Ford on the hunt with new Kuga

THEY called it the Escape when they launched the new version at the Los Angeles Motor Show, but we know it as the Kuga.
And when it reaches this side of the pond, apart from the name change, it will also offer separate powertrains and features.
“We call our all-new Ford Escape (Kuga) the ‘Smarter Utility Vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value — fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun — all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice-president, Global Product Development. “Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy.”
Apart from claiming the new model will give up to five more miles per gallon, Ford has packed the car with lots of clever gizmos.
A hands-free powered tailgate features the kind of motion technology deployed in modern video game systems — a gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper unlocks and raises the tailgate when the key fob is nearby. And the same motion can close it, too. Great when your hands are full.
SYNC with MyFord Touch offers different ways to manage and control information via voice commands, menus accessed via steering wheel controls, touch screens, buttons or knobs.
Parallel parking is made easy with active park assist. With the press of a button, the system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically steers  into it. Drivers control only the accelerator and brake pedals
The new Kuga will also be fitted with a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, which issues a warning sound when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot.
It is also the first Ford SUV which will automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast (Curve Control) or help accelerate through a turn (Torque Vectoring Control); a new Intelligent 4WD System helps deliver outstanding handling on and off-road, where the traction is claimed to be excellent.
Stowing and towing are made easier due to a low luggage space height of 27in, and the luggage space has been improved. It now has 68.1 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row. Rear seats fold flat easily and, at the touch of a button, the head restraint folds down. The two-position load floor can be configured to allow maximum luggage volume or flat load floor.
A new Intelligent 4WD system analyses data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle to assess road conditions and driver input 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, using this information to turn the vehicle in the intended direction. The system builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch.