2019 Ford Kuga SUV Sets Reveal Date Next Week
Ford has set the date for the newest addition to their crossover lineup, the third-generation 2019 Ford Kuga SUV. Officially, the crossover will be revealed with much fanfare imaginable on April 2, Tuesday. The crossover is based on the same platform used in the Ford Focus.
Dealers and even potential buyers shouldn’t be on their feet right now, though, as the Mk3 Kuga will only arrive in dealerships towards the end of 2019. The Kuga is set to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Renault Kadjar. It also aims to boost the brand’s reputation and image in Europe.
In a short teaser clip released by Ford, the Kuga was seen with a strong resemblance and connection to the Focus. There’s the sporty ST-Line-like touches, Focus-like headlights, and Focus-like new tailgate that has a flat edge, too. You can make out the Kuga badge across the middle of that tailgate.
So far, the Kuga is Ford’s strongest-selling crossover SUV in Europe. Ford sold 153,800 units in Europe last year despite the car falling behind its rivals in the same segment because of comfortability, refinement, and availability of plug-in hybrid powertrains. These issues have been addressed with the arrival of the Mk3 model as it now uses a platform that has electrification at its heart.
Ford’s new C1 architecture first appeared on the latest Focus hatchback. One of C1’s most endearing qualities is that engineers can stretch its wheelbase to create a more spacious cabin than the current model.
Known as the Escape in the US, spy shots of the newest Kuga showed just how closely it resembles the latest Focus. Under the hood, there are a lot of changes, too. The newest Kuga will come with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost motor with either 148 horsepower or 180 horsepower. To further reduce CO2 emissions, both engines could have mild-hybrid technology.
