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Kuga's the crossover king
Ford Kuga
On sale in the UK summer 2008, the new Ford Kuga will be unveiled to the public at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show in near production form. This trend-setting newcomer takes many of its design ideas from the iosis X concept shown at the Paris Motor Show last year.
Combining elements of SUV and estate car design with a coupé-like profile in a package similar in size to a Focus hatchback, the Kuga is the latest showcase for Ford's acclaimed kinetic Design.
The Ford Kuga will boast an intelligent all-wheel-drive system which contributes positively to normal road use and helps give an almost sporty dynamic ability for those who want to use it cross country.
Kuga's powertrain will feature Ford's established and fuel efficient 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine, mated to the slick Durashift six-speed manual transmission. Further details of the Kuga powertrain will be released closer to launch in early 2008.
Adopting many of the styling cues from Ford's iosis X Concept, and finished in the same unique "Ice White" body colour with the bold wheel arches filled with the same 19 –inch alloy wheels, the Kuga has poise and presence. The athletic look is highlighted by bold features such as the trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line and kick-up of the rear window graphic and the dramatic swept back headlamp shapes.
For the production Ford Kuga the roof profile of the iosis X Concept has been adjusted to a slightly higher silhouette offering comfortable accommodation for five people. Practicality is a key attribute and the luggage compartment is accessed via a split tailgate. Together with the divided rear lights this ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading.
Inside, fine leathers and striking orange piping dominate. The Ebony interior is set off by a centre console and details in the door which also feature the piano-white finish from iosis X.
A hint of the technology coming in Kuga, and other future Ford models, is seen in the new Blaupunkt navigation system which incorporates a 7-inch colour display to also show images from a rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate
Innovative Kuga Crossover will be revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show
Inspired by the iosis X Concept revealed in Paris 2006
On-road Focus DNA with 'intelligent' AWD for substantial off-road ability
Powered by Ford's efficient 2.0-litre 136PS TDCi engine
New special edition Focus ST 500
Building on the fantastic success story of Focus ST only 500 of this limited edition model will be built. The Focus ST 500 is based on the Focus ST3 but with some additional unique features.
Key features additional to Focus ST3
- Black metallic paint and Sport appearance pack (Silver side, bonnet, roof and boot stripes) - echoing the Ford GT-40 1-2-3 win at Le Mans in 1966 where the winning car featured black and silver stripe livery.
- Unique Red Leather interior seat trim and floor mats
- Unique Exterior and Interior ST 500 badge
- Visibility Pack, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers and auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Solar Reflect Windshield
- All options available on Focus ST3 are available for Focus ST 500
Focus ST3 standard features
- 18" 5-spoke alloy wheels with 225/40 WR18 Continental tyres
- Exclusive ST sports body styling and large rear spoiler
- Recaro front sports seats with driver 8-way adjustment
- Three-spoke ST sports steering wheel
- Unique ST instrument cluster with white illumination
- Auxiliary instrument pod housing turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature gauges
- Brushed aluminum gear knob with red six-speed gate graphic
- Aluminum sports pedals with rubber pads
- Jet black headlining and A-pillar trim
- Unique ST scuff plates
- High-performance front and rear disc brakes
- Chrome-tipped dual sport exhaust tailpipes
- Availability of unique, limited edition Electric Orange tri-coat metallic paint
- 2.5-litre turbo five-cylinder Duratec ST engine - 225PS
- MP3-compatible Sony CD/radio system
- Xenon Headlamps
- Heated front windscreen
- ESP traction and stability management
- 10-way adjustable Recaro front seats
- Full leather trim
- Sony six-CD auto-changer
- Heated front seats
- Rear sculptured French seats
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