Could the 2020 Ford Kuga PHEV be the best Hybrid yet ?

[@dperreno]

So here's the deal. If you are willing to plug it in every night, and if you usually drive less than 35 miles each day, then this is a great electric car for daily use. AND, it is a great petrol car for those weekend road trips where you can just pull into the petrol station and fill it up in 10 minutes or so and not be constrained by the availability of an EV charging station. I think that a PHEV with 35+ miles of EV range is a perfect bridge vehicle until the charging infrastructure matures and EV charging speeds improve.

[@SimonWellsK2Joom]

I have had mine for 3 days, commute from Worthing to Petersfield, so a mix of dual carriage, B roads and ascents/descents over the downs. Full charge of 35miles on my 32 mile journey and I still get between 6 and 9 miles left. Filled the tank with £44 of fuel and only used 10 miles of it so far.

[@robru]

Out of interest what would your average mpg be if you were travelling say 100 or 200 miles?

[@haroldhdknoxstreet-glide5331]

Can’t believe that I watched a Ford Hybrid review all the way 😀

[@PetrolPed]

LOL 😂

[@cjcaswell1]

This is easily the best quality review of the Ford Kuga. Well done. I am convinced and will be ordering one this week with panorama roof.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Chris 👍

[@siraff4461]

Pan roof is standard on ST line X and above. If you're looking at an ST line you're better off going to the X for the difference.

[@alibro7512]

As mentioned by others, it's great to see a normal car being reviewed. Old Top Gear did this before the idiots took over and although it was great for a while reviews like this should be more common. Thanks for giving such a balanced thoughtful review on the PHEV idea, it's a pity the manufacturers like Lexus are not more like you.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@kariko07]

Good review - I pick up an identical spec this week and this solidifies my choice, although i would say the boot space is bigger that my current previous model Kuga, so you don’t lose out in that aspect. Thanks for putting in this review!

[@PetrolPed]

My pleasure. Enjoy the new car 👍

[@ThatEnglishGent]

Watching this in 2024 and you're talking about COVID stuff is amusing 😅 but yeah great review. I'm looking to upgrade my 2015 Ford Fiesta Titanium soon to something a bit more future proof but my budget is fairly restricted so I'm likely going to get a 2020/21 Kuga PHEV as a replacement. This review has really made me feel confident about getting this model as a replacement.

[@fennie56]

I ordered one during lockdown and can’t wait to get it! I had been considering the Outlander PHEV but from what I’ve seen, this beats it. Until we have a network of EV charging stations, PHEV must be the way to go. Great video! Thanks

[@twisterwiper]

I also considered the Outlander, but reports of unnatural battery degradation put me off plus the current model is going out by the end of the year. By pure luck I was able to get my hands on an ST Line just before lock down so I have had it for three months now. You will NOT be disappointed! It’s a pure joy to drive and I just don’t get the interior criticism. I think it’s nice and unpretentious. The infotainment system could be a bit more responsive at times, but that’s my only complaint. Love it!

[@richardhorton3193]

@@twisterwiper I wasn't disappointed! - I had a test drive on Monday - awesome car!. Bigger than I expected but a very very impressive motor car.

[@Paul-mt8sy]

Had mine three years now, despite issues such as HV and 12v battery issues( dealt with under warranty) the car is great to drive- particularly in sports mode where it definitely gets quite lively 😊

[@dylanh1978]

Great review, glad they completely changed the styling, the old Kuga was one of my least favourite looking vehicles on the road, this looks really really good.

[@154hopperavenue6]

Always really good reviews. Pre-pandemic I was looking at going full electric but have decided PHEV is the way forward. This has really helped. Cheers

[@PetrolPed]

That is great to hear 🙏🏻

[@brianroberts8938]

Excellent review of the car, covered all the key areas of interest and even a sales pitch for a well laid out dealership

[@PetrolPed]

I had to edit lots out due to time constraints too 😬

[@Motomuso417]

Couple of things to note, the rear seats recline and move back and forward independently. The regen force can be adjusted by using the 'L' function on the gear shifter.

[@chrisdakin7941]

Good explanation of the hybrid function. 👏

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 👍

[@herbertconlan9952]

Finally, a Ford C-Max replacement. I have a 2014 C-Max hybrid SEL with 100,000 miles on the odometer and it's the best car I've ever had with a very good ride and wonderful MPG. My car is not a plug-in and I drive on hybrid mode which lets the gas engine charge the battery. That gives the car drive-anywhere capability without having to look for a charging station and that flexibility removes mileage anxiety completely. The C-Max is a marvelous car and this Kuga is a C-max reborn with nice new refinements. I hope it comes to the US where I live very soon.

[@Pmjs]

I've had a 2010 CMax 1.8TDCI Titanium,2013 Vxl Astra 2.0CDTI SRI Sports Tourer &2016 CMax 2.0TDCI. All these car's were very reliable. The previous Kuga had the same layout as my CMax.

[@richarddecker6642]

To do the performance justice, you must try the acceleration in full hybrid mode where the combined torque from the electric motor plus the torque from the gasoline (petrol) engine are available. The car is actually quite quick in this mode. I drive a Ford C-Max Energi which has essentially the same engine/transmission/electric motor configuration and is is essentially a "sleeper" as far as acceleration is concerned.

[@benjaminlibotte8471]

I have my Outlander phev for almost 2 years now, 30k miles driven, so quiet, spacious, no-nonsense dash, great to drive and to tow up to 1500kg and all wheel drive. Oh and plugged in every day at least once to get 44-50km/charge (3 hours ar 16A) a day which is enough for my needs most days.

[@craigblakesley4397]

Great impartial advice Ped (as always) 👍 I saw a new Puma the other day, I had to look twice, it looked really nice and I'm not a Ford person.

[@PetrolPed]

I know. That’s what happened to me 😂

[@nickname1812]

Great review. This caught my eye when launched. Don't need a family car - but interesting package, design etc.

[@gtsussex3467]

Obviously in the minority with plugging in every night (and also at the office)! I swapped from a 730d to 745le in Feb and I love it. Last tank was 116mpg. Most of my driving is to work and back, nearly all under electric. Long journeys it plummets but still usually north of 30mpg (not bad for a big old barge). What it does give is amazing refinement - suits the car. Understand it’s not for everyone but if it fits your needs, hybrids are great. Welcome to try it Pete :-)

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for this 👍

[@timmartin7468]

Clearly not a car you would want long term but you highlighted the Kuga's strengths for the market at which it is targeted. A frank and honest review which is what I know you strive to deliver. I think I see hints of the Edge in the rear end. Cheers Ped.

[@PetrolPed]

I know what you mean 👍

[@116fletch]

Just ordered this on a 3year lease, looking forward to it! Great honest review that covered everything I need to know. I agree it’s not a quick car (unfortunately) 🤨 but still ticks all the boxes for a young family of 4 pottering around in the week then days out at the weekend 👌🏻

[@js_trains]

Nice review, if you hit L in the middle of gear selector you get increased regen.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for the tip 👍

[@MatthewCyUK]

Poor lighting on the external shots. BUT, very nice review. Helped us make our mind up on one - the prices don't make sense. We got an ST Lines X 1st Edition for under £33k.

[@PetrolPed]

Glad you found the vid helpful 👍

[@djw34]

Just ordered an ST Line X from Hendy Ford at Portsmouth. 2.0d 190 not hybrid but as you say, excellent service.

[@gordonsteen5266]

Great review. Im a big fan of plug in hybrids and feel they have a big part to play going forward. This Kuga looks the part and really fits the bill.

[@PetrolPed]

Yep 👍

[@walterwassink338]

I enjoy driving this car every day, I drive mostly in the Eco mode, but also enjoy the Sport mode on the highway if I make a short stay there. Overtaking other cars with the full 225 PS is a piece of cake, it is just a great car and not even fully described here...

[@faylonbiryani]

Another great Ford review, I think you might have convinced my Dad to go and test drive one of these!

[@luckycat007]

Based on this and other reviews (thank you!) purchased a Vignale model as I got a great price from a Ford dealer (demo car). Had the HV battery already replaced. So far...really enjoying the car. Charge nightly when needed, haven't used a drop of petrol in 4 weeks, but good it's there for our long trip coming up in a few weeks.

