Innovative Ford Kuga puts the focus on comfort and security

The Blue Oval’s medium-sized SUV range, Ford Kuga is now in its third generation. The new 2020 model has been injected with some of the dynamic appeal from the original Ford Kuga. No doubt, this all-new Kuga is one of the sharpest SUVs on sale and is a spacious, practical family SUV that’s great to drive. The crossover craze is a worldwide phenomenon, and Ford is capitalizing by introducing a brand-new generation for the Kuga crossover nameplate. Ford Kuga goes on sale with a choice of powertrains, incorporating a plug-in hybrid for the first time. The American multinational automaker company, Ford has stuck a ‘hybrid’ badge on the boot – notwithstanding the fact it’s simply a belt-driven starter-generator, which diminishes load on the engine during high-stress circumstances. Indeed, it feels mild on the move. The only time you’ll notice the electric system working is when you draw the car to a cease; the stop-start system cuts in sooner than you might expect, shutting things down at around 10mph. The motor kicks back in as soon as you attempt to move away again. The sharp steering, plentiful grip and decent performance mean that it’s enjoyable to drive on country roads. Good visibility and a decent turning circle make it simple work in town, too, while it’ll prove comfy and quiet on the motorway. The latest Kuga is smarter than previous ones, with a large grille, piercing headlights and curves all over the place. Higher-spec models on larger wheels look more imposing but even lower trims wear their smaller alloys well. The Kuga’s interior is similarly curvy, with a central touchscreen display prominently placed on the dash. The 8-inch screen is easy to use and comes with smartphone connectivity. The new Kuga is bigger than the previous version, which means that there’s also more room inside. The new mode is a big improvement over previous models and the value-for-money factor is there as long as you stick to the middle of the trim range. It’s comfortable and practical. The exterior dimensions are bigger as well, with the width increased by 44 mm (1.7 inches), the overall length increased by 89 mm (3.5 inches), and the wheelbase lengthened by 20 mm (0.8 inches). The new Kuga model further enhances the SUV driving experience with an advanced suite of driver assistance technologies designed to give drivers confidence behind the wheel and help them to stay focused while on the move. Moreover, this new SUV has been awarded the highest-possible 5-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP independent crash test authority, scoring 92 per cent for adult protection and receiving full points in both the side barrier and the more severe side pole impact tests. Diesel models are more efficient. The entry-level 120PS 1.5-litre EcoBlue emits from 134g/km and can achieve 55mpg. However, it’s the electrified models that have the most fleet appeal. On the other hand, despite having a large petrol engine, the official WLTP efficiency figures are 201.8mpg and 32g/km of CO2. All-new Kuga is offered in 12 colours, including new metallic Diffused Silver and Sedona Orange. Blue Panther, a new finish offered exclusively on Vignale models, joins premium paint finishes triple coat Lucid Red and Star White pearl. Kuga is Ford’s best-selling SUV in Europe. Comfort, spaciousness, flexibility and connectivity are key to the more rewarding Kuga occupant experience. Grab this opportunity and visit GasanZammit’s showroom in Mriehel and get to know more about the new Ford Kuga.

Electrification is the way of the future with Volvo

In October 2019, the President and CEO of Volvo Car Group, Håkan Samuelsson announced a game changing business strategy that includes introducing an all-electric car every year over the next five years. By 2025, Volvo’s aim is that all-electric vehicles will represent 50% of global sales with the rest composed of hybrids. This would total to one million electrified cars on the road by 2025. The Swedish multinational manufacturing company aims to drive the automotive sector forward, improve the quality of the air in our cities and increase the company’s success. Since last year, every new Volvo that has been launched has also been produced as an electrified version, which means it could be a hybrid, plug-in electric (PHEV) or all-electric (BEV) vehicle. To hit this target, every Volvo model now includes a Recharge option. This means a plug-in hybrid or all-electric version will be available. GasanZammit boosts connectivity with free SIM card data in every Volvo car To further encourage electric driving, Volvo’s representatives in Malta, GasanZammit Motors Ltd, are now offering a standard-fit data SIM card when purchasing any new Volvo car. Thanks to this offer, Volvo car owners in Malta can make the most of the Swedish brand connectivity services. Moreover, both Volvo Car Group and GasanZammit are emphasising the technology’s use as a tool to boost safety on the road. In 2019, Volvo launched their first fully electric car, the XC40 Recharge. According to Volvo’s strategy plan, this model will be followed by a range of fully electric cars in the coming years. These cars will be Volvo models as well as high-performance models from Polestar, Volvo Cars’ performance brand. It’s significant to note that every model in Volvo Cars’ line-up is also available as a petrol plug-in hybrid variant, from the small XC40 SUV via the 60 Series cars to the company’s flagship, the large XC90 SUV. Volvo Cars is the only car manufacturer to offer a plug-in variant on every model in its line-up. GasanZammit promotes electrification through its portfolio of car brands In line with Volvo’s strategy, one of Malta’s largest car importers, GasanZammit started adopting a similar approach and they are now bringing the electrification concept to the Maltese islands thanks to their portfolio of car and automotive brands, which includes Ford, Mazda and Honda. Indisputably, it has become the norm to see electricity in every aspect of our lives. However, it has not been taken seriously as a way of powering our vehicles locally until recently. With more car brands beginning to join the electric revolution, getting ahead of the competition early has never been so prevalent. One can definitely say that the future of electrification in the automotive industry is an exciting one. Seize this opportunity and visit GasanZammit’s showroom in Mriehel and get to know more about the portfolio of electric car brands in Malta.