Ford Kuga SUV spotted testing for the first time; likely to launch in India

Amid rumours of US auto major Ford planning to bring its SUV the Kuga to India, a model, believed to be a prototype, has been spied undergoing tests on Indian roads, fuelling a fresh rounds of whispers on the auto corridors about the launch.

The motorbuffs at FlyWheel shared the images of what is believed to be the test mule of the Kuga SUV, which was caught on camera in Chennai. Although there is nothing much one can really pull out from the images of the Kuga that is doing the rounds on the internet, the sighting of the model lends credence to the discussion.

Ford Kuga, if launched in India, will be placed between the Endeavour and the EcoSport. Previous reports had suggested that a prototype of the Kuga was imported to India for research and analysis purpose and Ford may consider the SUV for the Indian market, taking note of the growing demand for SUVs in the sub-continent.

Under the hood, the Kuga is expected to pack 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine and a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel. While the 1.5-litre EcoBoost is expected to pump in 148bhp of power mated to six-speed manual transmission and 180bhp with 6-speed automatic version, the 2.0 diesel mill is expected to develop 147bhp and 370Nm mated to 6-speed manual transmission. The same engine is also expected to tune in to churn out more power.

As for features, expect the Kuga to boast dual-zone climate control, push-button start, multi-functional steering wheel, rear AC vents, rear parking camera, rear parking sensors, 6-airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist.

In India, Ford is likely to pit the Kuga against Hyundai Tucson, Mahindra XUV500 and the Renault Duster and rumour has it that the SUV could get a price tag in the price range Rs 12 lakh to Rs 18 lakh.

Image Source: Flywheel