COLOGNE, Germany — Ford has no immediate plans to market the new Kuga crossover in North America. But its edgy styling and compact dimensions could have great appeal on this side of the Atlantic.
The Kuga, which is based on the Ford Focus, is being unveiled next week at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show and goes on sale in Europe in early 2008. To be assembled in Germany, the Kuga was styled under the direction of Martin Smith, the former Opel design czar who now heads Ford of Europe's studios.
The Kuga draws its design inspiration from the iosis X concept that was introduced at the 2005 Frankfurt show. The production model aims to combine the best features of compact wagons and SUVs in a package that has the sporty flair of a coupe.
The Kuga will be available in both front- and four-wheel-drive variants. The showcar is being presented with a 136-horsepower 2.0-liter Duratorq common-rail turbodiesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Among the exterior features are a panoramic glass roof, a split tailgate that incorporates a rear backup camera, high-mounted taillamps and a sculpted rear bumper with integral diffuser.
The cabin is crafted in ebony leather with orange piping, accented in piano white trim.
What this means to you: From more than one angle, the Kuga sure looks like the Dodge Caliber's European cousin.
The Kuga, which is based on the Ford Focus, is being unveiled next week at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show and goes on sale in Europe in early 2008. To be assembled in Germany, the Kuga was styled under the direction of Martin Smith, the former Opel design czar who now heads Ford of Europe's studios.
The Kuga draws its design inspiration from the iosis X concept that was introduced at the 2005 Frankfurt show. The production model aims to combine the best features of compact wagons and SUVs in a package that has the sporty flair of a coupe.
The Kuga will be available in both front- and four-wheel-drive variants. The showcar is being presented with a 136-horsepower 2.0-liter Duratorq common-rail turbodiesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Among the exterior features are a panoramic glass roof, a split tailgate that incorporates a rear backup camera, high-mounted taillamps and a sculpted rear bumper with integral diffuser.
The cabin is crafted in ebony leather with orange piping, accented in piano white trim.
What this means to you: From more than one angle, the Kuga sure looks like the Dodge Caliber's European cousin.
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