A world-renowned automaker, Ford is implementing a unified quality control and standardization system at all of its manufacturing plants. The main European plant for the production of American cars is located in Saarlouis (Germany). The Americans started building the plant in 1996. It is considered one of the largest engineering complexes in Germany. The plant employs about 6.5 thousand workers and more than a thousand robots, all of them work in three shifts. Together, 1,650 cars of different models are assembled at the enterprise every day. Almost 80% of all assembled vehicles are sent for export to more than eighty countries of the world, including New Zealand and Australia. But, many Russian motorists are interested in where FordKuga is assembled for the Russian Federation?
Assembling the model for Russia
The first generation Ford Kuga for Russian consumers was assembled in 2012 at an enterprise in Elabuga (Republic of Tatarstan). And in 2013, the second generation of the American crossover rolled off the assembly line.
The Ford Kuga assembly plant for the Russian market also produces:
- FordTransit
- FordExplorer
- FordTourneo
- FordS-Max
- FordGalaxy
- FordEcoSport 2015.
However, it was the Kuga model that Russian motorists received warmth, because in addition to the low cost price (due to production in the Russian Federation), each potential owner is waiting for a car with low fuel consumption and a modern, aggressive design.
In the Russian segment, this American crossover is in great demand. Since, machines that meet all quality control standards come off the Tatarstan conveyor. The components and materials with which the Kuga is equipped are checked many times before assembly.
But, even in the case of this model, car owners cannot avoid minor problems. A Russian-assembled Ford Kuga noticed some faults in the electronics:
- errors occur that can drown the engine
- the turbine will have to be repaired after traveling several hundred kilometers
- the crossover has suspension problems.
For our consumers, Kuga cars were equipped with a 2-liter diesel engine with a choice of 140 and 163 horsepower. Also, there are crossovers with a gasoline 1.6-liter power plant (175 hp). In the basic version, the car works in tandem with a six-speed manual gearbox. And additional options include a six-speed dual-clutch robotized gearbox. For the Russian buyer, both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive models are available. Each vehicle has independent suspension and variable power steering. The manufacturer offers as additional options:
- a roof with a panoramic view
- leather interior trim
- automatic braking system
- automatic valet
- heated windshield
- navigator and rear view camera
- eight-inch touch screen multimedia system
- xenon and more.
A dynamic crossover with a striking design and excellent driving characteristics, the Ford Kuga has won the hearts of more than one motorist. But, before buying this handsome man, drivers want to know?
The model, which the American brand created for the European and CIS markets to compete with the Nissan Qashqai, was first produced in Germany at the Ford Motors plant in Saarlouis. But the growing demand of Russian consumers made the manufacturer think about the start of car assembly in the Russian Federation. The famous auto brand chose the Sollers plant in Yelabuga (Republic of Tatarstan), where some of its models are made.
Where and how is Ford Kuga assembled in Russia
Since 2012, the assembly of the first Ford Kuga has started in Yelabuga. This is not the first model of an American brand to roll off the assembly line of a local plant. The successful production of other Fords has also been established here: Tourneo, Explorer, S-Max, Galaxy, Transit, EcoSport 2015.
A year later, in 2013, the company began production of the second generation of the popular model using a full cycle technology: body welding, painting, final assembly. It is these cars that travel on domestic roads and neighboring countries. And they are not inferior in quality to their counterparts created on the European conveyor.
It is known that the value of a car depends on who collects it. The Russian production of the Ford Kuga did its job: the price of the crossover was quite affordable.
The model pleased the consumer with everything: spectacular design, economical engine, high-quality interior trim. Still would! After all, the Tatar conveyor, where Ford Kuga is assembled for Russia, fully complies with the standards of the auto brand. Every detail goes through several stages of control - to guarantee the impeccable quality of the crossover loved by many.
Russian version of the Ford Kuga. What is she
The current Ford Kuga model is equipped with 1.6-liter EcoBoost gasoline engines. They give out from 150 to 185 hp, and are aggregated with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. But, in 2014, the engine lineup was replenished with another one - a 2.5-liter gasoline unit. A version with a diesel engine is also presented: a 140-horsepower Duratorq engine is paired with a six-speed "robot" PowerShift.