[@PetrolPed]

Amazing. Congrats 👍

[@paulcolmer9046]

As a suv driver and having considered the Kuga back in Feb , ICE, this is good to know about. I had been in a CHR Phev and was very impressed with the seamless transition between power sources but disappointed with the CVT transmission . Having driven an older Golf GTE i felt the DSG was better. I believe this Kuga is CVT too. However as Seat are previewing the New Ateca Cupra but soley ICE as present perhaps they will come up with a performance PHEV later.

[@philipparkes5079]

Hi Ped Good to see the Pups again, obviously on their best behaviour. Good honest review, having watched this I am beginning to understand where such a car would fit. Always willing to learn, even if not totally converted!😉

[@PetrolPed]

They told me they wanted to be in this one 😂

[@bensharpe2013]

Hi Ped. Good review. As you say, Fords have quite basic interiors but I had 2 Focuses before my Mini and i must say they were both very reliable, comfortable and drove well. Not sure i would go full EV just yet but a PHEV does interest me to increase the range for such things as going on holiday in the UK. If i had the need for a family bus this would be worth considering :-)

[@pipmeister2103]

Nice review. Like it when run of the mill cars are reviewed 👍🏻

[@PetrolPed]

That is good to know 👍

[@praveenkumarsaragadam7954]

Hi, Great video, I am waiting for a new facelift to be launched soon Ford dealer from the Netherlands said a facelift is expected in 2022 Anyways, regarding your comment on the infotainment system At the first glance, many people have mixed feeling about the floating infotainment systems However, if you notice it blocks the sunshine on the screen and therefore increasing the screen visibility In old BMWs and new VAG cars with infotainment integrated into the dashboard, I sometimes find it difficult to read the details while driving in sunny conditions because of the reflection on the screen

[@LesterBrenner]

Mine's arriving this week, thanks for the review

[@PetrolPed]

Awesome 👏

[@MrAlfable]

Crazy to me that people with PHEVs don't plug them in regularly. I had a Ford Fusion Energi, which only got 20ish miles per charge but plugged it in daily and regularly got 5,000-10,000 miles per tank, literally had an entire year pass where I never visited a gas station.With cars like this and the PHEV 4Runner, which are coming in with 30-50 mile ranges, plugging it in becomes even more useful.

[@onepunch9]

So you were getting 833mpg 😂😂😂

[@shithead4767]

Didn't the gas in your tank go stale?

[@MrAlfable]

@@shithead4767 The energi's fuel system is completely sealed to preserve the gas for longer periods of time. If you hit the 18 month mark with the same tank of gas the energi will go into a mode where it forces you to burn the fuel though, regardless of the battery's charge. I never quite got that long of a stretch though, just know that from the owner's manual.

[@shithead4767]

@@MrAlfable interesting became I was planning on buying the Toyota Rav4 PHEV but I heard that the fuel would go stale and where people needed to get their whole fuel system to be replaced. Which would happen after 6 to 12 months or so, where the engine would run really rough or not at all.

[@shithead4767]

@@MrAlfable kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXauYaqElK6knaM this is what I'm referring to

[@lindseyc9296]

Thanks very much for your review. About to take delivery of PHEV soon from a diesel ST. Very informative review have to agree about the interior. Concerns over the economy range put to bed after putting vehicle into the different driving modes

[@alankelly1542]

Love your reviews, I’ve seen a few of these on the road and am impressed with the looks. I’d never personally buy a ford though, I’ve had a number of friends who have had lots of issues on various models. I have a singer friend who had a Kuga ( pre-phev) and he had a central locking problem that didn’t get resolved in the 3 years that he owned it ! If ford couldn’t sort a central locking problem out, I wouldn’t part with my money and invest in a car that relied even more it’s electrical system. It’s such a pity because ford do make some really good looking vehicles

[@elisicamost5959]

It's the dealership that could not sort out the central locking issue not Ford. If it was a known issue, Ford would have sent the repair protocol to dealership.

[@rodp2310]

Agree 100% about the stickyuppy screens - just awful. I have the petrol Kuga ST and prefer the look of that but this will probably grow on me as the current focus did. Great review as always. Thank you.

