Ford Europe's newest Kuga CUV is arguably one Blue Oval model that should be sold this side of the Atlantic. It's handsome, compact, fuel efficient, and offers some of the sporty styling of BMW's X6 at a significantly reduced cost. Just like its other siblings -- the current Focus and Fiesta -- which are roaming Europe's many streets, the Kuga is also one of the continent's most popular rides.
So strong is the case that Ford execs are not only considering the importation of the crossover to the States, but are looking to chip another model off its attractive design block. Seen here is the speculated upcoming Kuga Coupe, a two-door CUV sporting the brand's requisite kinetic design language in a neat, compact, and off-road-worthy package.Like its contemporary four-door big brother, the Kuga Coupe will be based on our next-generation Focus platform (which in Europe is the current model) and most likely will share its entire Ecotec gasoline and diesel powertrain lineup. We recently drove a 2009 Kuga sporting a 136-hp, 236 lb-ft of torque and 2.0L clean turbodiesel and were happily impressed with its quiet demeanor, luxurious appointments, and driving ease. A six-speed manual gearbox came in our tester, as did all-wheel drive -- two features currently rumored to make it to North America if it does indeed get the flashing green light. Also said to be available on the model are an mpg-boosting Powershift twin-clutch automatic transmission and start-stop system.Per our renderings penned by a former Ford designer, styling has been altered a bit from the current form in order to be on par with the times. Its headlights and taillights are pulled back around their respective corners into sleeker forms and are comprised of individual LED units. Front grille units have been reworked sans flashy chrome elements. The Coupe still features the model's high front and rear overhangs to welcome generous approach and departure angles should a rough patch of road be ahead. Hopefully the standard Kuga's supple, yet well-planted ride will make it to the new Coupe as well.Web scuttlebutt pegs the Kuga Coupe to make its world debut at a major international auto show sometime in 2011. And it's safe to say we'll be there, eagerly awaiting this cat's arrival.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
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