	€32,565
Zetec	2.0TDCI 136PS	5 Dr	6 Speed 4WD	169	24	€34,400
Titanium	2.0TDCI 136PS	5 Dr	6 Speed FWD	165	24	€37,155
Titanium	2.0TDCI 136PS	5 Dr	6 Speed 4WD	165	24	€38,995

* Gross retail prices effective 1 July 2008, excl. delivery and related charges.