Kuga engines - which one?

ThisIsWeird

Hi.

I'm quite liking the Kuga as my next car - it ticks most of the required boxes.

It would likely be a 2019-2021 model.

I have always had diesel engines, and really like them for their torque, economy and reliability. I'm prepared to consider petrol alternatives, tho', provided the economy levels aren't too bad - and they shouldn't be. But, reports on the Kuga's 1.5 petrol are alarming - often mid 20s mpg, into the 30s for longer trips. That's just hellish, if true. My current C4 Picasso returns a genuine ~55mpg with mixed driving - it has never fallen below 50mpg average between refills.

Petrol is cheaper than diesel, so that would compensate to some degree. I'd still miss the torque, but could get over that. But a very low mpg I just find unacceptable in a modern car.

Any info or thoughts on this?

Cheers.

Tucosalamanca

I would look at the current range of Ford engines, both diesel and petrol and look at the widely reported issues with both. 1.0 ecoboost, through to 2.0 ecoblue. A simple google or facebook search will offer plenty of information.
I spent £10k on repairs last year (all wet belt related) and currently have a 2.0 ecoblue at the garage, where I'm expecting another £2-3k bill (dpf and turbo this time).

I don't have any 1.5 engines in the fleet, the 2.0 diesels (in various Transits) return around 28 - 33mpg, the 1.0 petrol ecoboosts (In Fiesta and small Transit) return 38-40mpg.
All engines are nippy and turbocharged, I don't think that torque is such a big issue with modern engines. They all seem to drive well, when working at least...

njkmr

Kuga plug in hybrid.?
Depends what you need it for.
My wife's is great. 30-35 miles of electric gets her to work and back each day.
Longer runs as a hybrid using the 2.5 petrol engine with battery boosting it gives a good real time 60-70 mpg.
220 bhp combined has enough poke when needed.

ThisIsWeird

Tucosalamanca said:

I would look at the current range of Ford engines, both diesel and petrol and look at the widely reported issues with both. 1.0 ecoboost, through to 2.0 ecoblue. A simple google or facebook search will offer plenty of information.
I spent £10k on repairs last year (all wet belt related) and currently have a 2.0 ecoblue at the garage, where I'm expecting another £2-3k bill (dpf and turbo this time).

I don't have any 1.5 engines in the fleet, the 2.0 diesels (in various Transits) return around 28 - 33mpg, the 1.0 petrol ecoboosts (In Fiesta and small Transit) return 38-40mpg.
All engines are nippy and turbocharged, I don't think that torque is such a big issue with modern engines. They all seem to drive well, when working at least...

A 1L turboboost in a transit! Wow. 

You are having some bad luck with your motors :-(

I know it's becoming normal to have small boosted petrol engines, and I guess that's a good thing. The Vauxhall Grandland - another one I'd considered - seemingly has a 1.2 3-cylinder jobbie.

Fine if they work, but not fine if they return mid-30s mpg.

ThisIsWeird

njkmr said:

Kuga plug in hybrid.?
Depends what you need it for.
My wife's is great. 30-35 miles of electric gets her to work and back each day.
Longer runs as a hybrid using the 2.5 petrol engine with battery boosting it gives a good real time 60-70 mpg.
220 bhp combined has enough poke when needed.

That would make a huge amount of sense, as it would handle the vast majority of our trips. But, initial purchase cost would likely scupper it.

forgotmyname

Tucosalamanca said:

All engines are nippy and turbocharged, I don't think that torque is such a big issue with modern engines.

Torque is a big issue so some people, me being one of them. Have you tried a 1L 125BHP Focus?   I remember reviews stating the
torque was amazing for a small engine.  Well yes it maybe amazing for a 1L but stick 4 adults and a long weekends worth of luggage
and tow a dinghy, trailer all up weight of the trailer with the dinghy was 841kg and you soon notice the torque sucks big time.

I never realised the M5 had so many hills before that journey and I have towed far more with various cars in the past, so many
gear changes and oh my the fuel consumption. Only vehicle I did that journey with and got worse consumption was a V8
Range Rover.

ThisIsWeird

So, the 1.5 petrols are far too thirsty, and the 1.5 TCDi lacking in power?

That leaves the 2L diesel jobbie as the best option?

Do folk know if the ST models sit slightly lower?

chrisw

forgotmyname said:

Tucosalamanca said:

All engines are nippy and turbocharged, I don't think that torque is such a big issue with modern engines.

Torque is a big issue so some people, me being one of them. Have you tried a 1L 125BHP Focus?   I remember reviews stating the
torque was amazing for a small engine.  Well yes it maybe amazing for a 1L but stick 4 adults and a long weekends worth of luggage
and tow a dinghy, trailer all up weight of the trailer with the dinghy was 841kg and you soon notice the torque sucks big time.

I never realised the M5 had so many hills before that journey and I have towed far more with various cars in the past, so many
gear changes and oh my the fuel consumption. Only vehicle I did that journey with and got worse consumption was a V8
Range Rover.

Yes, I went from a 2 litre diesel Volvo to a 1.5 turbo petrol. They both have similar power outputs but I really miss the relaxing torque and punch of the Volvo.