In the fourth generation, the “made in Spain” model has become a good alternative as a family car for city use and travel without fear of running out of autonomy
Plug-in hybrid models are becoming the ‘hit of the season’, as they allow you to overcome the environmental constraints of cities without fear of running out of autonomy when considering a long-distance ride in an electric car. They combine the best of both worlds, carburetion and hybridization, although they usually have the problem of significantly increasing their consumption when the battery runs out. But as we’ll see, the Ford Kuga PHEV we tested does not meet this principle.
To create some order, it should first be noted that this car was the first plug-in hybrid to be produced in Spain. The fourth generation of the Kuga leaves the Ford factory in Almussafes, and specifically this version equipped with a 2.5-litre engine, 225 hp and with the superior Vignale finish, for sale for € 42,735 (although the plug-in for the hybrid range starts at 37,848 , and the Kuga model retails for around 28,000 euros in its petrol version and 120 hp).
Our test car mounts a combined 152 hp petrol engine and combines it with another 132 hp electric motor, giving a combined output of 224 hp. The battery gives us a range of 56 km in 100% electric mode, which is why we have been awarded the DGT’s ‘Zero’ environmental label, which allows us to reach low-emission areas in cities without any problems. We can choose the driving mode so that the most common daily routes can be covered completely electrically, which saves a considerable amount of money on petrol. Of course it is essential to have a plug, both at work and at home, where you can charge it overnight, as we usually do with a mobile phone.
If, instead of driving 100% electric, we leave the management to the electronics of the car, it is possible to achieve a really good consumption in urban and regional areas, about 1 l/100 km according to the approved figures, and slightly more than one and a half liters according to our practical experience.
Our fear was the real consumption on the road, as soon as the battery is empty. And we did the test on a 191 km route, between Madrid and El Barco de Ávila, on part of the highway and the national road that included the ascent to Puerto de Villatoro. Quite a challenge from which our Kuga emerged triumphant. With respect for the maximum permitted speeds, the car achieved an average consumption over this entire journey of just 4.5 l/100 km, figures that we were only used to with diesel cars.
For a family car with a large size and a weight of more than 1,905 kilos, an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h, these are very good figures. It also has very good handling, with firm suspension that can feel a little harsh in some cases (especially in very bumpy areas), but allows for a way of driving that, without being sporty, is fun. In addition to the thermal or electric and hybrid mode, you can choose between the driving styles that best suit the terrain or our tastes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Slippery, Snow/Sand. In general, excessive body roll is not noticeable and the aerodynamics help with the general absence of annoying noises.
Engine: petrol / plug-in hybrid 225 hp
Top speed: 200 km/h
Average consumption: 1 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 22 g/km
Length/width/height (in meters): 4.61/1.88/1.67
Trunk: from 411 to 1,481 litres
Price: tested unit Kuga Vignale 2.5 PHEV 42,735
Price range: from 28,603 Ford Kuga Titanium petrol 1.5 or 120 CV
Inside, the Kuga is a spacious vehicle. Five adults can travel perfectly, although four is undoubtedly the ideal figure. Striking is the space of the rear seats, where we have sliding seats with a displacement of 15 cm, which allows us to choose between more space for the trunk (from 411 to 581 liters, expandable to 1,481 if we lower the rear seats completely) or for the legs of the occupants.
As for the equipment, in this ‘top of the range’ Vignale version we miss absolutely nothing. 18 inch alloy wheels, automatic tailgate, Full LED headlights, 12.3” digital dashboard and B&O audio system, front and rear parking sensors, steering wheel, windscreen, heated front and rear seats… and driving assistants such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centering function.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