[@TfRsmokinmasta]

Impressed, very impressed

[@PetrolPed]

👍

[@dangreasley7934]

Great review, good to see a relatively normal car and a hybrid. I've had a Mercedes 350e for just over two years. The range is nowhere as good as the Kugs or newer EV cars but as a company car it was a no brainer. The Merc is good but a bit heavy because of the batteries in the boot. When the batteries are fully charged and I put it in Sport + mode I get the full 240pps!!!! I must be in a minority because I charge my car every day, or before I need it, a full charge takes 75 mins. Since new my rolling average is 58MPG. Hendy Ford are great, we bought my wifes' Fiesta there a couple of years ago, which is another superb car. Great customer service.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Dan 👍

[@vinyllova9879]

Just ordered one of these (st-line) but have to wait around 2-3 month on delivery...really looking forward to it!

[@PetrolPed]

That’s great. You must be excited 👍

[@jb1schoolofmotoring]

We have a test drive booked for Saturday 8th August with Cardiff Ford Evans Halshaw!! 😁👍

[@PetrolPed]

You will love it 👍

[@graemetaylor629]

I think one of the main reasons for buying a plug in hybrid apart from economy is to not pollute in built up areas and to avoid congestion charges, I believe there’s also tax incentives.

[@SimonWellsK2Joom]

Huge BIK incentives !!

[@ryanjames2962]

I charge my BMW 225XE (company car) up at our work chargers, but not at home. Any right foot and the battery charge appears to drop rapidly, so you have to be really gentle if you want to make best use of it. It really has changed the way that I drive though, the braking regen means i am on the brakes gently early rather than last minute, but it also surprises many people when in sport mode at the lights ;) MPG is virtually meaningless, because it depends upon the length of the journey. if it has an electric range of 30 miles, but you only ever do 5 too and from work, then you will never use the petrol engine, 30 miles each way and it's a totally different story. Will be looking for another PHEV (for BIK reasons) within the next 12 months, so this was one that was on my list, but the 0-60 speed is fairly slow considering. I would be interested if you were to have a look at a Merc A250e Ped (HINT HINT) if you get the opportunity. enjoyed the review, keep up the good work

[@PetrolPed]

Would love to try a Merc. Just hard to get hold of 😢

[@tmh270560]

I drive the Mitsubishi Phev and have averaged 44 mpg over the 104000 miles, I’m looking to replace it and the Kuga is on the short list

[@allseeing357]

Great video as always Pete! Never been a big Ford fan but in recent times have become a real convert. For family duties have ended up in a 2017 S Max Bi-Turbo TDCi Titanium Sport and genuinely have to say it's one of the best, if not the best car I have owned. Looks great, for a massive 7 seater goes like the clappers and drives better than many cars I have driven in recent years. Sure it wasnt a cheap car, it's also quite thirsty but its brilliant. Drove a new Focus 1.5 TDCi 120 ST Line X auto very recently too and was staggered by it, absolutely fantastic to drive and felt much much quicker than a 1.5 120hp car should have any right to.....only negative was the manual gear shifting was very very slow compared to the Powershift in the S Max but otherwise was very taken aback by it. I think they are really doing something right at the moment....never thought I'd say it but I'll probably be buying another Ford in future!

[@PetrolPed]

That is great the hear 👍

[@Stop..carry-on]

Ive always driven fords I’ve always felt I’ve known what I was getting . Easy to fix ect , ive just placed an order for a kuga vignale phev, fords of new seem to be on par with the german brands money for money

[@newbridgefsl]

You have just thrown the cat amongst the pigeons with my decision making process, doh!! Thank you for a consice and informative assessment.

[@PetrolPed]

Sorry 😜😂😂

[@buzbygolf]

I like the way you give a good overall view of the vehicles you test! My focus active has basically the same dash layout as the new kuga and as you say its minimalist but I've had my car 10 months now and I feel now it's quite practical hopefully the kuga will have the same effect on its new owners, the hybrid at the moment is bit of a tough choice I feel right now,🤔

[@MrPeteJMc]

You must compare this with the RAV4 PHEV when it arrives in the UK. Same set up but combined power is 302 hp and 0 to 60 in 6 seconds. 40 miles on a full charge and combined mpg of 90. Interesting to know your thoughts.

