PARIS — In a broad hint at what is to come for U.S. buyers, Ford of Europe has unveiled a host of refinements and upgrades for its Kuga compact crossover at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, including a more powerful turbocharged engine and an exclusive Individual styling package.
European buyers can now order the same 197-horsepower turbo 2.5-liter Duratec five-cylinder engine that powers the European Focus ST, as well as an optional Durashift 5-tronic automatic gearbox with manual-shift mode. The engine, which makes 236 pound-feet of torque, has been recalibrated for the all-wheel-drive Kuga and comes with a standard six-speed manual box.
The Individual personalization package bundles such features as an exterior body kit, 20-inch alloy wheels and a highly styled cockpit, trimmed in contrasting leathers and high-gloss piano-white plastic.
What this means to you: The U.S. version of the Kuga, tentatively slated for 2010, will likely include one or more high-end editions similar to the Individual. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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