Ford Kuga FHEV hybrid joins offer

Ford has expanded its lineup of electrified models with the introduction of a new version of the Kuga equipped with a hybrid petrol-electric drive system. The SUV achieves a range of 1,000 km in both hybrid and zero emission modes and does not require an external charging source.

New Kuga FHEV

The Kugi Hybrid's 1.1kWh battery is automatically charged by both the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and the regenerative charging system, recovering energy when coasting or braking. The stored energy drives the electric motor, improving vehicle performance, reducing gasoline engine fuel consumption, or enabling emissions-free driving in electric mode only. Kuga Hybrid smoothly, without driver intervention, switches between power modes in accordance with the configured driving scenarios.

Ford Kuga's full hybrid powertrain is unique in the model range for this model - it offers the best performance and driving culture with zero emissions without the need to recharge the battery from an external source, as well as a total range of 1000 km, which was until recently only available for diesel engines .

The hybrid SUV is also the first Ford Kuga to combine an electrified powertrain with advanced all-wheel drive, intelligent all-wheel drive, available as an option in some markets. Both front-wheel drive and intelligent all-wheel drive versions add to the fun of 190 hp. thanks to the automatic shift simulation function, which combines both power sources. This solution is designed to restore the shifting effect of an automatic transmission, known from a conventional transmission, to increase driver engagement.

“Each of our electrified Kuga models offers a different combination of benefits. For the new Kuga Hybrid: fuel efficiency and range comparable to a diesel engine, the driving confidence of intelligent all-wheel drive and the peace of mind of an owner who doesn't have to think about charging from an external source, but can benefit. from emissions-free driving,” said Ruland de Waard, vice president of marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe. “Ford strives to offer a wide range of electrified vehicles so that each customer can find the ideal solution for their needs. The Kuga lineup is a prime example of this.

The Valencia-based Ford Kuga Hybrid is one of 17 electrified vehicles that Ford intends to introduce to the European market by the end of next year. The hybrid SUV could support the company's drive electrification strategy for Ford's European range by investing 24 million euros in a state-of-the-art battery assembly plant at its Valencia plant.

The Kuga Hybrid completes the versatile lineup of electrified versions of the single model by joining the mains-powered Kuga Plug-In Hybrid and the 48-volt Kugi EcoBlue Hybrid mild hybrid. The range is complemented by versions with traditional petrol and diesel engines and a wide range of powertrains.

Practical like a Kuga, flexible like a hybrid

The use of a fully hybrid petrol-electric drive required the development of the new Kuga from the ground up in order to retain its unparalleled roominess and all the practical qualities of an SUV, as well as high driving culture in an economical package. .

The silent start function allows you to start the engine in zero emission mode using only the electric motor. It's a really relaxing form of transportation, especially in the city where traffic congestion forces you to stop frequently. The full hybrid powertrain uses an electric zero-emission mode for short distances while eliminating range issues.

The ability to travel 1,000 km on a single tank of fuel makes the Kuga Hybrid an attractive alternative to diesel models. The Kuga Hybrid provides fuel consumption from 5.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions from 125 g/km calculated in the WLTP cycle (from 5.1 l/100 km and from 118 g/km in the NEDC cycle). With a 54-litre fuel tank, the overall range of the Kugi Hybrid is more than 30 percent greater than the Kugi Plug-In Hybrid, which has an emission-free range of 56 km on the WLTP cycle (72 km on the WLTP cycle). NEDC cycle).

With no need to charge the battery from an external power source, the Kuga Hybrid is an attractive solution for EV customers who have limited access to public chargers and limited options with a home or workplace installation. It is also a great choice for customers who are looking for a vehicle that can operate in zero emission mode with intelligent all wheel drive.

The 60-cell 1.1 kWh battery uses a liquid cooling system that eliminates the need for a cooling fan. This reduces the noise level and increases the acoustic comfort in the cabin. Better cooling also allows the battery cells to be placed close together. This is a significant space saving, thanks to which the cabin has become more spacious, especially in terms of headroom of the first row passengers (1 meter from the seat to the roof), and 1,481 liters of cargo space in the rear. the front seats were also received.

The exhaust gas heat exchanger system helps the engine reach efficient operating temperature more quickly, allowing the Kuga Hybrid to transition to a zero-emission electric motor more quickly after a cold start, as well as speeding up thermal comfort in the cabin on cold days. The higher battery performance also contributes to the highest possible towing capacity of 1,600 kg for the front-wheel drive version.

The Kugi hybrid transmission provides smooth, linear accelerator response and automatic shifting between pure electric, hybrid and petrol power modes thanks to an advanced engine-generator control unit. The next-generation automatic transmission, which combines both power sources, has been specifically designed to work with the 2.5-litre petrol engine, delivering more efficiency with less fuel consumption in a variety of driving conditions thanks to its smooth gear shifting. The front-wheel drive model reaches 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds.

The simulated gear ratio feature, activated in normal or sport mode, adjusts engine speed as vehicle speed changes to reduce the "rubber" accelerator pedal effect typical of a continuously variable transmission.

“We listened to customer feedback to make sure the Kuga Hybrid is a joy to drive,” said Glen Gould, Kuga Chief Program Engineer. - The shift simulation feature makes the SUV more attractive with the responsiveness of traditional transmissions that work by shifting gear ratios, with the added benefit of noise reduction.

The Kuga Hybrid is also available in select markets with intelligent all-wheel drive that senses traction and responds by changing the torque ratio between the front and rear wheels to ensure safe traction on various surfaces. The system does not have a significant impact on fuel consumption, and the 4WD disable function further improves economy by automatically engaging front-wheel drive when driving conditions are favorable.

More relaxing trips

Kuga Hybrid can be ordered in a wide range of trim levels: Trend, Titanium, Titanium X, ST Line, ST Line X and Vignale, which offer comprehensive driver assistance and comfort packages.

The standard FordPass Connect modem allows drivers to plan faster, less stressful trips with real-time traffic updates for the navigation system and a range of convenient features in the FordPass mobile app for easy location, remote lock and unlock, and even remote start. .

A wireless phone charging station is standard, while an optional B&O audio system and Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system are supported by an 8-inch center touchscreen display.

Advanced driver assistance systems designed to increase driving confidence, reduce effort and enhance safety include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) enhanced with Stop & Go, Speed Limit Sign Recognition and Lane Keeping Assist for easy highway driving, as well as in city traffic, with frequent car stops. Park Assist allows fully automatic parking maneuvers at the push of a button.

New Lane Keeping Assist with Blind Spot Assist (BSA) debuts in the new Ford Kuga. The optional system monitors another vehicle in the blind spot of the exterior rear-view mirrors and, in the event of a risk of collision, applies torque to the steering wheel to warn the driver and prompt the driver to abandon the lane change maneuver.

In addition, debuting on the new Ford Kuga, the optional cross-collision avoidance system monitors the risk of collision with vehicles traveling in parallel lanes and can automatically apply the brakes, thereby preventing or mitigating an accident in situations where the driver crosses the road. the path of another vehicle.

Photo: Ford