[@PetrolPed]

Would love to. Just working on getting into Toyota now 👍

[@peterrandall1229]

Please do more on these type of cars.

[@PetrolPed]

Will do 👍

[@stellasmith2405]

Hi pp 👍 brilliant review the car does look good. Perfect for 2 schnauzers!🐶🐶 keep up the good work!🥂

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Stella 👍

[@Raphaelch93]

Great videos mate and very nice explained ! Subscribed at a blink . Cheers from Greece

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for the Sub and welcome to the channel 👍

[@chriscope2724]

The traction battery is under the centre floor, not under the boot floor. The boot floor is the same height for PHEV and non-PHEV. Why do all of the reviewers make this mistake? Stock response for hybrids?

[@chruth1986]

Check out the battery position in the Q5 tfsi e - they’re under the boot floor.

[@chriscope2724]

@@chruth1986 I'm talking specifically about the Kuga PHEV. Interesting that Audi would do it that way.

[@richardsedorski1206]

Good vid interesting petrol pups looking brill.

[@stuartmilne1819]

Another great video Pete.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers 👍

[@albertpaquette7329]

Hi Ped. I liked your review of the Kuga. I live in Canada and own the Escape PHEV which is the North American equivalent. I just have one comment. You mentioned that Ford claimed the car could handle 200 miles of range. I think you were confusing that with your personal experience of driving while blending pure EV with hybrid operation. In fact, Ford's claim is true. What they are talking about is the distance you can travel on the energy content of one gallon of gasoline which is about 40 kWh. That is known as miles per e-gallon. That would require 5 miles of travel per kWh or 40 miles on a full charge (the battery allows you to tap into about 10 kWh of the rated 14.4 kWh of capacity). I can easily do that about town in the summer, but of course, it's a different story in winter.

[@V_Dubya]

Nice review . The price for the additional tech is still pretty steep but the execution looks really good

[@skyhigheagleer6]

Pretty steep? For a phev SUV with actual 30+ mile range, with stop start pilot assist, lane control, park assist, remote warm up, digi dash for 36k? Steep lolol

[@jdl3w1s72]

Love your reviews. Earned my subscribe. Keep it coming

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for the Sub Jordan. Welcome to the channel 👍

[@drew9312]

Like you, I value more performance but enjoyed this video right to the end- nice practical demonstration of the car.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Drew 👍

[@jamiep61]

Enjoyable Video Review. I like the style of the Model. ST-Line and ST-Line X are expected to be the best selling Models In the UK

[@charlessutherland3448]

You cannot get these at the moment as Ford has suspended sales of the 13th August 2020 because of fires caused by battery over heating whilst charging! Placed an order on the 17th August but dealer never said anything and it is in a depot in Belgium and Ford will not release it 😬

[@maxflight777]

This is why they struggle to match Tesla ! They have nailed the EV thermal management

[@johns14a]

That's a very interesting car and bearing in mind nobody pays list for a Ford, I bet it'll be flying out of showrooms. Very good review Pete.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers John 👍

[@briangriffiths114]

The Editor of Diesel and Eco Car, who I greatly respect, tests a very wide range of cars including many performance models and yet he favours Fords and even owns a Mondeo, as I recall.

[@ianwitt4430]

Thanks for the review, I like your channel.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Ian 👍

[@matthewrumble306]

As a MINI owner since 2004, my previous car was a Ford (back in in 2001...). I've liked this Kuga PHEV since seeing it in pictures. Really chuffed to see you've made this video Ped. 👍 So my question is... The Kuga or the Countryman Cooper SE? Ta!

[@PetrolPed]

Good question 🤔

[@siraff4461]

The Kuga is the better PHEV by a mile. The Countryman is a much more fun, engaging drive. The difference is about 20-25 miles real electric range. I always found it difficult to get decent ev range in the Mini but the Ford can get close on 30 miles easily - in similar driving the Mini would be around 10.