The manufacturer calls the crossover the "smartest" in its history and invites motorists to appreciate the mass of electronic assistants and innovative technologies.
But, in practice, the local assembly of the Ford Kuga still has flaws: the turbine needs repair after a couple of hundred kilometers, and the suspension is “naughty” when the “speed bumps” pass.
The second generation Ford Kuga for the American market is produced in Louisville (USA).
Let's get acquainted with the modernized Ford Kuga crossover from the first, pre-production batch. The car became more courageous, got new motors and improved electronics. Ford Sollers also listened to the comments of the Za Rulem experts.
Kuga-2017 is, in fact, a deep modernization of an already well-known machine. But Ford for some reason call it a new model.
At the entrance of the Ford Sollers plant in Yelabuga, a thin guy meets us.
My name is Mikhail Melnikov, I am a leading engineer for the launch of new models.
Mikhail is shaking my hand, and in his left hand he is holding the March issue of the magazine "Za Rulem", in which the pre-styling Kuga could not beat its competitors in the comparative test. Not otherwise, debriefing awaits me.
I am your longtime reader, I haven’t missed a single issue since I was five! During my school years I even sent a letter under the heading “You wrote to us”. A week later, Mikhail Kolodochkin from the editorial office called me and upset me: it turned out that the illustrations I sent were not suitable for printing. Well, okay, communication with him for me, a boy, was already happiness! Here we are - this is your Kuga. Isn't she beautiful?
I couldn't find an answer. Yes, Kuga has become more beautiful. But the huge mouth of the grille gave the crossover a hefty dose of brutality, masculinity. Not a beauty - a handsome man!
The bumpers, hood and head optics have been transformed - now the headlights have bi-xenon filling and are able to change the configuration of the light beam depending on driving conditions and external lighting. The rear lights and the tailgate have been adjusted, but this can only be noticed against the background of the pre-styling car.
I arrived in Yelabuga long before the start of sales, so I have a car from the first, pre-production batch in my hands. As you understand, I don’t know the price yet. (Prices were announced on December 8th - Ed.)
I jump into the salon. Yeah, we got by with pinpoint improvements. New three-spoke steering wheel with a more comfortable grip rim. Instead of the usual parking brake, there was a button for an electromechanical parking brake - and there was free space for a niche with a neat sliding curtain. The ERA-GLONASS system module was registered on the ceiling. The chairs, which I liked before, have become even more comfortable thanks to the elongated cushion and tucked sidewalls on the back.
On the other hand, in the initial modifications, the display is too simple. Find a middle ground ...
The trip-computer screen in advanced versions is overloaded with information. Her abundance is dazzling in the eyes.
SYNC multimedia system has received new "brains". Ford officials claim that its performance has increased by an order of magnitude, and the navigator is trained to plot a route taking into account traffic jams.
The interior design has not fundamentally changed - it still looks relevant. A button for turning on the steering wheel heating appeared on the center console. It is high time!
The climate control buttons have become larger, so now the probability of missing the desired one is minimal.
Paddle shifters (basic equipment) are one of the main acquisitions of the Kuga.
Kuga became the first Russian Ford with the ERA-GLONASS module.
-In addition, we lowered the temperature in the first stage of seat heating by two degrees, as there were many complaints about excessive heat. We are very attentive to constructive criticism and try to respond promptly to it. In your comparative test, you wrote that a car of this level must have a heated steering wheel and at least two USB ports. Receive - and sign! Scared by the abundance of buttons on the center console? Their number was reduced by almost half. And they also introduced heating for the parking area of the wipers, which turns on together with the heated side mirrors and rear window. In our climate - a necessary thing.
Michael cannot be held back. A minute later, I learned that the main reason for Ford's pride was the advanced SYNC 3 multimedia system with voice control. Compared to the previous one, it is much more productive, and interaction with smartphones on Android and iOS platforms is expensive. And instead of a small display, an eight-inch touchscreen flaunts on the center console. The navigator was taught to plan a route taking into account traffic jams. Everything we love.
The basic multimedia system has a display no larger than that of the Soviet watch Elektronika.
