Island Life Magazine Ltd April / May 2016 | Page 62

MOTORING
Premier Ford
Riverway Industrial Estate,
Newport, PO30 5UY
Tel: [phone]
www.premierford.co.uk

T

hey say all good things come in
threes and this is certainly true
with Ford’s 2016 SUV range,
whether you’re considering a compact
model like the EcoSport or you’re looking
for a true and all-conquering 4x4 like the
soon to be released Edge, the Ford SUV
range at Premier Ford has something for
everyone’s needs.
The sophisticated Edge will be launched
later this Summer and will host classleading space, superb refinement to
rival premium competitors as well
as innovative technology that Ford is
renowned for. But let’s start with two
models you’ve seen but may not know a
lot about, Ford’s smallest SUV first came
to the Island in 2014 and the EcoSport
has been blessed with a number of
changes for 2016. Now available without
the rear-mounted spare wheel, the
EcoSport also enjoys a number of stylish
and subtle improvements both inside
and out.
Take a seat behind the ergonomic
steering wheel and you’ll see an interior
that has been restyled to deliver a more

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Ford: The 2016
SUV range
upscale and contemporary feel. Ford
want this car to be top for comfort
and convenience which is why they
have enhanced the positioning of the
handbrake for easier reach and use,
whilst Ford SYNC in-car connectivity
allows you to select music from your
phone and make calls with simple voice
commands. It’s this kind of technology
that could also be a life saver, Ford SYNC
Emergency Assistance will make direct
contact with the local emergency services
after a serious accident.
With an ideal driving position and
responsive steering, the EcoSport might
be small but it’s agility and ability ensure
it’s up for the challenge of the narrowest
and tightest of the Island’s rural roads or
the high kerbs of the urban environment.
The fantastic driving dynamics are the
result of a stiffer rear torsion beam
compared to the previous model, as well
as revised spring and shock absorbers
and specifically tuned Electronically
Stability Control and power steering
systems. In fact, the 2016 EcoSport sits
10mm lower, improving the centre of

gravity for improved handling.
Ford like to refer to the smallest SUV as
a Smart Utility Vehicle, smart because of
the technologies to make every journey
enjoyable and smart because it’s so
compact on the outside but spacious
on the inside. With prices starting from
£14,445, you can see just how smart the
EcoSport is.
The Kuga really is the centrepiece of
Ford’s SUV range, just take a look at
the key specifications from Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive, a Hands-Free Tailgate,
class-leading fuel efficiency including the
optional EcoBoost petrol engine as well
as Ford SYNC with Emergency Assist.
On looks alone, you can see the Kuga
offers a great deal of space, whilst the
rear seats fold flat in one easy movement
which means you can access more space
should you need it with ease. If you opt
for the Hands-Free Tailgate, you can open
and close the boot with a simple kicking
motion underneath the rear bumper.
Take a seat inside and you’ll soon see
a high level of craftsmanship as Ford
both designed and engineered the Kuga