Thai sales haven’t been totally ruled out for redesigned C-segment SUV highlighting three styles of electrification.
Could this be the new Escape?
Ford has revealed the all-new Kuga which in some markets is also known as the Escape.
The C-segment SUV has been completely redesigned on and under the skin. Its potential rivals in Thailand include car-based SUVs like the Chevrolet Captiva, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, MG GS, Nissan X-Trail and Subaru Forester and XV.
The Kuga is now 89mm longer and 44mm wider than before. The 2,710mm wheelbase length, in particular, is 20mm greater to help increase the five-seat cabin room.
The Kuga’s body is said to be 10% stiffer and 90kg lighter than the outgoing model.
The interior now includes a new infotainment screen, digital instrument panel and rotary-style gear knob operating an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A range of connectivity and driver-assist technologies are available in the Kuga. Some other useful features are remote engine start and head-up display.
Is there a plug-in hybrid?
Apart from conventional petrol (120hp/150hp 1.5-litre) and diesel (120hp 1.5-litre and 190hp 2.0-litre) engines, there are three other electrified powertrains for buyers to choose from in the Kuga.
The most tech-savvy one is the plug-in hybrid featuring a 225hp 2.5-litre petrol-electric combination capable of 50km EV range.
There’s also a cordless version to potentially rival the X-Trail Hybrid (CR-V and Forester hybrids haven’t arrived on Thai shores yet).
A mild hybrid variant, highlighting 48V system, employs a smaller 2.0-litre petrol engine. But it’s only the plug-in hybrid that is capable of emitting CO2 less than 100g/km.
Supporting all this hardware is the so-called C2 platform which is shared with the Fiesta and Focus family cars, both of which have already been withdrawn from Ford’s Thai model lineup.
Any chance of the Kuga coming to Thailand?
The last time Ford sold the Escape was many years ago when it was co-developed with the Mazda Tribute.
Thai sales for the new Kuga (or Escape) haven’t been totally ruled out, although it’s claimed by sources that it won’t be happening in the near future. The Kuga goes on sale in the US (as Escape) later this year and in Europe early 2020.
The Thai SUV market in the 1-2 million baht price range is slowing becoming crowded with new players. Apart from the Captiva revival, Peugeot is planning to take part in this sector with the 3008.
The Malaysian-made 3008 and is set to reach Thailand via MGC Asia, the new distributor, in the second half of this year with a regular petrol version.
The Kuga has the chance of becoming the first C-segment SUV in Thailand to feature plug-in hybrid.