[@pigeonpoo1823]

On a granny charger, you wake up in the morning..... to find the replacement cable has also been stolen. Enjoyed your review

[@PetrolPed]

You can’t remove the cable while the car is locked 👍

[@forresg500]

I think neds will be wanting to steal these type of cables when they realise the value in them which can be between 200 to 400 pound on average cars

[@raymck2115]

Great Review as always chap, keep up the quality as always ☘️

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Ray 👍

[@MrSiwilks]

The EV power option is £5.5k for this car. Therefore you need to keep it long term to make that cost back. A friend has just taken delivery of an ST Line 1st Edition and even though it's very well equipped you can see where Ford has scrimped in the cabin to cut costs.

[@skyhigheagleer6]

What's the EV power option on other marques? £10k + easy, Ford has knocked it out of the park with the range and technology for the cost

[@djankletap6564]

Brilliant review thank you.

[@PetrolPed]

My pleasure 👍

[@Dreamweaver787]

I have just took delivery of one of these, agree the charging novelty wears off as I do around 100 miles a day and just usually run it in petrol mode and try to do a bit of regen but only get around 5 miles back. Seems a good car but my only few gripes are, 1 the gearbox is loud and sluggish as it's a CVT Ford should have put a duel clutch gearbox in it, 2nd the engine always revs high even at idle for some weird reason. Other than that all going ok.

[@gerryheery1388]

good review i like yourself hate those screens sitting on the dash

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 👍

[@floydbarney]

Thank you for a sensible review.

[@PetrolPed]

My pleasure 👍

[@ajaytuk7416]

probably my next ford if I get the right deal

[@Mogsy28uk]

great review mate, not sure why ford don't offer the Kuga in AWD, except if you buy the diesel auto, previous Gen did offer auto/petrol/awd.......someone in the design/marketing team needs to see some sense (or they won't sell enough), could be the same eejit who thought it was a good idea to stop selling the Focus ST in US/CAN. 🤦‍♂️ You're right about no performance, even with the 2.5 engine, its not exactly a lightweight model to begin with, plus the EV batteries add to the weight. rivals are offering both AWD, auto and performance. the Kuga PHEV is very expensive too. be interesting to see how the sales go.

[@RogueDroid]

Tried adopting phev. Specific to the Kuga phev, test drove one for 90 mins. It is good for a phev, but I could feel the car being quite heavy to maneuver at modest speeds.. around sharp bends. Also being fwd only for a heavy car with no adaptive suspension. Not a fan of phevs yet. This was more obvious when I test drove this with karoq back to back on the same day.

[@rickyard11]

Great review Pedro. This will certainly be the benchmark for C SUV’s for a while.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Simon 👍

[@ginggur17]

Good morning young man. You really have been a very busy bunny since lockdown has eased. 👍👍👍

[@PetrolPed]

Oh yes 👍

[@nickleighton9299]

Another great Video not my type of car for my circumstances and not a big fan of hybrids, but must saying this new Kuga is a lot nicer in my eyes to the last generation and by what you say a cracking family hybrid cheap to run.

[@PetrolPed]

Yep 👍

[@keenokeeno9064]

Had one for 6 weeks now, 50 miles a day on one charge and 64 mpg motorway driving. Well chuffed.😊Update, just got 56 miles on one charge.😊

[@PetrolPed]

Nice one!

[@coltoncleveringa8004]

This car goes by 3 names kuga puma and escape. Lol neat to see what there named in other places of the world. Great review. Here in the USA a green car just ain’t in my future cars anytime soon. Love me a big v8. But I do enjoy these reviews for all the information! Sir Pete is like to see u review a full size truck like we have here in the states just to see your reaction

[@PetrolPed]

The Kuga and Puma are different from each other. As is the Escape I think. Would love to drive a big truck 😬

[@jimhutton4352]

Great review Ped

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Jim 👍

[@HawkMillFarm]

Really enjoyed that, more so than the loud stuff to be honest (must be getting old!). Looks like a very useful car that would suit Mrs HMFs especially if the slippery mode would get it around the farm. Didn’t get if it’s petrol or diesel though?

[@PetrolPed]

Petrol 👍

[@tyeben]

Very interesting video I actually love Ford currently drive a Mondeo ok not the best interiors but for the price cannot be beaten. I worry with Hybrids as you have more complexity from a servicing point of view. As most people drive less then 50 miles a day could be ideal especially if you can charge at work. I live in apartment so plugging in is not an option. Being a Ford I imagine there will be good discounts to be had but the list price of a Tesla model 3 is 42k and has more then enough range for daily driving plus the supercharger infrastructure. Keep up the great content. Thanks Ben

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Ben 👍

[@lowcarbev4935]

Spot on and very clear... Thank you Pete....J

[@PetrolPed]

My pleasure 👍

[@johnkeen2345]

Hi Ped. I did notice that even in ev mode, the engine temperature gauge was showing half-way - a bit strange. Defiantly agree with you about the interior being a bit plastic and cheap, but even VW are getting like that these days. Should be ordering one this week as Ford are doing really good deals at the moment. Thanks for a great review :-)

[@technohamster4783]

Interesting video, I'm not a fan of SUV style cars but wife needs one these days and certainly no fan of EV's but if I were looking at fuel economy etc I'd prefer PHEV to fill EV. However to the EV extremists I come across regularly on social media these are no different and treat with the same disdain and hatred as a full on ICE car.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Your Best Review todate !👍🏻

[@PetrolPed]

Wow thanks 🙏🏻

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Meant with all sincerity too 👍🏻

[@vitoritalia1]

Thinking of buy it, what whould be the best mode to drive and save fuel at same time not charge every day?

[@MrJasonBeckett]

Always a soft spot for Ford, Focus a great car had one for work while on a works trip. Which ford ATB with this new Hybrid. Great review Pete.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Jason 👍

[@peterkirton4580]

I would be interested to see more content with other small hybrids as I want to replace my partners Hyundai i10 for something a bigger and greener

[@PetrolPed]

OK. I’ll do my best 👍

[@JonathanPriceUK]

If looking to replace an i10 with a greener option, wouldn’t you consider a Zoe ZE50 as an option? I doubt that a small hybrid would be cheaper.

[@siraff4461]

The best thing you can do for the planet is continue running the i10 for as long as is reasonable. Getting a new car made which is usually the single largest environmental hit. Once they're built you can use them for a very long time with very little extra damage - certainly less than making another car every few years. If you're going to swap anyway and want a bit larger, reliable and hybrid have a look at Toyotas or even Lexus 200h if you want to stretch it a bit. The Auris and follow on 1.8HSD models can easily get 50-60mpg while 70+ is possible if you're that way inclined. If it needs to be a plug in you're going to struggle since most until the last couple of years have had woeful ranges and aren't really worth the bother. BMW 330e for instance is a nice drive and reasonably quick but its got a realistic 10-15 mile ev range. The 2 series was a little better but also has hatchback capacity and tends to be a lot cheaper. As for the Zoe - if you haven't lived with an ev before I would advise against it unless you either never go out of range or don't mind a load of hassle when you do. For a start off the ZE50 doesn't get anywhere near its claimed range once you're on a motorway at anything near 70mph you'll be looking for a charger every 100 miles or so and good luck finding one unless you planned it out. Even better luck finding one thats working, not in use and not blocked. If you have another car to do long trips I can say the Zoe is a lovely little car to drive and run about in. Its very much like a heavy Clio chassis wise. The motor is not silent though and has a kind of electric buzz (probably from the controller) which can get irritating. You don't notice it once moving more than about 20mph because by then normal road noise means its just like being in any other car but at low speeds its there. Oh and remember there are versions of the Zoe which are 22kWh AC max - or in other words at least a two hour stop from 15% to 90%.

[@peterkirton4580]

Si Raff thanks for the comprehensive reply. I know someone who bought the first generation Zoe . They lived in Cornwall but collected the car in the Midlands and their journey back took 3 days. They had to wait for two months to get the fast charger installed at their home and the round trip to the supermarket for the fast charger was 14 miles. Now that is dedication to the electric concept!

