Ford of Europe is gearing up for the upcoming Paris auto show, officially announcing today that the Focus RS and a new Kuga model will be on display in the City of Lights. The Focus RS made its official debut back in July at the London Motor Show, so the model at Paris will just be a slightly updated one that should look more like the one Europeans will see on the road in a few months. The Kuga, though, will be sporting a new model with more options that should make the C-segment crossover even more popular than it already is.
Ford launched the Kuga earlier this year to rave reviews. Motor Trend was thoroughly impressed with the Kuga during our first drive back in May, and the new model promises to build on the platform's success.
First and foremost, the new Kuga model will get another engine option. Right now, the only option is a 2.0L four-cylinder diesel making a respectable 136 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual and a Haldex AWD system, it'll get you 36.7 mpg combined in the European cycle. The new model will retain the same power-to-the-pavement gear, but this time it will be powered by a Volvo-sourced Duratech 2.5L five-cylinder turbocharged gas engine putting out a healthy 200 hp and 236 lb-ft. Also new for the Kuga will be a Durashift 5-tronic automatic transmission. The new gear box features a manual shifting feature and a sport mode for when you want to let the computer do all the work. Equipped with the auto, the Kuga should get about 23 mpg combined in the Euro cycle.
2009 Ford Kuga
2009 Ford Focus RS
"Even though we expect the majority of customers across Europe to opt for the power and compelling fuel economy and environmental figures of the 136 hp 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi powertrain, we wanted to meet the demands of customers in many markets who have asked us for a high performance petrol engine to complement the Kuga's distinctive and sporty style," said Gunnar Herrmann, C-car vehicle line director for Ford of Europe.
To help the Kuga stand out, Ford is also adding an optional body kit with some extra bulging parts and chrome bits and an optional set of 20 in. wheels. Inside, Ford's Vehicle Personalization Team has come up with several interior options to dress up the Kuga and give it a more luxurious feel.
"With the Kuga establishing itself rapidly as the stylish new member of the Ford kinetic design family, we were looking for a dramatic and distinctive body kit which we could offer to our Kuga customers interested in further enhancing the already very sporty appearance of the standard car," said John McLeod, Chief Designer of Vehicle Personalization for Ford of Europe. "The result is very striking -- I think we can claim we have succeeded in attaining our goal as well as making a clear link to the styling of the dramatic iosis X Concept and Kuga preview show cars."
The new Kuga will go on sale in Europe in January.
Source: Ford
