Kuga 2.5T - any experience?

[Bill]

I'm looking for an interesting quickish 4X4. It's mainly for the road but I tow a 3/4 ton trailer fairly regularly on rough ground/mud so need mild capability.

I drove a 1.8t Yeti that was fine but bland, and then the Kuga with a detuned Focus ST engine appeared on my radar. 200bhp, but a remap gets 285...

Anyone any thoughts? I've had the do it all family car until now but I've talked SWMBO into an SMax so have have a freer rein.

[LeftLake]

I've always liked the idea of these as they can be had for relatively little money. Just remember the road tax can be expensive so something to bear in mind. There are a lot of Kuga's about, so parts availability should be good, and that engine is pretty common (not so much in the Kuga, but is in other cars).

If you're looking for fun, I'd seriously recommend taking a look at one of the higher powered petrol Subaru Foresters, or maybe even an Outback? They'll be a lot more interesting I think, but with equally high running costs.. (also will perform much better off road)

[Bill]

I know, I'd have a Forester in a heart beat, but they're significantly older and rarer, and the 2.5 flat four doesn't have the best reputation. (I've had a '97 Impreza so know that era Subaru.)

I've also had a Tribeca which is basically a fat Outback. They're great, but mostly auto and it's not a good auto. And mine wasn't that reliable hence I'm looking at other options.

[Ian_sUK]

My wife had one for a bit. Was a nice car and the titanium x spec is nice (but quite rare). In the end the fuel and tax costs became wearisome.

Be care when looking at remaps. The focus maps will run but not properly.

[Bill]

Ian_sUK said:

My wife had one for a bit. Was a nice car and the titanium x spec is nice (but quite rare). In the end the fuel and tax costs became wearisome.

I don't do many miles so running costs are less important. What was it like to drive? They're not common and I live in the arse end of nowhere so the nearest is a 200 mile round trip away, and it's white...

Ian_sUK said:

Be care when looking at remaps. The focus maps will run but not properly.

It looks like you can get specific maps for this car/tune of the engine. I'd plan to run it as standard initially and do some research. Although I've read a couple of reviews that basically say why bother compared to the diesel. It's not masses quicker in daily driving but it's significantly more thirsty.