Ford Kuga: bypassing the rake. Time for compromise

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi and Nissan Qashqai 4WD 2.0 CVT on the special roads of the Dmitrov training ground

In my opinion, the compact crossover class is more a product of marketers than an answer to the aspirations of buyers. It is not difficult to “attach” a body in the style of a sports SUV to a lightweight platform today, and as a result, with costs comparable to the production of a lightweight version, the manufacturer has a chance to get more profit. And who would have thought that extremely popular cars would be born against this pragmatic background. A characteristic detail: throughout our test, literally crowds of interested people gathered around both (with an advantage towards the Kuga) test machines! And those who are interested are far from idle. More often than others, the question was asked about the price ...

I must admit that I really like to start articles about tests with small historical excursions, but in this case, alas, no matter how hard I fought, no matter how I “dug my nose into the Internet,” nothing of the kind could be done. The reason is trivial: before us is a classic case of the so-called cars "without history". Judge for yourself: four-wheel drive station wagons of such a small size, combining the working qualities of an SUV equipped with a roomy and comfortable interior and a striking sporty appearance, appeared literally seven to eight years ago. Although, of course, if you want, you can start digging in the direction of Toyota Previa or, worse, Volkswagen Golf Country, but still, we will not be able to fully embrace the qualities that Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai and their few classmates offer us in any car from the past. And therefore, for lack of anything better, I devote the entire "historical" introduction ... to the mysterious names of the tested cars.

Entertaining etymology

So, Ford Kuga ... This is nothing more than a consonant spelling of the name Cougar (it reads [Ku'-ga] and means, in fact, a kind of cougar). Since the late 60s of the twentieth century, this was the name of the sports Mercury models. Then the name migrated to the products directly from Ford, but in any version this name has always been associated with powerful passenger coupes. Therefore, it would be wrong to just take and use it for a crossover. On reflection, Ford marketers issued ... Kuga, which, according to their plan, is intended to emphasize the "sportiness" of the new model.

But with the Nissan Qashqai, everything is a little more complicated. In search of the meaning of this word, I dug up many different sources, and as a result, two hypotheses were born. First, Kashkai, or Qashqay, is the name of the Iranian nomadic Turks. Secondly, this word is consonant with the Australian "Cash Cow" (something like our "goose that lays the golden eggs"). A very successful, I must say, combination of hypotheses. After all, it has been known since ancient times: what you call a ship, so it will then ... sink. In the sense - it will float well, if it is called well. All right, enough about names. Let's better talk about what, in fact, both of these words are written on.

Fashion trend

Yes, exactly fashionable ... For if Qashqai still gravitates towards the dying "biostyle", then Kuga seems to be drawn from scratch. True, the fact that it is original and fresh, you forget after the first detailed examination. How to say something more precisely ... If it is clearly recognizable from the front as Ford (here the forms and elements of the new Mondeo are "exploited"), then an alien influence is clearly traced from the side and rear. Some of the contours of the rear lights in the style of Subaru Tribeca are worth something. But what is there: continuing to look at the car, every now and then you come across elements already "run in" on other cars. On the other hand, the image turned out to be so sharp, faceted and solid that all design refinements and borrowings are perceived not just calmly, but even with undisguised pleasure.

Qashqai is different. No, he is also quite cute, but somehow too Japanese. The smooth lines of the body, as if suddenly bumping into the sharp edges of the headlights, look original, but do not settle in the memory as a whole. Although, it is worth giving credit, the car has received an extraordinary appearance, and this is an important step on the way to popular recognition. After all, if you stand for twenty minutes on a busy Moscow street, Qashqai will definitely pass by. So the people like it. Otherwise they would not buy. I wonder if Kuga will be as popular? After all, money is paid not only for appearance. You first have to sit inside, press the buttons, move on the seat ...

Fidgeting on the seats

The Kuga's interior is solid and stylish at the same time. In some subtle way, it even reminds of the old Volvo style, when many different buttons did not look like a "heap" at all. Although, in truth, inside this Ford is once again a clearly present after-styled Mondeo in all its forms. Dashboard, center console, gearshift lever ... And what do you want: it's cheaper. On the other hand, one feels that a lot of money has been invested in the development of the car's ergonomics. Even such unusual things as menu control from the "wheel" on the left steering column switch seem wild at first, and after 20 minutes of communication ... as if he had done this all his life. And the devices themselves, even though they are very small, are perfectly readable. The plastic is soft, expensive and pleasant to the touch. The buttons are pressed firmly and tasty.

