The article was originally produced on November 30, 2016, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Ford Kuga Adventure

From Thessaloniki in Greece to Sofia in Bulgaria, the new Ford Kuga shows its colors.

Driving cars on silky smooth EU-funded motorways doesn't reveal much about the car's comfort. The roads between Thessaloniki and Sofia do, however. Of course, you can find the EU-funded motorways here as well, but our route was laid mostly outside these. 

The Ford Kuga, which is a crossover in the smaller middle segment, has received a substantial update. The model went on sale in Sweden in 2008. Competitors are the Nissan Qashqai and the Volkswagen Tiguan to name a few. In this segment, there is fierce competition and they want to conquer the buyer by offering new technology in all its forms. Therefore, it is possible to get these car models very well equipped, on par with some luxury cars when it comes to technology and comfort. Of course, the Ford Kuga is no exception. How about the function of just kicking under the rear end and the tailgate will open automatically. Very practical when you arrive with your hands full of grocery bags etc. 

In terms of appearance, Kuga has taken a big step forward. The design of the front part has landed and feels much more elaborate than its predecessor. Now sits a large masculine grill that distinguishes the front and is very reminiscent of the just launched big brother Edge. It's not just the front that has been given a makeover, the rear and the interior have also undergone a much-needed design overhaul. The interior is now consistently a combination of premium feel and sportiness. In the center console sits an eight-inch screen for the infotainment system. The infotainment system in the Ford Kuga is called Sync and allows you to easily mirror your mobile with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. With the update, the new Ford Kuga comes with an ST and a Vignale line. The ST is a bit sportier, while the Vignale should attract the discerning premium buyer. On the trip, we are offered a test drive of the ST line. What distinguishes the ST line is that it is lowered, has a black grill and pedals in light metal and marked threshold plates. The seats, which are sports inspired, have excellent red stitching. Together, this gives a marked difference from the standard model and a given choice if you want to be seen and have a sportier attitude in the new Kuga.  

The engine options are as usual wide, but among the news we find three diesel engines of 118 to 178 horsepower and three gasoline engines of 118-180 horsepower. According to Ford, the most frugal diesel should have a consumption as low as 0.44 liters per mile. You can get the Kuga both with front or four-wheel drive. Also on the safety side, Kuga offers a range of new and good systems. Like, for example, Active City Stop, which will step in and prevent collisions with moving traffic at low speeds. 

Our journey starts in Thessaloniki in Greece and takes us over the sleepy Bulgarian ski resort of Bansko to the capital Sofia. The trip is part of an event Ford organizes starting in Athens and finishing in Nordkapp, Norway. Our choice of this particular section felt natural because this time of year there is not much light left in the north, something that may be experienced as exotic for our foreign colleagues from more southern countries. In addition, it felt like an interesting experience to see the countryside in these countries, which in recent years have had to endure hard periods economically. Now it both feels and looks better. Of course, it is possible to choose the newly built motorways to take our route, but not the same challenge. On bumpy gravel roads next to canals and sandbanks, winding mountain roads and small narrow streets through villages, the Kuga really gets to show its versatility, something it does with gusto. Both comfort and security are found when you sit behind the wheel. Once we arrived in Sofia, the luck was too short and the urge to continue all the way to Nordkapp in the new Ford Kuga was very strong.