A HUGELY practical Ford that’s been described as “perfect for the modern age” by Jeremy Clarkson can be picked up for a bargain sum.
Once priced at nearly £30,000 for a top-of-the-range example when it was new, the family friendly Ford Kuga certainly seemed to impress Clarkson when he reviewed one for The Sunday Times in 2008 – even complimenting its style and looks.
Writing about the Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium specifically, Clarkson commented that the motor was “nicely proportioned with just the right amount of styling trinketry.”
He added: “It’s good underneath too, with independent rear suspension like you get on a Focus.”
In terms of practicality, it compares favourably against other, similar SUV vehicles released at the time – notably the Honda CR-V.
Clarkson wrote: “There are two boot doors, easy-to-fold back seats, a good, solid feel to the interior and an impressive ride.
“Unlike most high-riding cars, this one neither rolls nor bounces.
“If you have a Subaru Forester or a Honda CR-V, you’d be amazed at how much better the Kuga feels.”
First produced in 2008, the Kuga has become a hot-favourite across Europe and is still going strong in 2024 – now on its third-generation.
Today, it competes with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan and Peugeot 3008, and was the fastest selling used car in the UK last year.
Indeed, earlier this year, the Kuga was “re-released” with AI tech and a “best-in-class” tow bar included.
Loved for its handsome styling and, especially with its plug-in hybrid example, excellent fuel economy, the Kuga is also fun to drive – a curious trait for a family SUV.
The diesel version that Clarkson tested back in 2008 – which prompted him to remark that this setup “is perfect for the modern age” – is now no longer available to buy from new.
But second-hand examples of the TDCi are still going strong and can be found for less than £4,000 these days – we found a 2009 example available for the low price of just £3,895.
This comes as Sun Motors’ main man Rob Gill tested the new Ford Explorer SUV.
And a legendary fast Ford is set to be reborn some 40 years after it was discontinued, with other iconic models to follow soon, too.