The transformation of the cabin is also on the level. But if you decide to buy a Kuga, I advise you not to skimp on the power adjustment of the passenger seat. The manual one is so inconvenient that one wants to compose a shameful song about it. What is the stupid, tight "twist" adjustment of the back, as in the VAZ-2108. I thought such things were in the past. Well, okay, but in the depths of the adjustable armrest, there was a slot for an iPod with an additional output for USB. That is, theoretically (I have not tested it), it is possible to connect a USB Flash drive with MP3 tracks. A very rare and very pleasant little thing. Something must be said about the anti-allergenic properties of interior materials. I will say this: they seem to exist. I can’t check, because I don’t suffer from allergies. And finally I was surprised when I found in the menu the setting ... of the operating mode of the power steering: sporty, normal and comfortable. Well, there will be something for our drive expert to "feel" ...

And now about the most important element of the cabin. That's not guessing - it's ... the roof! Of course, this is an option, but one that needs to be experienced. I don’t know how, but the dastardly designers persuaded the technologists, and as a result, heavy glass took the place of light metal over their heads. Moreover, the glass is just above the heads of all passengers, because ... for ... "Ostap bowed artistically to the mistress of the house and gave her such a long and ambiguous compliment that he could not even bring it to the end ..." (I. Ilf, E . Petrov. "12 chairs").

Enough, let's move on to Qashqai. He, too, has something to present as weighty arguments. No, this car has a glass roof, alas, no, but there is something more. Namely - tranquility. Yes, yes, if the interior of the Ford is stylish, but very sharp, then the interior of the Nissan does not make the eyes cling to the corners. It is no less stylish, but it has more elegance and, surprisingly, sportiness. Organized around the driver, the "cockpit" creates a sense of unity with the car. Here the stake is not at all on space, but quite the opposite. And at the same time, the square, sticking out like a foreign part, the monitor of the navigation multimedia center does not spoil the experience, but, on the contrary, gives a certain charm. Dashing, great, youthful and at the same time peaceful. It is impossible to understand the feelings, but all the sensations are positive. Is that a little landing disappointed, but not everyone is as healthy as the author. Yes, I almost forgot: Nissan's armrest is also adjustable. The trend, however!

Cardboard interior

So what's a crossover test without our favorite test boxes? That is, without a comparative, albeit subjective and pseudoscientific, but still an estimate of the volume of the luggage compartments? That's right, none. Therefore, we invite cars to the "loading" area, which is near the cross road of the Dmitrovsky auto-polygon. At first glance, it is clear that the Kuga is taller, and the lengths of the cars are almost identical. This immediately gives rise to a measurement technique. Trunks in the normal position of the rear seats are almost equal, and a significant difference in height begins just somewhere in the area of \u200b\u200btheir backs. Therefore, we will make an assessment by first folding the back row. And immediately the conclusion: the fact that the Kuga fit much more (see photo) is not only the merit of the high roof. The rear seat folding algorithm also contributed to the "cardboard victory". The fact is that in Qashqai, the pillows do not fold back, and the transformation of the back row ends at the stage of folding the backs. Therefore, the storage volume does not flow from the leg area of \u200b\u200bthe rear passengers to the luggage compartment. And here would be just a couple of boxes and fit. In fact, we have what we have: Qashqai lost with a big lag.

Technical ego

Before starting to consider the technical side of cars, we must once again recall the frankly "asphalt" origin of the platforms of both subjects. Hence the logical question: is it possible, on the basis of a banal "passenger car", to create a car capable of conquering, even if frivolous in terms of "trips to extreme nature", but off-road. After all, whatever one may say, the only compact crossover capable of off-road exploits has remained the Land Rover Freelander. And his leadership in this parameter could be challenged only by the Ford Escape / Maverick or his brothers on the CD2 platform (Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner). But in this case, the prices are completely different, and there is very little in common with passenger cars.

And then the Kuga enters the scene, declared by Ford as a replacement for the outdated Escape. But this is its main technical highlight: the all-wheel drive system is implemented in the car by means of the same technical solutions and units as in Freelander! And this despite the fact that only front-wheel drive cars like Mazda3 and Volvo C30 have been made on the platform called C1 so far ... Surprise from the category of interesting, and so much so that we decided to devote a separate inset to this moment. True, this pleasant fact fades after a detailed inspection of the car from below. Firstly, plastic "protections" do not protect anything, but in fact are aerodynamic elements. Secondly, 200 mm of ground clearance is eaten up almost without a trace by the low-located suspension arms.

Kuga has a small, but rather evil 136-horsepower diesel Duratorq TDCi 2.0 under the hood, which originally had French "citizenship" (PSA development, on Citroen and Peugeot cars it is called Hdi). The engine is interesting first of all because it has a variable geometry turbine with the Overboost mode, which allows to realize the torque close to the maximum one, and in a wide speed range and to practically get rid of the "turbo lag" effect. And 340 Nm of this very moment is a worthy value. In practice, this translates into a low load sensitivity of the vehicle. Whether there are five or one - the dynamics practically does not change. And being docked with a 6-speed gearbox, the power unit allows you to feel this dynamics and evaluate it as more than sufficient.

