Ford has released details of its new, and very popular, Kuga SUV. As can be seen in the pictures, the exterior design has been brought up to date with the rest of the recently launched Ford range - this is especially visible at the front.

Further notable updates include the installation of Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system and the availability of a 90 kW, 1,5-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine. This new-to-the-range engine will be offered in the front-wheel drive derivative. Ford claims an average fuel consumption figure of only 4,4 litres per 100 km.

There will also be the option of a 2,0-litre TDCi unit in both front- and all-wheel-drive formats, delivering 112  and 134 kW respectively. The 1,5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is tuned to deliver 90 and 112 kW in the front-wheel-drive models, and 136 kW in the all-wheel-drive version.

In terms of technology, the Kuga will now also be offered with hands-free parking and an enhanced version of Active City Stop, a system assisting in the avoidance of possible collisions. The latter now operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

The latest incarnation of Ford's MyKey system now allows parents to programme the key to inhibit incoming phone calls, limit top speed and even reduce the maximum volume of the audio system.

According to Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, timing for the local introduction is yet to be confirmed. However, we would assume that these vehicles will arrive around the third quarter in South Africa.

Original article from Car