New Ford Kuga Launched in South Africa earlier this year, after its replacement had already been revealed overseas, the current Ford Kuga was always set to have a laughably short model cycle.
Now we have a timeline to work with, as Ford South Africa has just announced that the new Kuga will reach our shores during the course of 2013. They've also revealed the local engine line-up, which will essentially double in size and offer vastly improved fuel economy.
On the petrol front, Ford will be offering its new 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol engine, which is related to the engine found in the new Focus ST but is smaller in size. In the American-spec model, the 1.6 makes 134kW and 249Nm.
Ford will also sell the Kuga in 2-litre TDCi turbodiesel guise. In Ford Focus models, the engine is credited with 120kW and 340Nm. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed self-shifting transmission, although it'll only be of the Powershift dual-clutch variety in the diesel model.
We're not sure if any front-wheel drive models will be offered in South Africa, but we do know that the Kuga will be offered with Ford's 'smart' new all-wheel drive transmission, which Ford says can pre-emptively reassess road conditions 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.
A glut of gadgets will also be on offer in certain models, including Ford's Sync connectivity system, Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Active City Stop and a hands-free tailgate that requires you to sweep your foot under the rear bumper - presumably without trying to make it look like some lame rain dance.
Now we have a timeline to work with, as Ford South Africa has just announced that the new Kuga will reach our shores during the course of 2013. They've also revealed the local engine line-up, which will essentially double in size and offer vastly improved fuel economy.
On the petrol front, Ford will be offering its new 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbopetrol engine, which is related to the engine found in the new Focus ST but is smaller in size. In the American-spec model, the 1.6 makes 134kW and 249Nm.
Ford will also sell the Kuga in 2-litre TDCi turbodiesel guise. In Ford Focus models, the engine is credited with 120kW and 340Nm. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed self-shifting transmission, although it'll only be of the Powershift dual-clutch variety in the diesel model.
We're not sure if any front-wheel drive models will be offered in South Africa, but we do know that the Kuga will be offered with Ford's 'smart' new all-wheel drive transmission, which Ford says can pre-emptively reassess road conditions 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.
A glut of gadgets will also be on offer in certain models, including Ford's Sync connectivity system, Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Active City Stop and a hands-free tailgate that requires you to sweep your foot under the rear bumper - presumably without trying to make it look like some lame rain dance.
