Ford confirms sharper pricing for Ford Kuga, segment-first technology coming to Mondeo

[russellw]

Ford Kuga Ambiente starts at $27,490#

Ford Kuga gains sharper pricing, improved EcoBoost technology and TDCi diesel technology with reverse camera accessory

The all-new Mondeo will bring Ford’s LED headlights and Ford Australia-first technology, the Inflatable Rear Seatbelt, as standard equipment

Melbourne, 09 Dec. 2014 – On the heels of this week’s Go Further 2020 event in Melbourne, Ford today announced pricing and series of improved technologies and features in the 2015 Ford Kuga.
Ford confirmed sharper pricing for the refreshed Ford Kuga, starting at $27,490 (Manufacturers List Price) for the Ambiente model, the addition of improved EcoBoost engine technology and improved TDCi diesel performance as well as the introduction of an accessory rear view camera.
With these introductions, Ford continues to up the ante on the technology offerings to customers, challenging the likes of Toyota.
“With the introduction of the refreshed Ford Kuga and all-new Mondeo, customers are going to see a whole new face of our brand,” said Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Australia. “The innovation we’ve packed into these vehicles brings a new meaning to democratising technology and delivering class leading features at an attainable price point.
“And the upgrades we’ve made to the Ford Kuga – based on customer feedback – show the action we’re taking to push the envelope in the SUV category.”
Importantly, the Ford Kuga will also now be available with a front-wheel drive automatic to complement the FWD manual.

Ford Kuga new pricing delivers even more technology value to customers
At a new price starting from $27,490 (Manufacturers’ List Price), the Ford Kuga is set to be one of most feature-enhanced SUVs in the category, delivering even more value to customers.
The inclusion of reversing camera, will be just another addition to Ford Kuga’s surprising array of features that already include:

- Ford SYNC™ with Emergency Assistance
- Ford’s ‘Intelligent’ All-Wheel Drive system with Torque Vectoring Control
- Hands-free tailgate (optional on Trend, standard on Titanium)
- DAB+ radio (standard on Trend and Titanium)
- Auto Stop-Start on all 1.5-litre EcoBoost and TDCi variants

The optional Technology Pack continues on Trend and Titanium, and from early next year will include a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

- Active City Stop
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Information System
- Auto High Beam
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring (new – from early next year)

Power-train Upgrades
In addition to the introduction of the new Ambiente FWD Automatic variant, the entire power-train line-up has been updated:



Each engine features notable improvements over the current line-up.



^Note: Figures obtained from controlled tests using ADR 81/02.
^^ Note: Petrol performanc eifgures measured using Premium unleaded 95RON)

Ford Kuga Pricing
The refreshed Ford Kuga introduces a more powerful 178kW and 345Nm 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine on mid and high-series delivering great driving dynamics and customer value.
With the addition of the new Ambiente FWD automatic, Ford is poised to attract customers seeking a FWD automatic in this segment. The entry series has been further supported by a $500 improvement on the Ambiente FWD manual MLP. All Ambiente models offer the same 110kW and 240Nm performance with a more fuel efficient 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine.
A more powerful 132 kW and 400 Nm 2.0-litre TDCi turbo diesel engine is available on the Trend and Titanium variants with even greater fuel efficiency and improved pricing.
When compared with 2.2-litre AWD Toyota RAV4 diesel automatic models, the new 400 Nm Ford Kuga TDCi engine offers more power and torque, while still offering better fuel economy over the RAV4 Diesel automatic range.
Customers will be able to choose from seven different models in the Ford Kuga range with the option of the Hands-free Power Tailgate cascading to the Trend models as a $1,200 option while the Technology Pack continues, now priced at $1,600^. The Hands-free Power Tailgate option includes the Smart Key-Free system, called “Intelligent Access”. Prestige paint is a $385 option.
Significantly, the new range offers:

- An attractive entry FWD Manual model with an MLP starting below $28,000#
- The addition of a new entry FWD Automatic model with an MLP below $29,000
- A $750 MLP improvement on the enhanced diesel powertrain on the Trend and Titanium variants

The Manufacturer List Prices (MLP) for the refreshed Ford TF Kuga MkII is:






~ Available on Trend and Titanium series only | STD – Standard | ^Price change from current Ford Kuga | + Option available on Trend only *Recommended MLP only.

Mondeo brings segment-first technology to mid-size market
The Mondeo will strengthen Ford’s presence in the mid-size vehicle range and offer class-leading technology along with a sleek design, which will challenge Toyota Camry’s offerings. In fact, there are several key features on the Mondeo that Camry doesn’t offer.
This begins with the inclusion of LED headlights, which will be offered on the Mondeo Titanium hatch and wagon, allowing for a more determined and aggressive appearance.
Mondeo will also have a Ford first for Australia – inflatable rear seatbelts across the range. These are designed to operate like conventional seat belts, which in an event of a crash deploy over an occupant’s torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds.
The other features included in a Ford Mondeo that are not offered with Camry include:

- MyKey, which allows parents to set limits and guidelines for young drivers, making the roads a safer place for all motorists.
- Emergency Assistance, which activates in the event of an accident where an air-bag is deployed or the emergency fuel pump shut off is triggered and will attempt to connect with emergency operators and inform them of the accident and provide the GPS location coordinates of the vehicle when paired with a mobile phone.
- SYNC2 with voice control tuned for the Australian accent allows for easier access to audio, navigation, climate control and connected devices including smart phones to allow the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Keeping Aid and Assist
- Driver Impairment Monitor
- Advanced Active Park Assist
- Active City Stop

The six-model Mondeo line-up features five-door and wagon variants, and offers customers the choice of new fuel-efficient EcoBoost petrol and TDCi turbo diesel engines.
Mated to Ford’s latest-generation PowerShift six-speed transmission that is stronger, more efficient and quieter in operation, the new Mondeo hatch TDCi diesel delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 5.1 l/100km**, better than the Camry Hybrid at 5.2 l/100km with no compromise on performance.
EcoBoost technology continues as a cornerstone of Ford’s product onslaught in 2015 starting with Mondeo, giving customers the performance they want with the fuel economy they desire. EcoBoost is core to Ford’s commitment to improve fuel efficiency across its range.

Source: Ford Media

[Guzz226]

Going by the Ford website specs for Mk II the rear camera is still only on the high spec like the current model. Surely the website is a typo given the press release?

Especially given cars half the price have what is becoming a basic standard feature for a SUV style car.

[4stanger]

For such a tight competitive section of this market, Ford need to push all the features they can. Hands free tailgate should be standard across all models, yeah males don't go for it essentially, but what would the target demographic of these type of vehicles aimed at?

[blueoval]

Ive never really looked into these cars before. They offer a hell of a lot of features for the price. Im surprised. I could be considering a a wagon styled car in the future and I would have thought my limitations would have been with a Forester or something. But I could honestly see myself returning to Ford to seriously look at one of the TD Titaniums. Well done Ford!

[csv8]

Titanium should be cheaper...no Mondeo pricing ????? How will Edge fit in ?? or will Kuga be scrapped when Edge arrives in 2016???

[Guzz226]

Edge above Kuga - edge is nominal Territory replacement, the largest road based SUV

Based on current pricing the cost of the Edge will be higher than Territory given recent spec upgrades and cost drops.


Everest is another class again as a large Prato style off road er

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by csv8

Titanium should be cheaper.

Why so you still wont buy one anyway?

[blueoval]

Titanium I thought was quite reasonably priced considering the level of equipment given. But thats just me.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Titanium I thought was quite reasonably priced considering the level of equipment given. But thats just me.

I agree, you get a lot of car for the money.