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Rumor: Ford Kuga SUV India bound!

Ford will launch the EcoSport crossover in early 2013. Check. Ford is all set to give the Endeavour SUV a big facelift in the form of an all new model. Check. Ford also has plans of launching the Kuga crossover in India. Now, here’s where the rumor angle comes in. According to a Team-Bhpian, a Ford Kuga was spotted at ARAI, Pune. Now, ARAI or Automobile Research Association of India, is a governmental agency that certifies all new vehicles being launched in the country, through a process of homologation. Now, the Ford Kuga being spotted at ARAI throws up interesting possibilities.

2013 Ford Kuga SUV

2013 Ford Kuga SUV

Ford India plans to launch no less than 8 all new models in the country by 2015. All these models will be global products sold in many countries across the world. The first such product was the all new Fiesta sedan, that was launched in 2011. The next big launch is that of the EcoSport in 2013, while the all new Endeavour SUV also should be launched soon. Also, there is some talk about the Focus sedan being primed up for an Indian launch and so is the Ford Mondeo, in the coming years of course. This leaves gap for three more cars, of which the Ford entry level sub-Figo small car could be one more car.

2013 Ford Kuga SUV

2013 Ford Kuga SUV

So, the 2013 Kuga could be one crossover that Ford is planning for India as room for two more products does exist in the 8 new car range. The Kuga, which is much bigger than the EcoSport could be pitted against the likes of the Mahindra XUV500 and the Skoda Yeti in terms of price positioning, thus filling the yawning gap that Ford will have between the EcoSport and the Endeavour SUVs. The Kuga crossover’s latest 2013 version was unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The 2013 Kuga now comes with brand new styling, better interiors with more space and a new range of engines.

The engines in the Kuga’s range will include a 1.6 Liter EcoBoost turbo petrol engine and the 2 Liter turbo diesel TDCI unit available in two states of tune, 140 Bhp and 163 Bhp. While a manual gearbox will be standard, buyers can also specify these engines with a PowerShift dual clutch automatic gearbox. Both front wheel drive and all wheel drive variants are available internationally. The Kuga also gets a range of innovative new features like one in which waving a foot under the rear bumper will open the rear hatch door. Other interesting features include a parallel parking aid Active Park Assist and a sensor-based Blind Spot Information System.

Now, the big question remains, will Ford bring the Kuga to India given that the crossover has been spotted at ARAI. Ford India hasn’t come out with an official statement or any indication of this crossover making it to India. So, until we hear more about this straight from the horse’s mouth, take the story of the Kuga being bound to India with a fistful of salt.

Via Team-Bhp

June 22, 2012 | By Jay Prashanth · Tags: 2013 Ford Kuga SUV, Ford India

Comments

2 Responses to “Rumor: Ford Kuga SUV India bound!”

  1. Karikor on June 23rd, 2012 1:14 am

    I wish one of the eight was a Ford Mustang.

  2. Earthfusion on June 23rd, 2012 1:59 pm

    Ford has stable market in India. After launch of ecosport this might increase little bit. Kuga will be option above Ecosport and Endeavour.

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