Qashqai also has something to say. We had the opportunity to evaluate the most expensive equipment of the car, and therefore the MR20DE engine appeared. It seems to be nothing new, but to give out its 140 hp. at 5100 rpm, thanks to the X-Tronic CVT, it is capable of, as they say, around the clock. But the most interesting thing is that in the European market Qashqai will soon be available with the same engine that we see now under the hood of Ford. This is how globalization turns out ...

The car suspensions are almost identical, except for the nuances. But they, as usual, are the main differences. The Kuga, for example, uses a rather original Control Blade scheme (according to Ford, it significantly reduces the noise transmitted to the cabin from the roadway). This suspension even won a silver prize in 2002 from the Society of Automotive Engineers of Asia and Australia. Qashqai is not that simple either. Especially in Nissan, they like to emphasize the exceptional compactness of the rear suspension, which saves space in the cabin. Probably, it means something. But we will refrain from conclusions for now - we will still have to check. But first, let's measure.

Technical characteristics of tested vehicles (manufacturers data)
	Ford Kuga	Nissan Qashqai
Body type	"Universal"
Number of seats	5
Engine: model, type	Diesel common rail with variable geometry turbine Duratorq 2.0 TDCi, L4 16V	Petrol MR20DE, L4 16V
Engine: volume, l	2,0	2,0
Maximum power, h.p. [email protected]rpm	[email protected]	[email protected]
Torque, Nm @ rpm	[email protected]	[email protected]
Transmission	6-speed gearbox	V-belt variator CVT
All-wheel drive type	Front with automatic connection of the rear through a controlled friction clutch
Front suspension	Independent spring type MacPherson
Rear suspension	Multi-link independent spring Control Blade	Multi-link independent spring
Turning radius, m	10,6	12,6
Acceleration to 100 km / h, s	11,3	10,5
Maximum speed, km / h	180	178
Declared fuel consumption: city / highway, l per 100 km	8,1/5,4	10,8/6,9
Fuel tank volume, l	56	65
Maximum cruising range, km	1100	940
Price, USD	from 37 330	from 32 419

Two small differences

With the size of our subjects, everything is clear enough. At first or second glance, Qashqai will not rise above Kuga. The difference of 120 mm is visible from any angle. And with the angles of entry and exit, everything seems to be clear too: Nissan, in theory, should show better results. But no, in fact, almost parity. Ford is better at the exit corner and Nissan is better at the exit corner. But on the articulation stand, differences begin that are not immediately visible to the eye. The Kuga's suspension travel is 25mm longer. However, all this is lyrics, but in fact, two and a half centimeters is an extremely small value, and on real off-road the difference can hardly appear. So in off-road disciplines and geometrically, and in general - again parity.

The rollover test gave far more unexpected results. To begin with, Kuga fell almost one and a half degrees earlier. And that's a lot! But this indicator is important only in critical driving modes. But the "tricky" Kuga suspension combined with a high body roll center gives a very interesting effect. At the corners of the platform up to about 35-37 ° (in practice, these angles are just “responsible” for the movement in normal “highway” modes), the effect of the absence of roll is created. That is, the suspension of both the inner and outer sides with respect to the slope of the platforms works out almost parallel. Very interesting ... Especially considering the fact that at platform angles close to maximum (read: high angular acceleration on the road), the effect is exactly the same as that of Qashqai! Such observations were simply obliged to arouse in us considerable curiosity, to satisfy which we went to the special roads.

Do not wash, so by rolling

And then the unexpected happened: before we set the cones, it started raining. Not so much gushed, but the coating was soaked thoroughly. The puddles began to dry up almost immediately, but we managed to do two things: firstly, to get the cars dirty, and secondly, to figure out how the stabilization systems work.

So, "rearrangement". First, the Ford Kuga goes to the exercise. Along the way, having found out that the steering adjustments I found in the menu really affect the performance of the power steering pump, set the value to the maximum (that is, to the "comfort" mode). In fact, most of all I wanted to understand whether (and if yes, then to what extent) the coup prevention system interferes with management in critical modes. Let us state the fact: he interferes, and quite actively. Moreover, the effect of this intervention is, to put it mildly, unpleasant. When entering the first phase of the "rearrangement", the machine is clearly controlled, but already at the transition to phase two (that is, during reverse taxiing) the power steering limits its performance, and the control ability drops sharply. Moreover, the system actively helps itself with the brakes, and in very critical modes (at a speed of "rearrangement" of 75 km / h) it completely blocks the front right wheel. Moreover, "turning off" the stabilization system greatly facilitates bypassing an imaginary obstacle, but ASC intervenes anyway.

Qashqai is easier with this case. The car is prone to skidding in both the first and second phases, and the system carefully prevents it. But when it is turned off (the system is "honestly" turned off), the skid becomes very strong, and the trajectory can only be corrected by active work ahead of the curve. Everything seems to be clear: Nissan showed the best result on the "rearrangement", but ... we hammered more cones on it. Somehow everything is ambiguous ...

