Ford Kuga, the latest offering from Ford, has a quite tough and big look from the exterior, however just as you step inside the car, a feeling that is most likely to come to your minds is that it indeed does not have enough space in the interiors.

Once taking the car out on a ride, it looks like you are in for a tough day in the office with the extra noise in the tyres and the harshness of the entire exercise. However, as you continue down the road, this initial disapproval begins to change as you notice how convincingly the vehicle eases past rough potholes and also the silence at which the engine operates. Adequate ground clearance provided in the vehicle makes it a much easier task when you might be forced to hit a dirt trail.

The Ford Kuga has been given dual-options to choose between four-wheel and two-wheel drives, but in most cases you will not feel the need for the four-wheeled drive variant, as the other one performs adequately. Though the ride height is indeed a bonus, it has been known to affect handling. Not with the Kuga though, as effective engineering from Ford takes adequate care of this drawback that would merit the vehicle a lot of envious stares, particularly in winter.

The 2.0 TDCi, 134Bhp diesel engine has been equipped with six-speed manual transmission with the 2-wheel drive proving to be more fuel efficient than its 4-wheel variant to the extent of 2mpg. This would not be considered a crowning achievement as similar segment vehicles like the Focus have proven to be more fuel efficient. Furthermore, where the Ford Kuga lacks, is the rapid decrease of its fuel efficiency in the winter months as well as when the vehicle is given high speed.  A difference in speed of 10mph, say from 80 to 70mph, would be enough to increase the fuel efficiency by as much as 4mpg. Again, the difference of efficiency is further highlighted in short and long drives, where it can be as high as 6mpg.

Though the cabin has its limitations of space, it has indeed been made very practically with its boot liner as well as the thick curvy mats that are the best for carrying wet items without having the carpet of the vehicle ruined. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate fully grown adults and the driving position gives one a real good feeling.

A smart refueling option provided ensures that the diesel variant will never take in petrol, when you ask for the same in absent-mindedness at the refueling stations. The touch-screen display provided at the vehicle’s central console is something you will fall in love with owing to the ease of switching your radio stations and also your navigational settings.

The car is expected pretty soon in the Indian market. Pricing range that is likely for the Ford Kuga in India will be around Rs.16 Lakh to Rs.17 Lakh for the standard model.