Ford Kuga
Hi has anyone experience of towing with a Kuga? Am thinking about buying the wife one, that could also be used for towing, were thinking about jersey next year and thinking a Kuga would be easier to visit the Island in once there and also other places, the
ranger tows our caravan brilliantly but parking can be a problem! we'll be towing a challenger sport 524 1500kg
Comments
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I've got a Mk1 2WD 134bhp manual that has a kerb weight of 1573Kg. That would give you a towing ratio just over 95%. I understand that the Mk2 versions are a bit heavier. I pull 1350Kg, getting around 30mpg on trunk roads/motorways. Solo is around 45mpg.
Had it four years now and am well satisfied although it is a bit of a tank around town compared with OH's Hyundai Getz which was a real nippy job for local stuff.0 -
I also have a Mk1 2WD. Had no problems towining our Quasar 462 (1195 KG MTPLM) last year and the year before. MPG pretty much the same as CY. Have just taken delivery of a Quasar 554 (1350 KG MTPLM), will report back after our first trip with the new van.
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MH4 I have 163 4x4 version Kuga this weighs in the region or 1688 kg but the V5 form states higher.This will give you a 88 to 89% towing ratio.
I have also caravanned in Jersey as part of a CCC rally and found it a very underestimated country.With loads to do.All the caravan permits were sorted out by the CCC rally paperwork.My understanding was then, you were allowed just to tow from the ferry
to the campsite.The roads from the docks are fine,but the back roads are narrow,and the people very friendly.We met a van on the narrow roads leading to the campsite,and he just pulled into someone's drive way to let us through.It does take a day or so to
drive at 30mph everywhere! The site we stayed at was Bouveland (spelling ?).I would return just for the crab sandwiches!
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Percentage ways i'm no to concerened as we had weight upgraded, more to ensure we stay legal, were not planning on loading that high, just like to have a bit of flexability, interesting to see 2 out of 3 of you are 2wd, i've been considering really only
a 4wd, have you had any issues with traction on 2wd's? thanks for replys0 -
No but I avoid 'Paschendale' and 'pop festival' situations. On slippery surfaces a little thought before starting the engine can solve all but the most extreme situations.
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I don't see the point of a 2wd SUV, They don't come cheap compared to say a Focus, use more fuel and can be in a higher VED group.
Plus the aerodynamics aren't usually as good. IMO if you like fords a Mondeo which has more room, costs less to buy, would be a better choice. (90kg NW)
If i was looking at a Kuga it would be something like a AWD 180 ps Zetec or whatever trim they have now.(100kg NW)
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I also have 163 4x4 version Mk2 Kuga (bought 2nd hand from Ford Direct which gives a good cost saving) and tow a 2014 Elddis which has been upgraded to 1500Kg MTPLM.. I have not had any stability problems, and am OK with the ~90% weight ratio. I usually adjust the noseweight to around 95Kg (max 100Kg). Overall, I'm very happy with the Kuga as a tow car - even if the fuel economy isn't that great at aound 28mpg when towing (but I do tend to keep upto the speed/traffic limits even on inclines). Like Sir Bruin I avoid "Grand Prix" starts and other violent moves, but there is plenty of torque there when required. I got the 4x4 version mainly to have the backup of 4 wheel drive in poor road/driving conditions - it is definately not an off-roader although it is more gentle when pulling off soggy pitches / greasy roads as it will drive all 4 wheels when starting off before easing back to the normal fwd only mode. If you are feeling really sad you can watch the little picture which shows the distribution between front and rear drive!
As for Jersey - well worth visiting with or without the caravan. You do still need a caravn permit. We took the caravan to Jersey in 2006 and the ferry people checked that we had one before permitting us to board. The only potential problem was that we went on the conventional ferry - which was not RORO but luckily our then caravan was small enough to let us turn round inside the boat and drive out forwards rather than having to reverse up the ramp. I'm not sure whether this also applies to the fast ferries/current boat. It would be worth while looking at the Condor Ferries web site as there are also various weight/length restrictions, and information about permits, campsites, etc. And yes, the roads between the port and the Beuvelandes camp site are narrow in places. I would also be inclined to do a fairly thorough costing/convenience exercise comparing taking the caravan over or renting accomodation, and taking own vehicle over as against renting locally if you are thinking of using local accomodation. Prices change quite a lot depending on time of year.
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Had my Mk2 Kuga fwd 140ps for nearly 3 years with no problems with car or towing our 1300 mtplm 'van.30/32 mpg when towing and 40/44 mpg solo (I don't drive above speed limits)Focus based car does all we want ie little higher than most cars and comfy and
most importantly our 2 dogs have good space in boot
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Thanks for all your help and information, i'm not keen on the idea of having of having to back up the ferry ramp, I do think we will probably look at a 4 x 4 one, just gives that bit more comfort we do get any more bad winters, if we buy a fwd you can guarantee
the next two winters will be bad!0 -
If you live far enough north... I can wing it on 2WD as we rarely get snow down here and I just stay indoors until it melts if it does.
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We went out last weekend to a CL in Bridlington. I picked up the van from the farm and thought the farmer had been ploughing - he had used the tractor to drag other 'vans out. Even though we have the 180bhp 4x4 Kuga I was worried but needlessly so - however,
my old Mondeo would have dug its own grave! During the weekend we had frost, hail and snow (and a bit of sun) and returning was in my mind but no probs! I know we rarely need 4x4 but on this occasion, it was a relief knowing it was there!0 -
I will be interested in having a look at the new model kuga due in October 2016.
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After a full weekend in the kuga in some fairly muddy yorkshire moors and forests I was very impressed with the kuga as a family car, apart from when I was driving I got back ache, the lumber support won't go far enough back, the passenger seat was very
comfy! I'm hoping this is only the case with the half leather titanium spec car? Has anyone else any comments on the seats please0 -
I have always found seats comfy in our Titanium X Kuga,had it almost 3 years now 34,000 miles no problems at all but trading it for another car next week
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I find my Zetec seats fine although OH complains of backache on long trips and places a small cushion in the small of her back. She tends not to have the seat raked back as far as I do and I often wonder if that is the issue.
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I actually tow a 1500 kg 524 Challenger Sport ( well a Lowdhams version) with a Mk 1 AWD Kuga. Initially we had a Coachman Amara 380/2. The car tows so well that we didn't even consider upgrading for the new heavier van. In fact it came in at 1430kg and
we upgraded to 1500kg based on the cars excellent towing capabilities. We would normally have updated the car by now but we are so pleased with it that it's going nowhere anytime soon, unless replaced by a Mk2.0 -
We have a mk2 AWD towing Elddis affinity at 1457kg tows like a dream very stable at all speeds. We have titanium x providing very high spec full leather seats are very comfortable for us, can see our outfit being together a while.
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Were very unsure now we know there's a facelift version coming out, was going to wait, but the new ones got and electric handbrake which i'm not a hundred percent about and my wife totally dislikes the idea, but then again everything is heading that way
so will have to eventually go that way!0 -
A have a Discovery with an electric hand brake and it is much easier to use than the old manual pull on type and I certainly prefer it. I think ladies especially will find them easier to apply - it is just a case of getting use to a different method.
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Our previous car had an electric handbrake our current Merc is even easier once the engine is switched off the brake is automatically applied and the auto goes to park. The electric brake has never failed to hold car and caravan on even the steepest slope
and have a hill start function so all in all an improvement over the manual.0