[@JonathanPriceUK]

Si Raff I’ve had two ZE40s and I always managed 120 miles plus at motorway speeds against the quoted 160. With a ZE50 that I have now I reckon I will get 150-160 at motorway speeds but not fully tested. With CCS charging though 50KW max I would argue that normal 300 mile round trips are no issue because you just need a single modest stop somewhere on your way home. Only if you are on a really tight schedule for the return trip. ZE40sand now ZE50 have been our primary car since 2017. 50k miles so far.

[@philhicks5818]

Good review that Pete

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Phil 👍

[@tyler.greene]

I'm swapping from Carwow reviews to you - fed up of Mats nonsense! thank you for doing what you're supposed to do in a car review :)

[@PetrolPed]

Awesome to hear this. Wish I had Matts numbers 😂

[@TJ-mb4qs]

A good concise review in the real world. Well done, a good review thanks. I just wish more of these reviews could include some serious hill or mountain driving to see the effect on EV mode battery consumption! 128mpg is impressive enough, but why do you folk never factor in the cost of the charging? A 14.4kw battery with some residual loss during charging adds a cost to the mpg. So with an average of say 15p(centime euro for us in France)per KW charging that equates to about £2-£3 per charge added from a home charger or most likely £5-£7 IONITY charger added to the running cost or mpg calculation, so as a minimum another 2l of fuel equivalent. That doesn’t really include the loss calculation encountered through the ICE charging the battery either, which makes the engine less economical I would imagine, least of all the added weight of the Hybrid system. Factor in the added cost of purchase over a diesel or petrol version, is it worth it? Thats my question! We run a (second hand purchased )full EV for town driving as our contribution to reducing emissions (our power is supplied by HEP here in the French Alps) and a (second hand purchase) 1 year old diesel car which returns 5.5l/100km mixed. Based on an annual cost for the diesel being €778/year for our annual mileage and then looking at the purchase price difference, it can equate to probably >5 years of driving a petrol or diesel equivalent before breakeven point!!! Lets face it, these Hybrids which cost more, are just because the manufacturers need to meet the government vehicle emissions requirements and that cost is met by the customer via the increased price. We are looking at replacing our diesel car with a hybrid. As an example the Honda CRV Hybrid returns between 5.5-7.7l/100km as tested by us locally over 150+km test drive! Still worse than our diesel car, so where is the incentive to buy a more expensive Hybrid car that also costs more to run and insure than many standard ICE cars?

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for this. Very detailed 👍

[@TJ-mb4qs]

Keep up the good reviews. 👍

[@arjundev1614]

All good... but, did I miss the parking sensors and is there a reverse parking camera, lane switching technology... I was leaving you was in a rush to get the car back and enjoying the car too much...

[@0farmerjohn0]

Ford and the word best doesn't usually go in the same sentence.

[@scoobyking555cm]

Hi Pete, great review on the Kuga, not my cup of tea but still interesting. I finally ventured out today no more self shielding 🥳 and what did I see, a lovely new alpine A110 so a very good day for me. Take care mate 👍👍👍👍🏁

[@PetrolPed]

That is great to hear 👏👏👏

[@scoobyking555cm]

@@PetrolPed Cheers mate 👍👍👍👍🏁

[@colinharvey1049]

Interesting review, a car I would consider. Q. If the car spends 95% it’s life as a EV does it do anything to ensure the petrol engine is cycled to ensure injectors/turbo /CAT all are kept in good condition and if petrol is used as in frequently what does it do to the service schedule? Cheers.

[@PetrolPed]

Good question. Not sure of the servicing intervals and I am always interested in how the ICE is ‘looked after’ 🤔

[@watchmrcontent]

@@PetrolPed I've run a Golf GTE for more than 2 years, very similar PHEV setup to the Kuga, and I do a lot of electric-only driving - they require an annual/10k service (as opposed to two year/20k for pure petrol model). No other apparent need to cycle the motor. Not sure what happens as they age, mine is on lease and about to be replaced - with an all-electric car

[@duncanmiller3067]

Yes but you never answered the question we all want to know and that’s what does it do to the gallon once all the battery power is gone say on a long trip to the north of Scotland, what’s the mpg then, yes it ev only mode would suit many but all of us occasionally have a longer trip to do.