Though the name sounds familiar, there's no mistaking Ford's new 2009 Kuga for the company's defunct Cougar coupe.
Inspired by the 2006 Ford iosis X concept and previewed at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the production-spec Kuga debuts at Geneva as the brand's first European crossover. With a 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine and all-wheel drive, the Kuga gives drivers better traction and more room than its Focus platform mate, all while beautifully maintaining Ford's kinetic design language.
The Kuga's exterior features a light assortment of chrome accents, side vents, projector-style headlights and foglights, rear parking sensors, dual exhaust outlets, and a "liftgate-in-liftgate" tailgate. Inside, the crossover's instrument cluster and audio/navigation systems are shared with the Focus, but each vehicle receives its own unique air vents and smaller design touches.
Ford says it hopes the Kuga delivers a "highly capable, expressive and charismatic vehicle which will extend the Ford model range further."
We think the Kuga could do just that. Unfortunately, there are no plans for it to extend as far as our shores.
Click the link below for high-resolution Kuga images.