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Firstly, I know that this review might be a bit pointless, as I know the new Ford Kuga will be in the showrooms very shortly. But for anyone who may be interested, I will give my opinions based on the four weeks I have had the vehicle.
The model I chose was the ST-Line 1.5 ecoboost (petrol) 6 speed manual. I wanted a white one, and Mrs Brighton Steve wanted a blue one, so naturally we ended up with a blue one, although to be fair I love the chrome blue now.
Before we get into the fuel economy arguments that seem to plague the Ford (and other) forums, I was well aware that I was getting a near two tonne SUV with a small engine and that my MPG was likely to be around 30 – 35 MPG. But the reasons for going for the Kuga in the first place was never based on fuel economy. That said, I am certainly not a rich person by any means, I just wanted to drive something comfortable, easily accessible and large enough to take my grandchildren on the odd day out.
Before I go on, I don’t know how many members come from Sussex or the surrounding area, but anyone considering a Ford, I cannot recommend Dinnages Brighton highly enough. Their Motability specialist Lewis Smith was brilliant, nothing was too much trouble for him, and the whole experience with Ford was a pleasant one for us.
Onto my initial thoughts on the car itself, I find it much easier to get in and out of than I did with my C Max, I also love the higher driving position of the SUV. I was slightly bothered that going from an auto back to manual after six years would have a negative effect on me. But I need not have worried as I have found driving to be fun again. The clutch is very light and the gearbox very smooth. I have just completed 1300 miles in these first four weeks and do not feel anymore fatigued for having changed from auto.
The seats are very comfy with a lot more support than in my last car, the lumbar support is more precise and I don’t need the cushion for my backside that i used in the Cmax. After reading various reports online about the ST with either the 18 or 19 inch wheels being a very hard ride, I feel that the 18’s on mine seem fine.
I also think that the step up from the Sync 2 to the Sync 3 is very good, and I love Android Auto. I like that you can use Google maps or other apps like Waze, instead of the car’s own sat nav, I also like using Google assistant, as I find it seems to understand what I’m trying to say. I have to say that I have had the DAB drop signal a couple of times with Sync 3, but that never happened once on the Sync 2, cannot really explain that one.
I went for the ST-Line as it was the best spec that I could afford and I thought it looked nicer than the Zetec or the Titanium, and it came as standard with the appearance pack (tinted windows, roof rails and 18″ alloys) I would have loved to have been able to step up to the ST-Line X edition as that had the reversing camera and 19″ alloys along with a few other bits and bobs. That being said I am very happy with the car and I still smile when I come out of the house and see it, so I must have done something right.
Is it practical? Yes, Does it look nice? Yes and do I think I made the right choice? Yes. I believe If you can answer those three questions with a yes, then I think you haven’t gone too far wrong. My only comment (not a gripe) is the fact it is a biggish car and likes a drink, but as I said earlier, I knew that before I ordered it.
Sorry if this review is a bit pointless with the new model out soon, but I figured it might help someone.
A couple of pics for you………..
22 reg Hyundai i20 Ultimate bi tone white with black roof
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Doh, I forgot to mention the really important thing, that my scooter and my manual wheelchair fits in the boot no problem, even though the boot is smaller than the C Max.
22 reg Hyundai i20 Ultimate bi tone white with black roof
Very informative thanks for taking the time Steve, sounds like you made a good choice and Enjoying it already. Great to hear.
Glad you’re enjoying your choice Steve. Ultimately that’s the bit that matters. Yes, that chrome blue is attractive. Let us know after some more miles what you are averaging.
Nice colour, probably one of the last proper “SUV” looking motors out there, all the new one’s are getting more like the “crossover” style at the expense of height/space for style, shame.
Great review steve, im collecting mine on the 1st nov i went for the same as you but chose the magnetic grey 2.0 diesel manual looking forward to it
Mine will be going back in April after 5 years 3 months (hopefully if allspace delivered by then)
Got to say I will be sad to see it go.
Very,very reliable as with currently 90k miles the only fault has been the washer bottle pump failed.
Great ride like a car rather than an SUV. Only criticism is the poor fuel consumption. 38mpg from 2.0 180ps awd manual diesel.
Drives like a flying machine for the size of vehicle but being unable to knock it down to 2wd really affects economy.
Shame the new one isnt on the scheme now.
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