• Euro NCAP awards 5/4/3 star rating to new Ford Kuga, an unprecedented achievement in its class
• New Kuga achieves a 5 star rating for adult occupant protection
• 4 star rating for child occupant protection
• Pedestrian protection validated by 3 star rating
• Proven high levels of safety in stylish and acclaimed compact crossover package

BRENTWOOD, Essex, May 28, 2008 – In the latest phase of Euro NCAP safety tests the all-new Ford Kuga compact crossover has achieved the best combination of star ratings, placing the car at the top of the table in the Euro NCAP Small Off-road 4x4 group. Awarded the maximum five stars for Adult Occupant Protection, this rating is enhanced by four stars for Child Occupant Protection and three stars for Pedestrian Protection.

"The Ford Kuga joins a portfolio of cars that is recognised for high safety standards and performance," said Joe Bakaj, Vice President, Global Product Programs, Ford Motor Company and Vice President, Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The tests performed by Euro NCAP are further validation of our own rigorous testing procedures and internal results and convey a compelling message to Kuga customers from a highly respected and impartial organisation."

Safety as Standard

High safety targets were a priority for the Kuga development and engineering teams. The basis for the Kuga's safety is Ford's Intelligent Protection System (IPS), combining a body structure optimised for strength and crashworthiness with state-of-the-art restraint equipment, plus driver aids that maintain control of the car and features that lessen the likelihood of injuries in an impact.

Kuga's extensive use of High Strength Steels (HSS) contributes to a very rigid, yet lightweight passenger safety cell, which provides good frontal and side impact protection. The integrity of the passenger cell is further safeguarded by the use of dual phase steel in key areas, without compromising performance and fuel economy by additional weight gain.

The front axle subframe system developed for the Kuga is designed to decouple from the body structure in the event of a frontal impact. The Kuga had a 100 per cent test result in the Euro NCAP side impact test and the rigid passenger cell of the Kuga was remarked upon positively by the testing panel.

Ford's comprehensive IPS for the Kuga includes a total of six airbags. Front and side airbags for front seat occupants plus head and shoulder curtain airbags covering the first and second rows of seats are supplemented by the use of anti-submarining seats with height adjustable headrests for all passengers. Furthermore, front seats are also equipped with pyrotechnic safety belt pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The Kuga's high pedestrian protection rating of three stars has been achieved through a number of dedicated features and actions that were engineered into the Kuga from the outset. These actions include the use of soft bumper material, a special energy absorber between the bumper and the front panel and radiator, breakaway headlights, front wings manufactured from recycled plastic and a carefully shaped bonnet edge structure. Parts located within the potential impact zone have carefully engineered features such as 'breakaway' wiper spindles and 'collapsible' bonnet hinges.

To match the impressive passive safety elements, advanced and comprehensive active safety equipment is fitted as standard to all Kuga models. These features positively assist the driver in maintaining control and avoiding potential collisions. The list of standard active safety equipment includes:

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Anti Rollover Mitigation (ARM)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)

Kuga Leads the Way

The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 136 PS engine with standard DPF has been specially calibrated to give the Kuga exemplary performance and economy. The all-wheel-drive Kuga delivers a best-in-class figure of 169 g/km CO2 and the fuel consumption in combined mode is 44.1mpg.

While the Kuga exhibits compact external dimensions, the interior space has been developed and packaged to offer spacious comfort for up to five adults. The interior of the Kuga has also undergone independent assessment by the German TÜV Rheinland Group and been accredited with their 'Allergy Tested Interior' Seal of Approval, the seventh Ford of Europe model to be certified. Ford cars are the first in the world to have passed these stringent TÜV standards