The overwhelming response that Hyundai Creta SUV received seems to have prompted many manufacturers to bring SUVs to India. The latest to join the list is American car manufacturer Ford. The company imported the Kuga SUV from UK to India on 30 December 2015.

According to the import data of Zauba.com, the Kuga has been imported for research and analysis in India. The model in silver colour is powered by 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to manual transmission. The Kuga has been exported from UK and the model with the same engine is available in two states of tune. The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi in lower state of tune develops 147bhp and 370Nm of torque, while in higher tune, the engine develops 177bhp 400Nm of torque. The SUV is available in 4x4 and 4x2 version with a choice of automatic and manual transmission.

Apart from the growing interest for SUV, Ford Indian line-up has space for the Kuga SUV. The Kuga will sit between the EcoSport and the new Endeavour. The import data estimates the value for the SUV at Rs 16.28 lakh and if Ford brings the vehicle as CKD and focuses on high localisation, it is possible to the price the Kuga in the range of Rs 10-15 lakh. That makes the Kuga a competitor for the Hyundai Creta.

However, the chances for the launch of Kuga in 2016 are fewer at the moment. An entry during 2017-18 time frame will be more realistic. The Kuga is expected to be showcased at the Auto Expo 2016.

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