Evgeny SPERANSKY
ORD magazine drive expert

On the "rearrangement" the influence of the four-wheel drive is not observed

When actively avoiding obstacles, the Nissan Qashqai very clearly fulfills the stabilization system. She actively intervenes already at the first steering wheel turn. Wheel braking slightly reduces steering response, but the trajectory remains as expected. The system does not present any surprises: the trajectory is saved, and the correction occurs only along the angle. In the second phase, it is braked, not allowing to go into a skid, as a result of which the limiting speed is limited by the delay in the reaction. When the stabilization system is turned off, the car becomes sharper. But with a sharp taxiing at speeds close to the limit, a skid occurs, which requires completely different steering skills to correct. Switching the all-wheel drive to automatic mode or turning it off in 2WD mode does not affect the control in any way. The behavior of the Ford Kuga is very different from the Nissan Qashqai, but only in the modes close to critical. When avoiding obstacles at the highest possible speeds, the stability control system very actively intervenes, in the first phase even more than in Nissan, reducing the response to steering, but the braking process is much more active, it takes longer, and stabilization occurs earlier. As a result, we have large deviations from the trajectory, and the difference in the speed of the exercise on the order of 5 km / h is not in favor of Kuga. But what really affects the performance of this test is the steering effort. Attention is drawn to the fact that when trying to maneuver, the forces required for steering very sharply increase, which reduces the control accuracy. It changes somewhat with the system and without it (without the system it is a little easier), but still this is an unpleasant moment. It is worth noting that in the mode of the disabled stabilization system on the Kuga, it still intervenes in the control, however, much softer and a little later. And I, like on Nissan, did not notice the connection of the all-wheel drive during the test.

Doesn't it shake you?

Cobblestone pavement in our program was present in two guises. First, we checked the cars for noise on a relatively flat road, and then sent them to broken cobblestones to assess the smoothness of the ride. So, during the noisy races, we noticed an interesting thing. At speeds up to 40 km / h, the Kuga is incredibly quiet, but then there is an unpleasant rumble, reminiscent of the sound of a bomber taking off.

The "intelligent" all-wheel drive system used on the Ford Kuga was once developed in conjunction with Haldex and was "tested" on another model of the Ford concern, the Land Rover Freelander 2. Somewhat earlier, during the Ford Explorer test, which showed excellent operation of the electronic simulation system locks, we drew attention to the similarity of their algorithms with the Terrain Response Disco3 system (Explorer has a lot in common with it in design). Then we assumed that it was not in vain that Ford annexed Land Rover territory to its possessions. And now the all-wheel drive system of the latest Ford novelty is another confirmation of this. How does the classic Haldex coupling work? The hydraulic pump, which is driven by the difference in speed between the input (cardan) and output (rear differential) shafts (that is, when sliding between the front and rear axles), creates a high (up to 100 atm) pressure that compresses the multi-plate clutch, which, in fact, it transmits the moment to the rear wheels.

The Freelander 2 was the first to use a novelty: an electrically driven high-pressure axial piston feed pump (it fills the hydraulic system and accumulator as soon as the engine starts working). Thanks to this, on the Freelander 2, the only crossover at that time with a transmission of this type, it became possible to pre-connect the rear wheels actually before starting, and not after the front wheels had already turned. So the Ford Kuga demonstrated similar abilities. And if Qashqai, despite the generally more adequate operation of the traction control system, when starting off with the front wheel suspended, first turned it in the air, and only after that the rear axle came into action, then we could not see this pause “live” in Kuga.

Moreover, the aforementioned system can transmit an unusually high torque (up to 1500 Nm), which provides the car with a very satisfactory off-road performance. It is no coincidence that during our test, the drive shutdown due to overheating was not observed even once. To increase the speed of the system, a pressure accumulator is included in it. As a result, the designers were able to reduce the angle required to start transmitting torque after detecting wheel slip, from the usual 60 ° to 15 °, and the maximum torque transmission became possible after 150 milliseconds.

Another feature of the system is that it allows you to quickly disengage the clutch while driving, so as not to interfere with the stability control systems and ABS. In particular, for this, an electrically controlled throttle valve is used in the design. This design is not new in itself, but it provides a torque deceleration time from 300 Nm to 0 within 10 ms! And this improves the efficiency of the stabilization system.

The built-in active clutch control unit is connected to the rest of the electronics via a high-speed CAN bus. The clutch software uses information about engine speed, engine torque, vehicle speed, anti-lock braking system activity and stability control. This information, combined with oil temperature data, allows the relative position of the needle in the control valve to be calculated and the required torque transmitted through the clutch, which, in turn, provides a high level of safety when driving on roads and off-road traffic. It follows from the above that the behavior on the road of the Ford Kuga, like most other modern cars, is determined by the programs embedded in the electronic "brains".

