New Kuga Hybrid SUV Powers into Production Offering Even More Choice to Customers Joining Ford's Electric Revolution

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• New, self-charging, full hybrid #kugahybrid #suv seamlessly switches automatically between petrol-electric and pure-electric power to deliver effortless driving and 1,000 km range
• Sophisticated 190 PS full hybrid powertrain delivers ultimate convenience with cable-free charging. Simulated gear-shifts and optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive enhance fun-to-drive
• Kuga Hybrid produced in #valencia, #spain, joins Plug-In Hybrid and EcoBlue Hybrid to make Kuga the most electrified #ford ever; three of 17 electrified Fords coming by the end of 2021

COLOGNE, Germany, Nov. 17, 2020 – #ford has further expanded its unprecedented line-up of electrified all-new Kuga SUVs with the new #ford #kugahybrid – able to deliver 1,000 km ¹ of petrol-electric and pure-electric driving between fill-ups and without ever having to plug in to recharge. 

Effortless to own, the self-charging Kuga Hybrid’s 1.1 kWh battery is automatically replenished both by the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and using regenerative charging when coasting or braking. Stored energy powers an electric motor to enhance performance, support petrol engine fuel efficiency, or deliver pure-electric driving. #kugahybrid automatically switches seamlessly between power configurations according to the driving scenario.

The new model’s sophisticated full hybrid powertrain is unique in the #ford Kuga line-up – delivering the ultimate efficiency and refinement of pure-electric power with no need to charge from an external power source, alongside the diesel-rivalling convenience of 1,000 km total driving range.

Kuga Hybrid is also the first Kuga to combine an electrified powertrain with the option of Ford’s sophisticated Intelligent All-Wheel Drive ² technology depending on market, for an optimised driving experience. Both front-wheel drive and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive variants enhance the fun-to-drive, 190 PS character using a simulated gear-shift function for the power-split transmission. The technology is designed to emulate the familiar gear-changes of a conventional automatic transmission for greater driver engagement.

“Each of our electrified Kuga models brings a unique set of benefits. For our new #kugahybrid that includes fuel efficiency and driving range to rival diesel, the extra confidence offered by Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and the effortless refinement of charging cable-free, pure-electric driving,” said #roelantdewaard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, #ford of Europe. “Ford is committed to offering a choice of electrified vehicles so that every customer can find the perfect solution to fit seamlessly into their life. No model demonstrates that better than Kuga”.

One of 17 #ford electrified vehicles to be introduced for customers in Europe before the end next year, production of the new #kugahybrid is now underway at the company’s manufacturing plant in #valencia, #spain. Kuga Hybrid’s advanced lithium-ion battery packs are also assembled at the #valencia plant following a €24 million investment in a new state-of-the-art battery assembly facility to support Ford’s electrification strategy in Europe.

Kuga Hybrid completes the most electrified line-up for a single nameplate ever offered by #ford, and joins Kuga Plug-In Hybrid and EcoBlue Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid variants, alongside traditional petrol and diesel engines for a comprehensive range of powertrain options.

Kuga practicality, Hybrid flexibility

The new #ford Kuga was developed from the ground up to incorporate a petrol-electric full hybrid powertrain, using efficient packaging to maximise #suv spaciousness and practicality, and support driving refinement.

Silent key start capability enables the #kugahybrid to pull away from a standstill using electric power alone for a truly relaxing driving experience, particularly in city and stop-start driving scenarios. The full-hybrid powertrain supports pure-electric driving for short periods while eliminating range anxiety.

The ability to travel 1,000 km on a single tank of fuel makes #kugahybrid a compelling alternative to diesel powertrains. Delivering fuel efficiency from 5.4 l/100 km and CO₂ emissions from 125 g/km WLTP (5.1 l/100 km and 118 g/km CO₂ NEDC) ³ alongside a 54-litre fuel tank, #kugahybrid total driving range is also more than 30 per cent greater than that of the Kuga Plug-In Hybrid, which offers a greater pure-electric driving range of up to 56 kilometres WLTP (72 km NEDC). ³

With no need for customers to use an external power source to charge the battery, #kugahybrid offers an attractive choice for customers desiring an electrified powertrain, but who have limited access to external charging solutions at home or places of work – as well as drivers desiring both electrification and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.

The 60-cell, 1.1 kWh battery pack uses a liquid cooling system that eliminates the need for a cooling fan, helping reduce noise levels for greater cabin refinement. Optimised cooling also allows battery cells to be packaged closely together – helping retain spacious interior dimensions including more than 1 metre of headroom for front row occupants and up to 1,481 litres of cargo space behind the front seats. ⁴

In addition, an exhaust gas heat exchanger system helps bring the engine more quickly to its most efficient operating temperature, enabling #kugahybrid to engage pure-electric driving sooner following a cold start and helping quickly warm the cabin for passenger comfort. Enhanced battery performance also contributes to towing capacity of up to 1,600 kg for the front-wheel drive variant. ⁵

The #kugahybrid powertrain delivers a smooth, linear response to acceleration demand while automatically switching between pure-electric, hybrid and petrol power, supported by a redesigned motor-generator controller. The latest generation of Ford’s power-split transmission is designed specifically to work with the 2.5-litre petrol engine – seamlessly adjusting ratios for optimum performance and fuel efficiency across a range of driving conditions. Zero-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration takes 9.1 seconds for the front-wheel drive variant.

The simulated gear-shift function – activated in Normal or Sport drive modes – automatically adjusts engine rpm as the vehicle’s speed changes to reduce the “rubber band” effect often associated with continuously-variable transmissions.

“We’ve listened hard to customers to make sure the #kugahybrid really delivers when it comes to driving appeal,” said Glen Goold, Kuga chief programme engineer. “The simulated gear-shift function makes the #suv more engaging to drive with the familiarity of traditional ‘cog swaps’, plus the added benefit of limiting engine noise.”

Kuga Hybrid is also available with #ford Intelligent All-Wheel Drive depending on market, which measures how the car’s wheels are gripping the road surface and can adjust torque delivery between the front and rear for a more secure footing on the road. The technology has minimal impact on fuel efficiency, and an all-wheel drive disconnect feature further supports optimised fuel efficiency by automatically reverting to front-wheel drive in favourable driving conditions.

More relaxing journeys

Kuga Hybrid is available to order in a comprehensive line-up of variants including Trend, Titanium, Titanium X, ST Line, ST Line X and Vignale, offering a wide range of driver assistance, comfort and convenience technologies.

A standard FordPass Connect modem ⁶ allows drivers to plan faster, less stressful journeys with Live Traffic updates for the navigation system and enables a range of features for a more convenient ownership experience via the FordPass mobile app, including Door Lock Unlock, Remote Start ⁷ and Vehicle Locator.

A wireless charging pad is also standard, and further sophisticated optional features include Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system ⁸ supported by an 8‑inch central touchscreen, and a premium B&O sound system.

Available driver assistance technologies designed to deliver greater confidence, make driving less demanding and enhance safety include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centring ² for effortlessly negotiating stop-start and highway traffic. Active Park Assist 2 ² enables fully automated parking manoeuvres at the push of a button.

New Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist ² makes its global debut on Kuga. The optional technology monitors the driver’s blind spot for vehicles approaching from behind and can apply counter-steering to warn the driver and discourage a lane change manoeuvre if a potential collision is detected.

Also making its global debut on the new #ford Kuga, optional Intersection Assist ² technology monitors for potential collisions with oncoming vehicles in parallel lanes and can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate the effects of accidents in scenarios where a driver is turning across traffic.