What's the news?
Ford is doing a sporty version of the Kuga mid-sized SUV, called the ST-Line. We're going to get it here in Q1 of 2017, so prices and exact final specifications are yet to be confirmed, but we do know some things about it.
Looking like a full-on ST model but not actually sporting much in the way of mechanical upgrades, the ST-Line Kuga features Ebony Black front grilles (the lower item also featuring a honeycomb finish) as well as a matching sports mesh finish on the foglamp bezels. Lower body trim and the door handles, mirror caps and rear roof spoiler are all finished in black, the rear skid plate is Ebony Black, the roof rails are (yes...) black, and the light clusters and windows are also tinted. Finally, either 18- or 19-inch wheels are offered, again in black.
Within, the unique design of sports seats feature part-leather trim, with contrast stitching found here and also on the gearlever gaiter and the steering wheel. The centre console is finished in two-layer metallic-effect Deep Space paint and there's black headlining for the roof.
Motive power comes from a choice of three diesels and three petrols, although which variants will be coming to Ireland is unclear at this stage. The diesels obviously represent the better bets, with a new 120hp 1.5-litre TDCi unit replacing the old 2.0-litre with the same horsepower. Ford claims 4.4 litres/100km (64.2mpg) and 115g/km of CO2 emissions. Above the 1.5 is a 2.0-litre TDCi in two power trims, the first being a 150hp unit - available with either front- or Ford's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive - capable of 4.7l/100km (60.1mpg) and 122g/km, with the second a 180hp example exclusively coupled to Intelligent AWD. This can return 5.2l/100km (54.3mpg) and 134g/km.
In essence, there's just one petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit, but again it can be had in multiple power outputs. The 120- and 150hp Kugas are front-wheel drive only and the best eco-stats here are 6.2l/100km (45.6mpg) and 143g/km. The range-topping 182hp petrol is AWD only and can record 7.4l/100km (38.2mpg) and 171g/km.
Ford does alter the chassis slightly for the Kuga ST-Line. The SUV has thicker anti-roll bars and a 10mm drop in ride height, as well as stiffer suspension bushes, specific spring/damper rates and a revised calibration for the company's electronic power-assisted steering system. This makes it just a little bit sharper to drive than a regular Kuga.
Anything else?
SYNC 3, the latest version of Ford's communications and entertainment software, is coming on-stream in Europe later this year and the Kuga ST-Line will be one of the first cars to sport the technology.