Early orders for Ford Kuga mark launch success for latest SUV

As the all-new Ford Kuga arrives in UK dealerships, more than 1,850 are already being handed over to eager customers, many of whom placed early orders without even a test-drive.
 
Since prices were announced in November, 1,850 orders have been received ahead of volume deliveries commencing this month.  Of the 1,850, 1,600 were retail orders placed by private buyers, the balance being to fleets.
 
At 87 per cent, the proportion of high-series Titanium and Titanium X orders is running 12 per cent ahead of the prior model.  In addition, 98 per cent of all new Ford Kugas are being specified with optional extras worth an average of £1,000.
 
The new Ford Kuga introduces the 1.6-litre EcoBoost direct-injection 150PS turbo engine to the range.  All Ford’s European car and commercial vehicle powertrains are developed and tested at the company’s UK engineering base, Dunton Technical Centre, in Essex.
 
The Dunton Technical Centre’s team of 3,000 engineers carry out 80 per cent of powertrain development on site, in the centre’s Powertrain Laboratory and Emissions and Environmental Test Labs.
 
Dunton laboratories enable powertrain testing from individual component level to a full engine to ensure reliability, efficiency and design quality. The balance of testing takes place out on the roads of mainland Europe and the extremes of Scandinavia and Arizona.
 
The all-new Kuga builds on the success of its predecessor with a sophisticated design, elevated driving dynamics with an inventory of sophisticated driver-assistance systems including Torque Vectoring Control; spacious rear package with greater flexibility, a wider choice of low CO2 powertrains, a wealth of smart technologies and the five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. 
 
Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain sales director, said: “Since launching in 2008, Kuga has been praised for its great looks and fun-to-drive character.  The all-new Kuga offers even more, addressing customer feedback with increased luggage and passenger space and a smart, stylish package.  Sales are off to a strong start with the high series mix already exceeding that of the outgoing model which is fantastic news”.
 
Overwhelming demand for Ford Kuga’s top Titanium and Titanium X models has already prompted Ford to consider extending the range further upwards with a new flagship model later this year.