Why is Ford Kuga called Kuga?
The Ford Kuga is a compact crossover SUV that has been in production since 2008. The name "Kuga" was chosen by Ford to evoke a sense of adventure and ruggedness, reflecting the vehicle's off-road capabilities and sporty design.
The Origin of the Name "Kuga"
The name "Kuga" is derived from the Afrikaans word for "cheetah", which is a fast and agile big cat native to Africa. This name was selected by Ford to align with the Kuga's positioning as a dynamic and capable SUV. The Kuga's sleek, aerodynamic styling and powerful engine options are meant to evoke the speed and agility of a cheetah.
According to Ford, the Kuga name was also chosen to convey a sense of adventure and exploration, reflecting the vehicle's off-road capabilities and appeal to active, outdoor-oriented consumers. The name "Kuga" is intended to suggest a rugged, go-anywhere attitude that sets the vehicle apart from more traditional, family-oriented crossovers.
Global Naming Strategy
The Ford Kuga is sold under different names in various global markets. In North America, the vehicle is known as the Ford Escape, while in Australia and New Zealand it is called the Ford Endura. This global naming strategy allows Ford to tailor the vehicle's branding and positioning to best suit local consumer preferences and market conditions.
Regardless of the regional name, the core design and engineering of the Ford Kuga/Escape/Endura remains consistent across all markets. The name "Kuga" was chosen specifically for European and other international markets where it resonates with consumers seeking a capable, adventure-oriented crossover SUV.
What does Ford Kuga mean?
plague
The vehicle name, Kuga, may refer to another Ford automobile, the Mercury Cougar. The final Mercury Cougar from 1998 to 2002 was sold outside of the United States as the Ford Cougar. Kuga means plague in Croatian, Serbian and Slovenian. Its sales are reportedly lower in the region due to the unfortunate naming choice.
What is the most common problem with Ford Kuga?
Common problems with the Ford Kuga
Turbo Failures: Common in diesel models, leading to loss of power and unusual noises. Oil Leaks: Oil leaks have been reported, particularly around the turbocharger and the oil cooler. This can lead to decreased engine performance and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Is Ford Kuga discontinued?
There are not many classic cars left for Ford to retread. One model that will survive the reorganisation of the brand for the time being is the Kuga. And it is now getting a comprehensive update after the third generation was launched on the market in 2020.
What is the meaning of Kuga?
The name is thought to be a reference to Ford's old Cougar model. But kuga also means plague in Croatian.
Is a Ford Kuga a reliable car?
The Ford Kuga is a generally reliable car, but less so in regards to diesel models. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, petrol Kugas came 24th out of 29 cars in the large SUV class.
Why is it called Ford Kuga?
The vehicle name, Kuga, may refer to another Ford automobile, the Mercury Cougar. The final Mercury Cougar from 1998 to 2002 was sold outside of the United States as the Ford Cougar. Kuga means plague in Croatian, Serbian and Slovenian. Its sales are reportedly lower in the region due to the unfortunate naming choice.
Is a Ford Kuga a 4x4 or AWD?
The Ford Kuga is a compact crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by Ford since 2008 mainly for the European market, and now in its third generation. Both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are offered.
What is Ford Kuga called in the USA?
| Ford Escape | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Ford Kuga (2013–present) Ford Maverick (2001–2008) Mazda Tribute (2001–2011) Mercury Mariner (2005–2011) |
| Production | 2000–present |
| Model years | 2001–present |
| Body and chassis |
What does the L mean on a Ford Kuga?
The “L” on the gear shift stands for “Low.” What is the “L” gear used for? Low gear is used when you want the engine power high and the vehicle speed low. This limits stress on your brakes while allowing you to take advantage of your car's full power in situations like towing and hilly driving.
What is Ford called in Germany?
Ford-Werke GmbH
Ford-Werke GmbH is a German-based car manufacturing company headquartered in Merkenich-Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a fully-owned subsidiary of American Ford Motor Company.
