A hybrid experience for a hybrid car.
One year after the launch of the new Kuga, Ford has chosen the plug-in hybrid - the best-selling of the car's three electrified engines - to discover Vulci, one of the most evocative places full of history in Italy.
After a motorway transfer route from Rome to the heart of the Lazio Maremma - during which we appreciated the extreme handling, promptness and dynamism of Kuga - the Blue Oval SUV had no difficulty in navigating white roads and in off-road, although not prohibitive.
Yes, because the Kuga, despite not having all-wheel drive, also juggles well outside the asphalt belts.
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Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid photos
Moving around with zero emissions and no noise in the midst of nature is truly an experience to try. Comfort and attention to detail in the passenger compartment; the steam of the hot spas and the gentle ups and downs, outside. Smooth and efficient driving is one of the characteristics that made Kuga the best-selling plug-in hybrid car in Europe in the first half of the year. This version, which makes up the range together with the EcoBlue Hybrid and Full Hybrid variants, is equipped with a powertrain capable of developing a total of 225 HP. The 2.5-liter Atkinson engine is paired with an electric powertrain and a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. Recharging can take place both from the mains and thanks to regenerative recharging. The result? Up to 64 km of autonomy, in the combined WLTP cycle, and up to 88 km in the city WLTP cycle, in electric mode,with fuel consumption from 1.0 l / 100 km and CO2 emissions from 22 g / km (in the WLTP cycle).
Beyond numbers and figures, however, it is the feeling that triggers driving this car that is striking. It was, they explain at Ford, one of the objectives: to give personality to a car suitable for family, for everyday life, but also an ideal travel companion.
What makes the Kuga plug-in hybrid particularly flexible is the possibility of choosing the use of the battery: EV Auto (default at the start); EV Now, for full electric use; EV Later, which saves battery power for future use; EV Charge, which uses the heat engine to recharge the battery. When the battery reaches its lowest charge level, the Kuga automatically reverts to EV Auto mode - integrating the power of the petrol engine with the assistance of the electric motor, using recovered energy to reduce fuel consumption. According to a study presented in conjunction with the test drive in which ANSA Motori took part, it is precisely this peculiarity that has allowed those who use Kuga every day to travel 50% of the journeys in electric mode only.
Driving modes Normal, Sport and Eco are flanked by Slippery for surfaces with reduced grip such as snow and ice, and Snow / Sand, for soft and deformable ground.
The total 225 HP delivered by the powetrain also guarantees a ride with fun traits, which thanks to the Drive Modes technology allows drivers to set the accelerator, steering and traction control parameters, as well as the shift times for the automatic models, to modulate performance to different driving scenarios.
If on the outside the look is by now typical of the new Ford generation, recognizable in particular from the front, on board there is ample attention to comfort: the passenger compartment is spacious and versatile, with interiors with attention to detail. The rear seats are also heated, with the entire second row that can be moved to increase legroom or load space. There is a reversible mat in the trunk: velvet on one side and with a rubberized surface on the other, for transporting wet sports equipment or animals.
A qualitative leap also in connectivity, with the third generation communication and entertainment system. Through the central 8 "color touch-screen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can control the audio, navigation and air conditioning functions, as well as the connected devices. The instrument panel measures 12.3", with free form technology that enables seamless image design that goes beyond the traditional rectangular design.
Finally, safety checks and adas are advanced which, thanks to the Ford Co-Pilot, favor a more comfortable, less stressful and safer driving.
Ford Kuga hybrid has an attack price of 31,800 euros, the plug-in hybrid version in ST-Line X set-up subject of our test reaches 44,750 euros.
And after two days at the wheel, the desire to drive remains.