Kuga is Mid-size SUV of the Year

Top UK magazine AutoExpress has judged the new Ford Kuga Mid-Size SUV of the Year in its Best Car Awards for 2020.

It commented:

"Based on the same platform as the Focus family hatchback, the Kuga boasts the Blue Oval’s trademark driver-focused approach, so the steering is quick and well weighted, and works nicely with the way the chassis is set up to deliver a fun driving experience. However, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort; although it’s certainly firm and communicative, the suspension (helped by the more sophisticated multi-link set-up at the rear) has a supple edge that rounds off bumps nicely.

"The key to the Kuga’s renewed success in 2020 is that Ford has really taken stock of where the market is heading and what customers want in this class, offering a mix of pure ICE, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains that will suit whatever you’re after.

"The 2.0-litre mild-hybrid diesel is a strong option, helping to boost efficiency and take the sting out of running costs in conjunction with a sweet six-speed manual gearbox. The PHEV packs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and an electric motor that drive the wheels through a CVT automatic, so it’s easy to drive and efficient, as well as having a claimed all-electric range of 35 miles.

"Like the best SUVs in this sector, the Kuga also boasts sliding rear seats, so there’s between 475 and 526 litres of boot space available, which means it’s easily a match for stalwarts of this class like the Skoda Karoq. Space inside the car is generous and it ticks yet more of the boxes any mainstream family SUV should when it comes to the Kuga’s infotainment.

"Ford’s SYNC 3 system has been continuously tweaked to the point that it’s now one of the best on the market: it’s full of features, fast and responsive, rounding off a convincing package that offers lots of choice."