Chinese manufactured Changan Ford Kuga officially released

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai January 23) - The domestically manufactured Changan Ford Kuga made its official Chinese market debut earlier this week, xcar.com.cn reported today. The Kuga is available in a total of six different variations priced between 193,800 yuan and 275,800 yuan ($30,895-$43,967).

The Kuga (pictured), which was developed at Ford's European design center, has a strong exotic feel to it. The Chinese manufactured Kuga is essentially identical to its overseas counterpart, with just a few modifications made in mind for the country's consumers, such as a slightly different front grille design and chrome plating on the door handles. The 18-inch, ten spoke wheels are fitted with 235/50R18 tires. The Kuga measures 4.52 m long, 1.84 m wide and 1.68 m tall, with a wheelbase of 2.69 m.

The Kuga's interior design possesses a number of similarities to the recently released New Focus'. Its steering wheel also contains four sets of button controls, which control the dashboard display, stereo system, cruise control and onboard telephone system, respectively. The odometer and other dashboard instruments are highlighted in a mix of white and blue, making them very visible. A ten-inch multicolored LCD screen is situated in the central control deck.

The Kuga makes use of the Ford SYNC and MyFord Touch integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment systems. SYNC is voice-controlled, while MyFordTouch is manipulated via the central LCD display. Among its various features, the systems provide for integration with mobile phones via Bluetooth and allow for Internet access through Wi-Fi.

The Kuga comes with two engine options: a 1.6 L turbocharged engine producing up to 130 kW and 240 Nm of torque, and a 2.0 L turbocharged one with a maximum output of 178 kW and 350 Nm of torque. They are linked to the new 6F35 six-speed manumatic transmission. There are reportedly no plans to bring the manual transmission to the Chinese Kuga.

The Kuga will compete directly with the Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan and other domestically manufactured foreign brand SUVs.