In this instalment of John Murdoch’s Drive Time, John samplesthe popular Ford Kuga SUV and takes a look at the Renault Rafale E-Tech, which has just been priced.
The Ford Kuga arrived back in 2008 and the current third generation model is easily the best version so far.
It delivers a great blend of driving dynamics, kit, safety features, practicality and economy.
There is also a wide choice of models, with hybrid and plug-in hybrids included, and it is ideal for family transport.
I have been sampling the PHEV model in Active trim and so you can drive up to 39 miles on electric power alone – charging the SUV from a three pin plug or a wall charger.
Power comes from a four cylinder 2.5-litre engine which produces 240 bhp and is combined with an automatic CVT gearbox.
It takes just 7.3 seconds to sprint to 62 mph before going on to a top speed of 125 if you can find anywhere to do it legally.
The CVT box can be a little grumpy if you push it too hard but it is better than most of its kind.
Economy is really good for such a large car with a combined figure of 50.4mpg but it is possible to get considerably more on a long run.
A recent facelift has kept the Kuga fresh and in Solar Silver – an extra £800 cost – this model looked striking.
Inside the Kuga is certainly not as plush as some rivals but there is stacks of room and everything feels built to last.
The front seats are very comfortable and the rear seats can slide forward to increase boot space if you need more than the 475 litres.
A great feature is the clever rubber door-protectors that emerge automatically when a door is opened to prevent chipping if they come into contact with any hard objects.
It may be a large SUV but the driving dynamics make it fun to drive and the steering is sharp and direct. It is a great motorway cruiser and ideal for cross country spins.
The sporty suspension feels a bit stiff at times but it is ideal for good handling.
The standard kit on this Active version is too numerous to list but includes a 360-degree camera, powered front seats, roof rails, LED headlights, hands free power tailgate and blind spot information system, as well as a B&O sound system, privacy glass and a styling body package.
The Active also offers all the latest safety features and driver aids to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible.
Active models also come with extra body cladding and scuff plates as well as a new gloss black grille design and a wooden finish on the dash.
The car also has its ride height raised by 10mm to help its performance in tough conditions.
The Kuga, which is manufactured at Ford’s Valencia plant, still offers good value for keen drivers who also require room for a family.
FAST FACTS:
Price: £40,955.
Mechanical: 2.5-litre, 4 cyl, 240bhp, PHEV petrol hybrid engine driving two wheels via CVT automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 125mph.
0-62mph: 7.3 seconds.
Combined MPG: 50.4.
Insurance group: 21.
CO2 emissions: 125g/km.
Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles.
Overall rating (out of 5): 4.
Moving on to other motoring news, Renault has announced the new Rafale E-Tech 4WD 300hp plug-in hybrid will be priced from £45,695.
The flagship – powered by a new plug-in hybrid powertrain – will feature advanced technologies such as four-wheel-steering, four-wheel-drive, and a new intelligent self-adjusting suspension system on range-topping Alpine trim.
With a 136 hp rear electric motor working in conjunction with the 70 hp front motor and 34 hp HSG (High-voltage Starter Generator), the Rafale E-Tech 4WD 300 hp plug-in hybrid offers a potent blend.
Its performance is in line with the finely-tuned responses of its chassis, with exhilarating acceleration from 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds. Top speed is 111mph.
It has a range of up to 621 miles, including up to 65 miles of pure-electric driving.
The four-wheel-drive is matched by the manoeuvrability of Renault’s 4Control Advanced four-wheel-steering system, which enhances driving pleasure and reduces the Rafale’s turning circle by 1.2 metres.
In Atelier Alpine trim, priced from £49,695, a chassis set-up developed by Alpine Cars’ engineers sees a new active suspension system with a predictive camera continuously adjusts the damping in anticipation of the changing road conditions.
The Rafale Atelier Alpine E-Tech 4WD 300hp plug-in hybrid also features its own distinctive look with matte Satin Summit Blue bodywork, a diamond Black floating spoiler, and special 21-inch black alloy wheels.
In total, six exterior colour options are available: Flame Red, Diamond Black, Shadow Grey, Summit Blue, and two matte choices – Satin Pearl White and Satin Summit Blue – the latter exclusively available on the atelier Alpine version.
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.