2009 Ford Kuga

Handsome, economical, and not coming to the U.S. any time soon, the 2009 Ford Kuga crossover arrives at the 2008 Geneva auto show in production-ready form.The Kuga was first seen as the Iosis X concept during the 2006 Paris auto show and again as a near-production-ready concept last September in Frankfurt.We like the tiny Kuga and think its chiseled looks would appeal to a wide audience on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ford says the Kuga stays true to the company’s “kinetic design” language, as seen in the European-market Focus and Mondeo. The Kuga uses the same C1 global platform used by the second-generation Focus and other C-segment vehicles in Ford’s European lineup (the North American Focus is still a first-gen model).

The Kuga goes on sale in Europe in June. Power will be provided solely by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel with 134 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission—although we suspect Ford will admit that some sort of slushbox will eventually be offered.

Inside, the Kuga offers seating for five, fold-flat second-row seats, and extra storage compartments under the seats and beneath the cargo area. Stability control, 17-inch wheels, and keyless start are among the Kuga’s standard equipment. Two trim levels will be offered: the Zetec and the range-topping Titanium.

The knockout punch for the Kuga ever making it to America is dealt by the crossover’s lofty price. A base Kuga is likely to sticker at the equivalent of $38,000 to $40,000. Like other tasty Ford of Europe products, such as the slick new Mondeo, there is simply no profit to be made by selling the German-built Kuga on our shores.

© Source: caranddriver
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