This is where the significant differences between the aforementioned "relatives" begin. As you know, the Freelander 2 electronic "assistants" work both in normal traffic (ensuring safety) and off-road (in charge of cross-country ability). So, according to the results of our test, the impression was created that the Ford Kuga has all the off-road part of the program ... is missing! As a result, the system turned out to be "sharpened" only for active driving on asphalt, and on the off-road the car lost noticeably precisely because of its inadequate actions. For example, when starting off with upright front wheels, Ford, like Land Rover, immediately connected the rear axle, but with the wheels turned (in this case, the Terrain Response is already in charge of the Freelander 2 process), Kuga, on the contrary, first took the moment from the rear wheels! This is logical on the asphalt (to reduce transmission losses), but unacceptable on the ground, as it leads to large slippage.

The situation is similar with the operation of electronic imitation of cross-wheel locks. I got the impression that when creating the Ford Kuga, it was artificially “bred” into market niches with the Freelander. And one more thing I would like to say: one of the consequences of the active struggle for safety was the behavior of the Ford Kuga in extreme modes. While the stabilization system is inactive, the car shows a real driving character, allowing you to take turns with light slip. But as soon as a certain line is crossed, the system turns off the drive to the rear axle and begins to brake the wheels, straightening the trajectory, and it does this very actively, up to blocking the front outer wheel. Behind the wheel, it feels like a drastic change in the character of a hitherto obedient car. He suddenly starts to rest, go straight, refusing to obey the usual manipulations with the steering wheel and gas. In general, I got the impression that once again the fight against coups has gone too far, and now it leads to dissonance in the behavior of the Kuga in normal and potentially dangerous modes.

text: Dmitry LYAKHOVENKO
photo: Alexander DAVIDYUK
Alexey VASILIEV

Today, in the era of urbanization, urban crossovers are becoming popular. Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashkai models are among the most bought comfortable cars.

Who is it for

Qashqai or Kuga. What's better? These two crossovers are considered family crossovers, as they have a roomy interior and deep trunk. As a rule, large families buy such a car.

Car owners believe that Qashkai is only suitable for driving on highways and perfectly flat road surfaces. But the Ford Guga has a higher rise. Both compared cars are equipped with an all-wheel drive transmission. Therefore, in the battle "Ford Kuga or Nissan Qashqai" again a draw.

Key differences

If you decide in favor of which car to make a choice - Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga - then it is worth comparing a number of indicators:

cabin capacity. The rear seats of the Nissan Qashqai are cramped, it is impossible to seat three passengers on them. In the Ford Kuga, it is more spacious due to the fact that the body is slightly wider;
seat shape. Rear seats Nissan Qashqai are recognized by experts as ideal, as they keep the body relaxed;
the rear seats are almost identical, but the Nissan Qashqai has a softer cushion;
the front panel of the Ford Kuga looks very nice. It is equipped with a large monitor, the devices are illuminated with neon lights. Designed in a modern style. Convenient to use multimedia system;
The Ford Kuga has a comfortable armrest in the middle of the rear seat where drinks are placed. This is especially true for children, who are happy to be accommodated thanks to the spacious interior, comfortable chairs and an armrest.

Nissan users note excellent aerodynamics and roadholding, as well as a wide view mirror. The car starts smoothly.

The rear camera, which is included in the basic package, will also be useful. Car enthusiasts note the presence of a heated windshield, which is indispensable in cold weather. It is also necessary to choose the appropriate option from a pair of Kuga vs Qashqai taking this parameter into account.

Ford Kuga fans talk about excellent Haldex clutch performance, roadholding and reliable suspension. The climate control system is functioning properly. In addition, the Ford Kuga accelerates faster than the Nissan, experts say. When deciding whether to buy a Ford Kuga or Nissan Qashqai, this often becomes a decisive criterion.

External features

As for the exterior of both cars, there are similarities. The 2016 Nissan Qashkai resembles the Lexus RX. The very same Ford behind differs from Nissan only in a different angle of inclination of the door.

The larger Ford car looks much longer in comparison to the Nissan due to the elongated line of windows that bend. And if you look at the front, then, in comparison with the Nissan Qashqai, the Kuga crossover looks completely neutral. The Ford Kuga looks rather unassuming for an SUV.

According to the manufacturer's representatives, the trunk volume in the car is 430 liters - not the greatest figure for a practical car. However, it is possible to fold the Nissan seat down in a 60:40 ratio.

Indeed, the pillows on the Qashqai do not rise upward, with the result that the cargo compartment becomes the owner of a high step. The result is expected - even with a complete transformation of the interior, the small crossover Nissan Qashqai receives a free space of 1510 liters, which is not very convenient to use.

Expert opinion

In general, both models, according to surveys of professionals, were rated at 8.5-9 points out of 10. This is a fairly high indicator, indicating the decent quality and convenience of the models in question. Convenient control system and good "behavior" on the road make it difficult to answer the question "which is better". Therefore, it is up to you to choose Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga.

