The first official indicator of its arrival here is out – the Ford Kuga will be making its market debut here in Malaysia sometime at the end of the second quarter, according to the company. The fresh-faced SUV is set to take over from the ageing second-generation Escape in the Blue Oval lineup locally. Over in the US, the Kuga is badged as an Escape.
The Valencia, Spain-built offering will arrive boasting an impressive array of new technologies and enhanced features, including Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. No mention of specification as yet, but it has been indicated that the Kuga destined here will wear a 1.6 litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine, though it hasn’t yet been ascertained if it’ll be a 150 PS or 180 PS version.
The mill will be paired to a six-speed SelectShift auto transmission, which features revised gear ratios and a new torque converter for improved driving feel and smoother shifts. Highlights include a segment-first hands-free tailgate, in which simply sweeping a foot under the rear bumper allows the opening or closing of the rear tailgate automatically.
The five-star rated (both Euro NCAP and ANCAP) Ford Kuga also features Active City Stop, Active Grille Shutters and the Ford SYNC system on its tech list, but exactly just what’s to be found on the Malaysian-bound variant will come about when it gets closer to the launch.
UPDATE: Looks like pre-orders are open as we have sighted a Ford dealer listing the Ford Kuga on oto.my for RM163k, with a 1.6L EcoBoost engine.
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Good thing I didn’t recommend CRV to anyone yet. Kuga should be in the same price bracket, right?
ckd alor gajah vs cbu valencia? unlikely in the same price bracket…
By time SDAC bring this in, it will be 2015 or 2016. By that time, you are looking for a new model to be launched!. Ford should give the franchise to a more efficient company. Sime Darby is more interested in Plantations and have zero interest in the Motor Industry.
Sam Loo- forever pessimist loser…the car wil arrive third quarter 2013….slurp!
as regard to mondeo 203PS (2011 model) and accord 2.4, if not mistaken about the same price. mondeo sold at 172k OTR, not sure about accord n camry 2.4 but should be about the same right?
CRV lovers is not going to wait for Ford Kuga, as they feel their favourite Suv is better than Ford in many aspects and looks better.
Mat Glocal -CRV better? Just compare the engine specs and interior is enough to convince otherwise? CRV local bikin….
have been waiting for Ford EcoSport..
Really hope to see it’s launching. It will be the new leading budget SUV.
booking open end of this year, delivery 2014.
This timing will be dead on with HRV, wow!
This timing will be head on with HRV, wow!
ohh.. Ford Malaysia..
get it in also new focus with TDCI engine too.
New Focus TDCI is Euro4 compliant, our diesel do not support that.
If the frenchies can do it (508 GT), I am sure Ford lagi boleh. It all depends on whether Ford Thailand will do it or not. Based on comments coming from Ford Indo, it seems very unlikely we will see a replacement TDCI focus.
I’m waiting very long-long time. Hope the price is affordable than sportage and tucson.
confirm not
Even if priced higher than those 2 Korean cars- i will opt for KUga!
Something exciting about this, hope it price competitively around rm 150K with full features and European tuning specs
Bring in tdci with powershift! That will be nice …
Yeah we need more diesel powered SUVs which give good FC plus high torque..e.g. i-dtec for CR-V and tdci for Kuga!!
Handsome SUV! Can’t imagine if government agencies using this… so jealous… haha :P
If SDAC maintains (as per current Escape) or lower the price, surely it will able lure in some propsective buyers from the CRV camp.
One of the best looking Ford SUV ever, and one of the last modern Fords not to have that(in my eyes) hideous Gaping Aston Martin grill. But I’am worried about price being not locally (Thailand)made.
So here it will be called Kuga, then? No more Escape, heheh..
Still, the design was critized in Europe, particularly in UK. Maybe their taste for design is too overwhelming.
CRV will beat other flat for sale at Bolehland market for this segment of compact cross SUV/car!
Damn…cant wait for this SUV..Hopefully Malaysian will still flocking at the CX5 by the time this Kuga arrive …so no long queue…:)
This Ford Kuga is true competitor for Honda CRV, Mazda CX5, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester.
Honda shall learned from Ford, Hyundai, KIA…on how to make a handsome SUV LOL…:)
and also how to properly spec a SUV!
A 2.0 version called the Titanium in UK cost £25,545. There is also a 1.6L turbocharged version…so just speculate the price in Malaysia soon :)
I was told by SDAC PJ that they are already open for booking and launch in May/June. Starting price RM130k-140k on cheapest model, but no indication of spec.
Maybe theyll bring this with Fiesta FL! *cross fingers*
Please bring ford ecosport come in first.
http://www.india.ford.com/suvs/ecosport
CBU or CKD?
waiting the new mondeo, when will it be available? maintain price and upgrade service centers especially up north.
Good…finally Ford is back on the race in M’sia
One more SUV to come…2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
This kuga is sempit laaa evrybody….crv besar lagi….
it would be lol when the rear door open too fast and hit the person that kick the bumper of the Kuga. It’s like the Kuga try to hit you back after it had been kick/hit in the ass.
Kuga is rated the best SUV.. Beating Lland Rover , Honda Crv and Toyota etc in latest UK road test
Don’t forget another competitor like Nissan Xtrail!