In the Trend Plus version, the screen is already more solid - with a diagonal of five inches.
There is progress in the rest of the electronics. In particular, the Active City Stop automatic braking system now operates at speeds up to 50 km / h (previously up to 30 km / h). The self-parking operator now parks the car not only parallel to the side of the road, but also perpendicularly. In addition, he will help you to leave the tight parking lot - for many it is still a task. Finally, the Cross Traffic Alert system makes reversing out of the parking lot safer - warns the driver with sound and light signals if he rolls out in front of an approaching car.
In addition, we introduced the MyKey system, which allows you to program the keys at your discretion. You can leave yourself an "unlimited" one, and give your wife a "prepared" copy with a wired-in speed and volume limit of the audio system, a prohibition on setting a target to the navigator while driving, and a low fuel threshold message is pushed back for her own benefit.
After the upgrade, diesels disappeared from the range of engines - with a tiny demand, it is unprofitable to tinker with them. The petrol 2.5-liter 150-horsepower aspirated is combined exclusively with front-wheel drive: more than half of the buyers choose such cars. 
The 1.5 turbo engine replaced the 1.6-liter. The power is the same, but the cooling of the air coming from the turbine in it is carried out by a liquid, not an air intercooler. Fuel consumption was reduced by 7%.
The previous 1.6 liter turbo engines (150 or 182 hp) gave way to the 1.5 EcoBoost engines of the same power already known from the Focus. Reducing the cubic capacity was achieved by reducing the piston stroke. The new motors made the Kugu a little more economical. They comply with the Euro-6 eco-standards and are adapted for 92nd gasoline, while previously only 95th was required.
I have a top-end 182-strong Kuga at my disposal. Rides not as vividly as you expect, acceleration to a hundred takes more than ten seconds. Extra "horses" are lost in the wilds of the all-wheel drive and the 6F35 six-speed automatic, which was included in the basic equipment of the Kuga (there is no longer a version with mechanics, since it did not find demand). Even in sport mode, the box shuffles gears with laziness.
I was only pleased with the fact that in manual mode the transmissions now change with the usual paddle shifters, and not with a key on the selector, which was inconvenient to use.
The old motor, when accelerated to the floor, squealed that there was urine, and the 1.5-liter one did not break down to scream. And road noises are now better muffled. Is the use of double-layer side windscreens influenced so much?
This is the result of the work of our specialists. The modernized Russian-assembled Kugi received additional noise insulation for the bottom, therefore, the acoustic comfort has significantly improved. You also criticized him in that comparative test ...
And Melnikov pointed his finger at our text. Nothing, nothing, constructive criticism has not bothered anyone yet - so Kuga has changed. 
The front seats are good: a good profile, wide adjustment ranges, tenacious upholstery. 
I really liked the practical troughs nestled between the seat and the threshold. 
Rear passengers are spacious and comfortable. At their service - a back with an adjustable angle of inclination and folding tables. In rich versions, rear passengers are offered a 220-volt socket (left). In simpler versions, a 12-volt power supply (right) is used instead.
The chassis has not undergone any transformations. And it is right. Rideability has always been a strong point of the Kuga. In the sincerity of the steering effort, stability on the trajectory and the delicacy of the stabilization system settings, only the Volkswagen Tiguan can compete with the Kuga.
It's a pity we couldn't get a 150-strong turbo version! Judging by the technical data, it is not particularly inferior to the flagship. Therefore, I see no reason to pay extra for a more powerful modification. The motive for buying it can only be the equipment that is not available for versions with weaker motors. By the way, all the configurations have become richer. So, in the basic version of Trend (available only with a 2.5 engine), in addition to power accessories, an audio system, air conditioning, heated side mirrors, seven airbags, ESP and fog lights, LED running lights, automatic paddle shifters, and the MyKey system appeared.
The ground clearance is 198 mm and the sloping bumper allows you to confidently move on difficult terrain. For complete happiness, the multi-plate clutch lock is not enough. 
The lidar of the autobraking system, now working at speeds up to 50 km / h, is installed at the salon mirror.
Adaptive bi-xenon headlights are an option even for the flagship Titanium Plus version.
