I have just upgraded my Focus 1.5 TDCi to a Kuga 2.0 TDCi of the same age. We currently tow with a Volvo S40 1.6 Drive which is ok but the combination of a 75Kg noseweight and a front mounted bike rack would mean having to load up the Triton 420 more than we would like to balance it out. The Focus would have the same noseweight so gone for the bigger Kuga instead.

Will see how we get on with the Kuga.

Hi Steve

I would be interested how you are getting on with the Kuga, I am thinking of getting one of those. What year did you get?

Ralph

it is a Mk2 2015. They updated them in 2016 so worth getting a later one but I just wanted a reasonably priced swap for my Focus of the same age.
Managed to find a Titanium model with 22k on the clock which seems to be OK. Most don't seem to have reversing sensors, but got local Ford garage to fit these for £88 (bargain I thought!). This one seems to be ok, more comfortable than the Focus (zetec), no sat nav but can't have everything. Even got the same colour so I can use my stone chip repair kit on this if needed.

I was looking at a 2016, although the pre update models are considerably cheaper. I did notice that most don't have rear parking sensors, which you would think would be standard equipment, particularly on the titanium! Still £88 is a great price. I currently have a VW and frankly I don't think you would get an engineer to glance in it's general direction for that price, let alone actual fit anything!

I've not had a ford before....is the titanium a big step up from the zetec?

It generally depends on the model. My previous Focus was a zetec but had better spec than the Kuga apart from the seats which are 1/2 leather on the Kuga Titanium. the focus had reversing sensors which had a graphical display so you knew where it was getting upset. The kuga's is a basic beep (but cheep!).
Most of the other changes are for trim, although the rain sensitive wipers are surprising useful. Instead of just an intermittent wipe, these give a wipe depending on how much rain is on the screen. Seems to work. Most of the Fords come with an electrically heated screen which is really great when it's frosty.
Make sure you check it has 2 keys though. Mine only had one (I think the intermediate people nick them and put them on ebay). That came in at about £200 for the key, remote and programming. Got a good discount on the car to compensate though.
I think the 2016 model is mainly a facelift. Overall I am pleased with it so far though (have to be now anyway) although I haven't towed the Eriba yet. Getting a towbar on Wednesday . I was looking at the current Ford accessory deal and thought £450 seemed ok (fixed bar + 13 pin electrics) given how much the programming is, but... every dealer I have tried said they don't offer this. One put me in touch with the people they sub out to and they are fitting for £325 including dedicated 13 pin electrics and programming. Will let you know how that goes (these are based in the Nuneaton area). I have fitted towbars myself before and spent more than that.

Thanks for that Steve, really helpful. I'm going to start seriously looking in the new year and may have to decide between a slightly newer zetec or older titanium ..... will have to see what comes up then.

Hi Ralph, one thing to look for apparently are leaks in the boot. The boot floor has a thick spongy rubber lining which needs to be removed (after the spare wheel/jack, and polystyrene edge packers), and needs prising out from the rear trim panel so you can look underneath. You probably need to do this out of sight of the salesman! Mine had a little bit of water under there, but having dryed this out has not reoccurred (yet). https://www.kugaownersclub.co.uk/forum/p...e=active_topics is a mine of information, but you run the risk of being put off. Overall it is a good car and will be taking it on our first trip with the Eriba at the weekend.

Hi Steve,

How are you finding the Kuga towing?

We are in a similar position to how you were.. currently have a Focus (1.0 Ecoboost) but we're looking at getting a Familia 310 and the Kuga seems like the most obvious upgrade.