New vs used Ford Kuga: what are top 3 differences?

By Farzana Chaumoo

While there are several differences between a used and new car, here are our top 3 differences between a used and new Ford Kuga.

 

1. Engines

a. 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine catching fire

Back in 2016, a recall was issued to almost 5,000 owners of a Kuga with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine. Engine fires in the Kuga were the subject of much controversy and debate. It struck fear in many as pictures of several Kugas burning on the side of South African roads started circulating. The recall was issued around December 2016 for Kugas bought between 15 December 2012 and 20 October 2014. By March 2017 Ford SA had released an update that 63% of the affected vehicles were already repaired and returned to their owners.

Ford 1.6 Kuga owners were also warned that if there were any indication that the engine may be overheating or displaying warnings on the instrument cluster, they should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, switch off the engine and ensure all occupants are safely out of the vehicle, and for safety reasons, the bonnet must not be opened.

It would be fair to say to be alert and investigate any 1.6 Kuga you're considering to purchase.

AutoTrader had an exclusive interview with Ford South Africa’s Director of Sales, Marketing and Service, Neale Hill, late in 2017 at the Ford Kuga facelift launch where he spoke about the recall and the problem with the 1.6-litre engine. More details here.

 

b. New Engines

With the facelift launch, Ford Kuga dropped the 1.6 from the line-up and now offered two petrol engines: a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost. In the diesel category, there was a 2.0-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine on offer and in November 2018 a 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine was introduced. Ford also launched a new ST-Line for the powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost and TDCi models.

The two 1.5 TDCi models that have been introduced to the line-up, comprise of the Ambiente and Trend series, both employ front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.

The 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol models are only available in FWD guise, starting off with the Ambiente that uses a six-speed manual transmission and delivers 110kW and 240Nm. Buyers can also opt for the six-speed torque converter automatic with 132kW on tap, available in Ambiente or the more luxurious Trend specification.

The 2.0 TDCi produces 132kW of power and 400Nm of torque, is now exclusive to the new ST-Line series, combined with Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system and six-speed PowerShift Automatic gearbox.

The most powerful offering is the 2.0 EcoBoost ST-Line, which delivers an exhilarating 177kW punch allied to 340Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the AWD system via a smooth-shifting six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

 

2. Warranty

Warranty is one of the biggest factors when considering a new or used vehicle to purchase. As per November 2018, new Kuga's are offered standard with Ford Protect, comprising of a 4 year/120 000km Comprehensive Warranty, 3 year/Unlimited km Roadside Assistance and 5 year/Unlimited km Corrosion Warranty. A 6 year/90 000km Service Plan is included, with 15 000 km service intervals.

When the Kuga was sold in 2013, it was offered with a 4 year/120 000 km Comprehensive Warranty, 3 year/Unlimited km Roadside Assistance, a 4 year/80 000km Service Plan on petrol derivatives and a 5 year/90 000km Service Plan on diesel derivatives, while service intervals were staggered at 20 000 km on petrol derivatives and 15 000 km on diesel derivatives. 

 

3. All-Wheel Drive vs Front-Wheel Drive

Older models were only offered with Ford’s global Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system (AWD). The system pre-emptively assesses conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction. The primary goal of the AWD system at low speeds was traction; at speeds above 30 km/h the AWD system is tuned to improve driving feel, handling and responses. A unique cluster display shows drivers the torque demand of each wheel at any moment.

Since the facelift, Ford now offers a choice between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with a manual or automatic gearbox, model depending of course. 

 

Find more Ford News and Reviews here.