The Trend Plus version (offered with both 150-horsepower engines), in addition to roof rails, dual-zone climate control, electric heated washer nozzles, windshield and front seats, received a heated steering wheel and wiper rest zone, a parking brake button, an audio system with a larger color screen and a second USB port; and 17 ‑ inch alloy wheels.
Titanium is available with any of the offered motors. If before he added a combined trim (leather plus fabric), a keyless entry system, cruise control, a self-dimming salon mirror, light and rain sensors, a 220-volt outlet for rear passengers and tinted rear windows, now the SYNC multimedia system has been added to this list 3.
Shortly before my trip to the Yelabuga plant, I got acquainted with the European version of the Kuga. With the exception of the Russian adaptation package (ERA-GLONASS, additional sound insulation of the bottom and all kinds of heating), everything is the same - both design and technology. Only the 182-strong Kuga in the sporting performance of the SL Line stands apart. Its body is decorated with an aerodynamic body kit, and the radiator grille and lighting equipment are decorated with black gloss instead of chrome. The key differences are in the suspension: stiffer springs, shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar are installed. In addition, the ground clearance is reduced by 10 mm. All this made the Kugu a little more collected and accurate in turns, but there is no fundamental difference in handling between it and the standard car. Now, if, in addition to the above-mentioned innovations, the Fordists had increased the power to at least two hundred "horses" ... However, what is it to us? The Kuga ST Line will not be on sale in Russia.
The flagship Titanium Plus version can only be equipped with a 182-horsepower engine. As before, the list of equipment includes a leather interior, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, a panoramic roof, mirrors with illumination of the door space and an electric folding drive, a contactless trunk opening function, an enlarged rear spoiler. And from the new - a self-parking operator, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a rear-view camera, a navigator. For this version, only one additional option is offered - the package of electronic assistants.
In full ammunition, the updated Kuga is perceived as nobler and more luxurious than its predecessor. In the course of modernization, she got rid of many shortcomings, and in the next comparative test she will have a chance to win back.
➖ Build quality
➖ Ergonomics
➖ Visibility
➖ Fuel consumption
pros
➕ Manageability
➕ Suspension
➕ Passage
➕ Comfortable salon
The advantages and disadvantages of the 2018-2019 Ford Kuga in a new body are revealed based on feedback from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of Ford Kuga 2 generations 2.5 and 1.5 turbo with automatic, front and all-wheel drive 4x4 can be found in the stories below:
Owner reviews
The car is comfortable for long distances over 1000 km per day. We drove both on the highways and on military dirt roads, climbed along the talus roads in the mountains (no extreme) - Kuga 2 drives confidently, drives up when sliding, when stopping on a reverse slope, it does not go back, you can move calmly as if on level ground.
Up to 140 km / h, the speed is not particularly felt, it becomes noisy faster and vibrations appear, but it keeps the course confidently and at 160. The car is generally balanced, it has no frankly weak points.
The turbocharged engine pulls quite briskly in the city, for sharp overtaking there is Sport on the highway, or a button for a low one.
The suspension is more urban on country roads, you will not go quickly, it will pass through a virgin field, along rainy forest roads, along a flat beach, it drives nicely. For 30,000 km, nothing happened, the interval between maintenance is 15,000 km. The overall impression is a typical urban crossover: comfortable, vigorous, with its own pleasant little things.
But at the same time, I do not like the layout: the body is narrow, high and elongated (compared to classmates). The wide front pillar blocks the side view, the mirrors do not fold completely and end up sticking out, there is illumination of the legs for some reason, but there is no illumination of the glove compartment, on the tailgate there is a closing handle on only one side, so with a busy right hand you need to contrive to close and the move is pretty hard, a weak woman will have to hang on it.
Igor Suvorov, drives a Ford Kuga 1.6 (150 HP) AWD AT 2015
You can switch the speed on the automatic box in manual mode. Very comfortable seats, you get into the car like a spacecraft. Nice flat square luggage space with the rear seats folded.
Ford Kuga II holds the road perfectly, the car is very maneuverable when driving around the city. And it's very cool to refuel gasoline: I opened the flap and there are no plugs, put the pistol in and took out the pistol, clean and comfortable.