The crossover space of the Russian car market in 2006-2008 was characterized by dense filling, with one of the leading positions in Nissan Kashkaya and with not very good indicators in Ford Kuga. Subsequently, both models underwent restyling twice and now new versions are presented to customers, differing in original design, excellent handling and intriguing technical data. Which model to give preference to when choosing among crossovers?

Nissan Qashqai: exterior, interior, specifications

The exterior of the face of the Japanese model is marked:

A massive bumper.
Trapezoidal radiator grille in a chrome bowl with the familiar brand logo and dense honeycomb.
The fanciful raised lines of the bonnet.
Bright optical elements made in the perimeter of the headlights illuminate the running lights.
Below is a weighty air intake recessed into the depths in the lateral environment of foglights.

Plastic protection around the perimeter is very appropriate for a car of this class. The sidewalls are traditional in design, the fenders are touched by the squint of the headlights, the wheel arches even accommodate 19R wheels. The roof has an aggressive slope, a spoiler lip with a shark fin. The tail raised up indicates sporty brutality. Freshness is added by chrome inserts at the bottom and garlands of LED lights.

The interior, in a duet of gloss and dullness of plastic panels and elements, attracts with a mass of original details:

Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with a scattering of buttons and keys with electric booster.
Excellently perceived instrument panel.
In the center of the dashboard, a multimedia display stands out.

Tunnel filling: selector knob, row of buttons and washers, connectors for electronic devices, cup holders, armrests, niches for small items. The comfortable seats are adjustable and offer a decent level of comfort.

The platform of this car is CMF, created by the French-Japanese alliance, is the best option for crossovers. High handling and suspension comfort are achieved by reducing platform rigidity.

The visual appeal of the car is due to the harmony of the dimensions:

Length - 436 cm.
Width - 180 cm.
Height - 159 cm.
Wheelbase - 265 cm.
Clearance - 20 cm.

The technical filling is possible in the form of all-wheel drive, semi-independent rear suspension or front-wheel drive, independent multi-link. Gasoline internal combustion engine of 1.2 liters. with 115 hp - the beginning of the motor support, followed by 1.5 and 1.6 liter units with a capacity of 110 hp. and 130 hp. the latter on a diesel engine, a turbocharged engine with a volume of 1.6 liters at 163 hp and a volume of 2.0 liters. at 144 hp which will reach hundreds for 10.5 sec... In track mode, the fuel consumption will be 5.8 liters. per 100 km. paths.

Safety is the responsibility of airbags, stabilization system, tire pressure sensor, fog lights. The configuration options are largely different due to options that ensure safe and comfortable operation: precipitation sensors, parking sensors and detection of blind spots and obstacles, keyless access. The crossover is available in nine equipment and color options.

The price of the issue starts from 1,086,000 rubles, the maximum bar of auto investment reaches 1.8 million rubles.

Ford Kuga: exterior, interior, specifications

The exterior of this crossover is:

Volumetric bumper.
Slender racks.
Multi-line relief of the bonnet cover.
Hexagonal chrome-plated perimeter of the radiator grille with an emblem and barely visible mesh cells due to two stripes, original LED headlights, a slotted air intake surrounded by non-trivial niches with foglights.

The roof panel is completed by a spoiler lip with a duplicate brake light. The rear lights have changed significantly, becoming polygonal. The trunk lid is streamlined.

The dimensions are optimal:

Length - 453 cm.
Width - 182 cm.
Height - 170 cm.
Wheelbase - 269 \u200b\u200bcm.
Ground clearance - 20 cm.
Luggage volume - 456 l.

The interior of the crossover is traditional, in the center there is a deliberately convex panel with a touch screen, elongated blower blocks, buttons and climate washers, charging sockets. The tunnel is reasonably compact with classic niches and control levers. The multifunction steering wheel even has gear levers. The crossover seats are spacious with a personal setting system.

The pride of the American brand is new power equipment, which, due to its technical characteristics, made it possible to significantly increase power without significant fuel costs. The starting point is a tribute to the atmospheric two and a half liter four with a capacity of 150 hp. further - a six-cylinder turbocharged internal combustion engine of 1.5 liters. with a capacity of 150 or 184 hp. The motors are exclusively on automatic transmission, with front or all wheel drive. Fuel consumption declared from 8.1 liters. per 100 km... The current option of this crossover is the cruise control that reduces the 50-kilometer speed to a stop.

Even the basic equipment does not skimp on safety assistants: electronic systems, when driving uphill, rollover prevention, traction control during maneuvers, airbags, including knee airbags.

Initial configuration available for 1,350,000 rubles, top version - 2,000,000 rubles.

Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga: similarities

Both cars:

Compact in size for their class.
They have bright elements of a sports exterior.
Traditional in high-quality salon performance.
They are reliable in terms of their power characteristics and safe equipment.
They have excellent aerodynamic and handling characteristics.

Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga: differences

more powerful dynamics of acceleration due to the design of the internal combustion engine and transmission, the conservative automatic transmission Ford Kuga is slower, sluggish when accelerating and shifting speeds.
possibility of completing with manual transmission and stepless variator.
variability of the fuel used: diesel or gasoline.
nine different trim levels with an emphasis on comfort or safety.
nine color options.
up to 8 liters. actual fuel consumption.
high-comfort seats of the salon.
a solid base is available for 1,086,000 rubles.

high power characteristics of the motor up to 184 hp against Nissan's 163 hp
only automatic transmission is completed.
consumes only gasoline.
six complete sets of the lineup.
seven possible colors.
up to 13 liters. real fuel consumption versus 7-8 liters. the Japanese being compared.
original safety assistants.
sound insulation close to perfection.
the basic version will cost 1,350,000 rubles.

Who, when and what will give preference to?

The choice of Nissan Kashkai is for those who:

Loves original, dynamic, modern design.
Young age category of any gender.
The adherent of a manual transmission or a continuously variable variator, guaranteeing excellent acceleration dynamics and gear shifting.
Wants to use diesel fuel.
He wants to have a wide choice among the complete sets for filling with safety, controllability and multimedia elements.
Counts on reasonable fuel consumption in urban environments.
Has a little over a million rubles for auto investment.

Ford Kuga will become a travel companion for:

More relaxed in the choice of the style of the drivers.
Middle and senior age category males.
Ready to put up with some sluggishness of the transmission for the sake of more power and cross-country ability with the appropriate fuel consumption.
Lovers of high levels of noise and sound insulation of the cabin.
Prioritizing the presence of original branded safety subsystems, such as knee airbags and seat design, which does not allow slipping out from under the seat belt in a frontal impact.
Caring drivers for their rear seat passengers, which guarantee maximum comfort.
Having the possibility of significant cash investments when expanding the optional set.

You drive slowly along the road. You can't really speed up with us, we have long ago christened ourselves creatures mired in traffic jams. . And in order not to go completely crazy, it remains only to while away the hours of downtime by looking at other nearby crawling cars. And the likelihood that the eye will be pleased with the "exotic fruit" or "sports coupe decreases every year. Everywhere you spit, some SUVs and SUVs. It seems a little more and crossovers of all kinds and sizes will simply crowd out all other cars. But even among them there are those that are now in a special account with car owners. For example, Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga.

By the way, Ford sales in Russia in the first half of 2016 grew by as much as 56% compared to the same period in 2015. And sales were up mainly due to the Ford Kuga model. Nissan generally focuses on Russia, continuing to successfully implement the plan to expand and localize production. Russia is a strategic market for Nissan with the potential to become No. 1 in Europe. Again, the sales growth comes with the help of the bestselling Nissan Qashqai.

We look at the ranking of the Top 10 most popular SUVs in 2016 and are no longer surprised that the regulars are showing off there again: Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga.
How do they take the Russian public so much? And which one is better? Let's try to find out.

Friends a couple of months ago decided to buy a crossover. And as far as I know, they considered the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga. But in the end they preferred the "American". To the question: "Why not Nissan Qashqai?" I was told that "we liked the appearance of the Kuga more, but the Qashqai somehow doesn't look very good." And here I wanted to defend the "Japanese", but then the understanding came that it was pointless to dispute the taste preference.
So let's start with the "American". The Ford Kuga was officially unveiled at the 2008 Frankfurt International Motor Show. And I fell under the famous philosophy of Martin Smith, the chief designer of the brand. Have you heard anything about "kinetic design"? So, this is his doing. “Kinetic design” in the master's understanding “is the visualization of energy in motion. Expression occurs through crisp, dynamic lines and surfaces. "Energy in motion" is the most accurate and capacious transmission of the philosophy of "kinetic design". When you look at Ford vehicles, you get the impression that they are moving - even if they are standing still. ” So many deep thoughts and strong turns! Maybe it's time for Smith to seriously think about the profession of a philosopher-scientist? In fact, if it's no joke, then so it can be said about any car. The design of the Ford Kuga is not impressive. The crossover looks more like a toy car. A kind of mini-crossover, worn in the model line of the American manufacturer. In the stream, you can hardly pay attention to it, unless, of course, it is in some kind of catchy bright color.

Nissan Qashqai is another matter. You stare at him and see him off, though sometimes wondering whose this graceful ass is rushing to the pale green: the older brother of Ixtrail or the youngest Kashkai. But it is the Nissan Qashqai that is the trendsetter for compact crossovers. And initially the Japanese did not count on such success, thinking that they would sell one hundred thousand cars in Europe in a year, and as a result, they had to produce more than two million copies. For a couple of years, the "Japanese" has undergone changes. In 2008, engineers extended the wheelbase by 135mm and the rear overhang (by 75mm) to add two extra seats to the cabin. Well, in 2010, a small restyling of the crossover was made. But the real sensation was the second-generation Nissan Qashqai, released in 2014. What a camp, what athleticism. There is real dynamics in every bend. Oh, this Asian squint is alluring. How tempting!

