The Ford Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid tries to combine the advantages of diesel with the efficiency of a hybrid system. The result? Find out in our video review.
Ford had said it: "every model, from the new Focus onwards, will have an electric motor option, and the new Kuga will become the first model in the range to be offered with a mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrain." Said and done. So today we want to tell you about the version that combines the efficiency – especially for those who cover many kilometres a year – of a latest-generation diesel engine paired with a mild-hybrid system. This is one of the possible options offered by the hybrid range, and it should be seen in the context of the progressive transition towards an increasingly electrified mobility, with the ultimate goal – now shared by the entire automotive industry – of reducing the use of fossil fuels. But let's see, in our video review, a summary of what the new Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid has to offer.
The Ford Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid, as mentioned, pairs a 2-litre 150-horsepower diesel engine with a mild-hybrid system and a 6-speed manual gearbox. In this case, there is no purely electric range. But there is a system that, thanks to a small electric motor that also acts as a generator, makes it possible to recover and store energy. While driving you don't notice a thing: the Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid is very quiet, and only with the windows down and in the presence of a sound-reflecting surface (typically the wall of a building) can you detect the characteristic metallic note of a diesel engine. For the rest, the car does everything by itself: it stores energy during deceleration and braking thanks to the 48-volt lithium-ion battery, assists the diesel engine during acceleration, and smooths out the start-stop system that cuts the engine during pauses – typically brief stops at traffic lights. The tangible result is a saving in fuel consumption and a reduction in CO2 emissions which, in this case, according to the figures declared by the manufacturer, stand at 111 g/km on a combined cycle. As for the consumption recorded during our test, with the Kuga EcoBlue we achieved approximately 17–18 km per litre on mixed routes, a figure not far from what the manufacturer declares.
From the Eco option, which prioritises emissions and fuel consumption, to the one that instead extracts every last horsepower. With options in between that allow you to adapt your driving to different road surfaces. The Ford Kuga EcoBlue lets you choose between different driving styles at the touch of a button. The effect is very noticeable, with the steering and accelerator changing their response and adapting to the road and to personal preferences. In short, the Kuga delivers exactly what you'd expect from a reasonably sized SUV: space, comfort and flexibility, both in use and in terms of practicality. Inside, you discover a family-sized space, with the rear seat that slides to increase legroom or boot space. The rear seats are also heated, for maximum passenger comfort. The cabin is made bright by the large electric panoramic sunroof, and then there is the convenience of a wide, regular boot with a powered tailgate that, if you wish, opens by brushing the bumper with your foot – useful when your hands are full of bags and packages.
How many times has it happened to you… Getting in the car and realising you've forgotten the cable to charge your smartphone. In the Kuga the problem is solved quickly and, provided you have a compatible phone, you can use wireless charging which, beyond charging, also allows you to connect with the on-board systems. And here, more than a matter of convenience, it becomes a matter of safety. The on-board system, compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, effectively makes all smartphone functions available on the touchscreen display. Once connected to the car, the Kuga makes it practically unnecessary to even pick up your phone, since all the main functions can be managed from the car, including by voice commands. In addition, what Ford calls Pass Connect provides both wi-fi access on board for all passengers (up to 10 devices if you want to push it), and also keeps you informed about traffic conditions and any hazards present on the road.
Fatigue, tension, distractions… There are many hidden dangers when driving. That is why we will never tire of telling you that so-called Adas systems are invaluable. Increasingly less of an optional extra and increasingly offered as standard even on compact cars, the Ford Kuga EcoBlue also comes with a large number of them; we are talking about the system that monitors the blind spot and alerts you to the approach of other vehicles when travelling on multi-lane roads. We are talking about a system that monitors the road and warns you of the presence of pedestrians or cyclists, a system capable of slowing the car down on its own if it merely "suspects" the possibility of a collision. In addition to safety (the Kuga has achieved 5 stars from EuroNcap, the highest possible score), the systems that increase driving peace of mind are equally valuable. Such as the adaptive cruise control, which not only brakes and accelerates automatically according to traffic conditions, but also keeps the car in its lane, reads road signs and flags up any risk of an infringement via audio and visual alerts. Still on the subject of safety, we also appreciated the head-up display on the Kuga — a retractable polycarbonate screen that rises in front of the driver and projects journey information such as speed, navigation and various notifications, putting an end to distractions.