Gasoline consumption dropped after 40,000 km, sharply, the car began to consume 2 liters less gasoline. It is strange why such a long break-in period? In rainy weather, the trunk does not open from the foot on the first try. The doors also sometimes (very rarely) do not open on the first attempt with keyless access.
Yes, for some reason the side windows get dirty very quickly in the rain. There was only one complaint - after 35,000 km, the motor cooling bypass failed, it was changed under warranty, despite the fact that I never came to MOT, I changed the oil and filter myself.
Nikolay Sheryshev, drives a Ford Kuga 1.6 (150 hp) AWD AT 2013
Video review
Very comfortable and pleasant to drive a car, many options, a gorgeous panoramic roof, excellent bi-xenon, a very convenient and famous door that opens with a foot, excellent seats, which have shown themselves very well on long trips (1,300 km without stopping, you can easily drive), good finishing materials interior, decent dynamics, good brakes, very good sound insulation, comfortable suspension, sharp steering wheel, the car is comfortable at speeds up to 200 km / h.
But there are also jambs: then the box squeaks, pushes and kicks, the steering rack knocks and asks for replacement, the deflectors crunch, the saber wiped the holes in the back door to the metal, the keyless entry falls off, the music is full r .., the steering column clicks, the speedometer curve, the hood vibrates at idle, the tailgate opens and then no longer, something squeaks, taps, rattles, the tire pressure monitoring system does not work, the washer level sensor too ...
In addition to this, I was faced with a complete reluctance of official dealers to do anything within the framework of their warranty obligations. Complete from the word "absolutely". Tightly frostbitten guys. And he received the same attitude from the head Russian Ford ...
Dmitry Gaidash, drives a Ford Kuga 1.6 (182 hp) AWD automatic in 2016
Where can I buy?
After they were taken away, they drove the first 200 km - the average consumption showed 8.6 liters. In the city, consumption with all warm-ups and idling showed 13.9 liters. It's a smooth ride.
You understand, while I run in, I do not force it. The departure was out of town, along a distance of 200 km one way - the flow rate showed already 7.3 liters. I fill in gasoline 92nd, the seller advised only to drive 92nd, I don’t know how much is correct, what are you filling?
Now the mileage is already in the region of 900 km. The car warms up very quickly, 5-10 minutes and the temperature arrow goes up. Feels like this is not a car, but an airplane, it is quiet, calm and comfortable inside. The seats also warm up very quickly.
Another big plus, which was paid attention to, is the blowing of the rear passengers. On the Kuga, it has a plus to the heating of the legs. In my opinion, there is no CX-5. We carry the child in the back. Another plus is the tilt-adjustable rear seats.
I started the car even at -30 degrees (after 12 hours of inactivity), there are no hints at all that the Kuga will not start. The interior is warm, and in the current frost I sit loosely in a T-shirt.
About handling - generally a thrill. There is no ice or snow porridge between the stripes. When overtaking everything is smooth and calm, you sit high, the visibility is excellent. Rubber is Nokia 5 R17 (received as a gift from the salon).
Review of Ford Kuga 1.5 turbo (150 hp) with automatic and all-wheel drive 2018
I will compare Kugu with my former Suzuki Grand Vitara. Exterior. Like the front. Still, the muzzle adorned this unit. I do not like the previous body (some kind of squinted in front). From the side, nothing has changed, indifferent. The rear has changed a little for the better.
Salon. The width on the front row is the same as on the Suzuki. The seats are more comfortable. I settled down right away, the lumbar support is good, as well as the lateral support. The right leg does not get tired.
The heated front windshield is a wonderful thing, perhaps the most useful thing after the air conditioner. There is no need to wait for the engine to heat up, and when, in turn, warm air heats up the glass, which means it is not necessary to make ridiculous movements with the scraper.
It is quite spacious under the hood, but the neck for the washer is several centimeters higher - it would be more convenient. What I really don't like is the lack of a dipstick for checking the oil in the automatic transmission.
Suspension. Compromise solution. I can evaluate it fairly objectively, since every day I go to and from work on the same path (road). In those places where I remembered everyone, starting with the road workers and ending with our supreme power, with bad words, now I fly by imperceptibly, well, or almost imperceptibly.