Who has more? The one in the leaders

Upon visual inspection, the Nissan Qashqai appears to be larger and more voluminous than the Ford Kuga. But this is a visual deception. In terms of dimensions, the "American" is healthier than his opponent. Ford Kuga is 4524 mm long, 2077 mm wide and 1689 mm high. Qashqai will be smaller (length 4377 mm, width 1837 mm, height 1595 mm). There is practically no difference in ground clearance: the Nissan Qashqai has 200 mm, and the Ford Kuga has 199 mm.
Let's sit! We will see.

First, let's see what the Ford Kuga interior is like. Unfortunately, even in the most expensive version, you will not find sensors and a large multimedia screen. But in the center of the panel you can use the media system control buttons. But everything works well and smoothly. The central small non-color screen does not distract from work and is very convenient to use. Only a bright blue backlight dilutes this "boredom". While driving, the driver will enjoy excellent visibility, but visibility from the rear is not very much due to the tapered rear window. The front seats do not have pronounced lateral support, so even an XL driver will feel comfortable. Yes, and passengers in the back seat will not feel cramped. The interior is spacious enough. The only thing, it's a pity that the rear sofa has no longitudinal adjustment, and this would not prevent travelers on a long trip. And the quality of finishing materials leaves much to be desired: soft plastic looks, frankly, cheap.
The cabin of the Nissan Qashqai is much more comfortable. Climbing into the driver's seat, it seems that you have always been behind the wheel of this particular car: and everything is familiar, understandable and pleasant to the touch. The seating position is high, there is enough overhead space, the Zero Gravity seats claim to be "spinal support that reduces fatigue by improving blood circulation", in fact, they are just imperceptibly comfortable. In general, the senses have nothing to catch on - they like everything without exception. The dashboard and touchscreen are inherited from the Infiniti Q50. Of the convenient buns, the electric parking drive deserves a separate mention. Kuga also has, but classic.

If desired and possible, you can also enjoy the panoramic roof, only with a surcharge for the LE ROOF equipment (1,564,000 rubles).

There is no doubt: it is more comfortable to sit behind the wheel of the Nissan Qashqai, and the Ford Kuga has more space. We almost forgot about the luggage compartment, which the Kuga has more (456 liters) than the Nissan Qashqai (430 liters).

Assistants and security systems

Ford Kuga is packed with various security systems and modern devices: the Ford SYNC system uses voice commands to control the MP3 player and phone functions, the hands-free tailgate opening system will demonstrate advanced technologies to you every time you open the fifth door, not with your hand, but with foot, Active Parking Assist, rear view camera, blind spot monitoring and auto-turning headlights. But you will not find all these pleasures in the minimum configuration. All "relish" is installed on more expensive versions, the cost of which starts from 1,325,000 rubles.

All the same set is available in the "Japanese". Only there is no "smart" trunk. But on the other hand, there is a driver fatigue control system that can warn with an audible and visual signal that it is time to take a break.

In move

The Nissan Qashqai has a 1.2 liter turbocharged engine in its arsenal. with 115 hp, also a 1.6 diesel version with 130 hp. and the best-selling 2-liter version with 144 hp. There are two transmissions to choose from: a six-speed “mechanics” and an Xtronic variator with sport and manual modes.

Obviously, if you are curious about the Nissan Qashqai, then you do not belong to the category of people with racing ambitions. And you have enough - a calm smooth ride around the city and less often outside it. Then the "Japanese" will become that loyal companion for you. On the road, he behaves conservatively, correctly and without complaints. But still, if you take Qashqai, then a 2-liter "variator" so that you can get full pleasure from operation. Decent and correct in everything, it still has a minus - an overly light steering wheel and an excessive tendency to demolish the front axle in sharp turns.

Ford Kuga is sold with two types of engines. You can choose from a modern 1.6 turbo engine from the EcoBoost line with a capacity of 150 or 182 horsepower and 2.5 (150 horsepower).
Ford Kuga is somewhere very deep in the soul of a "gambling" guy, but he lacks strength to be such in fact. Therefore, do not expect a soft ride and excellent handling from the crossover. It copes with high speeds, but so that the passengers in the back seat feel any slightest unevenness. But leisurely driving around the city is very pleasant and quite comfortable for itself, but to a greater extent for the driver and passenger in the front seat. Noise isolation, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired.

The initial cost of Nissan Qashqai starts at 999,000 rubles. Ford Kuga costs from 1,099,000 rubles. But keep in mind that in any case you will have to add a plus of 150,000 - 200,000 rubles to get a car that is not completely "naked". If you are a fan of sizes and do not have a special love for "Japanese", then you should go to an official Ford dealer. And those for whom it is important to feel comfort and know that his million-plus crossover looks decent on the road, does not get lost in the stream of competitors, should make a choice in favor of Nissan Qashqai.