2016 Ford Kuga: Australian update adds Sync 2, larger screen at entry level

The 2016 Ford Kuga has been given another update for Australia and, while it’s not the recently revealed styling and technology update, buyers at the entry level may be pleased – depending on their priorities, and how soon they buy.

When the Kuga was last updated for Australia, in November last year, the company added its newer Sync 2 infotainment system and a larger 8.0-inch main display to the up-spec Trend and Titanium models. The entry-level Ambiente continued with Sync 1, however, and featured a smaller 4.2-inch display in the dash.

This week, the Ambiente picks up the same technology updates gifted to its more expensive siblings, gaining both Sync 2 and the same 8.0-inch colour touch screen as standard equipment.

Above: Titanium model pictured. Ambiente update photos still to come.

This upgrade to the entry-level Ford Kuga brings an in-dash rear-view camera, a higher grade of connectivity and voice control, along with satellite navigation with traffic monitoring.

The 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster is also upgraded, gaining more colours, a more detailed overview of vehicle information, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.

Dual-zone climate control is now also standard, offering individual heating and cooling options for the driver and front passenger.

The model is otherwise unchanged, with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine providing 110kW and 240Nm in front-wheel-drive models and 134kW/240Nm in all-wheel-drive variants. Up-spec Trend and Titanium models feature a 178kW/345Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

The upgrades are initially offered as a free enhancement on Ambiente models ordered before the end of June, but from July 1, the price of entry will increase by $1260 across all three Ambiente variants.

2017 and beyond

In March, Ford unveiled a styling and technology update for the Kuga (known in the US as the Escape), adding a new look at both ends, and the car maker’s even newer Sync 3 infotainment system.

Local timing for that upgrade is still to be confirmed, but a 2017 debut is likely.

2016 Kuga pricing (before on-road costs): 

Between April and end of June, 2016:

Ambiente EcoBoost FWD manual – $27,990
Ambiente EcoBoost FWD automatic – $29,490
Ambiente EcoBoost AWD automatic – $31,990

Trend EcoBoost AWD automatic – $36,890
Trend Diesel AWD automatic – $38,890

Titanium EcoBoost AWD automatic – $45,190
Titanium Diesel AWD automatic – $47,190

From July 1 2016, Ambiente models will be priced from (plus on-road costs):

Ambiente EcoBoost FWD manual – $29,250
Ambiente EcoBoost FWD automatic – $30,750
Ambiente EcoBoost AWD automatic – $33,250