Engine. What he wanted, he got it. Simple volumetric aspirated. Someone may not have enough traction, but the wave is enough for me, and in extreme cases there is a sport mode. But you need to service (change the oil) every 15,000 km. For me, sheer blasphemy.
The owner drives a Ford Kuga 2.5 (150 HP) AT AWD 2016
I have a standard package, but it has everything you need. Front-wheel drive. The car holds perfectly and a dry road, and a large downpour with puddles. Someone wrote that Kuga does not eat rut - they lie! Ford normally digests it, any car will feel this lack of our roads. On a normal smear, outside the asphalt and after rain, the car drives confidently and does not grimace.
The Kug's handling is excellent and holds the turns perfectly, even on a circular path. There is no roll at high-speed approach! Do not listen to anyone, since I also read somewhere that lurch too much.
This is my first machine gun, and it seems to me that the mechanics would be faster. Gear shifting is slower than desired. Also frustrating is the expense. On the highway at a speed of 110-130 km / h, 9.5-10 liters are needed, and at 140-150 - already 10-11 liters. Around the city - 12 liters.
Review of Ford Kuga 2.5 (150 HP) with automatic 2019
Ford car manufacturers are constantly improving their products and reserve the right to change the specifications, specifications, colors, model prices, equipment, options, etc., presented on this site without prior notice. We draw your attention to the fact that all images and information presented on the site regarding configurations, technical characteristics, color combinations, options or accessories, as well as the cost of cars and service are for informational purposes, may not correspond to the latest Russian specifications, and under no circumstances conditions is not a public offer determined by the provisions of Article 437 (2) of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. For detailed vehicle information, please contact your nearest Ford Authorized Dealer.
* Benefit when buying Ford Transit under the “Leasing Bonus” program, implemented by a distributor in conjunction with authorized dealers. This program allows any person to receive benefits up to 220,000 rubles. for Ford Transit when purchasing a car on lease through partner leasing companies. Incompatible with the Trade-in Bonus program. List of partner leasing companies: ALD Automotive LLC (Société Générale Group), Alfa-Leasing LLC, ARVAL LLC, Baltic Leasing LLC, VTB Leasing JSC (including UKA LLC - operating leasing), LLC Gazprombank Autoleasing LLC Karkade, LLC Lisplan Rus, JSC LC Europlan, LLC Major Leasing (including LLC Major Profi - operating leasing), LLC Raiffeisen-Leasing, LLC RESO- Leasing ", Sberbank Leasing JSC, SOLLERS-FINANCE LLC. The list of leasing companies may vary depending on the region of the dealer. Check with your dealer for details and up-to-date information on the conditions for purchasing a car.
The offer is limited, does not constitute an offer and is valid until 31.12.19. Ford Sollers Holding LLC reserves the right to make changes to these offers at any time. Details, current conditions and availability of a / m - at the dealer and at
** Total benefit for a one-time purchase of two Ford Transit vehicles under the Leasing Bonus program. The program allows anyone to get a benefit when purchasing cars on lease through partner leasing companies. Not compatible with the Trade-in Bonus program. List of partner leasing companies: ALD Automotive LLC (Société Générale Group), Alfa-Leasing LLC, ARVAL LLC, Baltic Leasing LLC, VTB Leasing JSC (including UKA LLC - operating leasing), LLC Gazprombank Autoleasing LLC Karkade, LLC Lisplan Rus, JSC LC Europlan, LLC Major Leasing (including LLC Major Profi - operating leasing), LLC Raiffeisen-Leasing, LLC RESO- Leasing ", Sberbank Leasing JSC, SOLLERS-FINANCE LLC. The list of leasing companies may vary depending on the region of the dealer. The list of leasing companies may vary depending on the region of the dealer. Check with your dealer for details and up-to-date information on the conditions for purchasing a car. The list of leasing companies may vary depending on the region of the dealer. The offer is limited, does not constitute an offer and is valid until 31.12.19. Ford Sollers Holding LLC reserves the right to make changes to these offers at any time. Details, current conditions and availability of a / m - at the dealer and at
