The Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid is the undisputed leader of the plug-in hybrid segment in Denmark. It is also the best-selling car overall in the country. What makes this SUV so popular among Danish customers? And how does it compare to its rivals in the market? In this article, we will analyze the features, performance, and benefits of the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid and see why it is the preferred choice for many drivers who want to enjoy the advantages of electrification without compromising on practicality, comfort, or style.
Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid: A Versatile and Efficient SUV
The Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid is a midsize SUV that combines a 2.5-liter Duratec petrol engine with an electric motor and a 14.4 kWh battery pack. The system delivers a total output of 225 horsepower and allows the vehicle to travel up to 66 kilometers (41 miles) on electric power alone, according to the WLTP test cycle. When the battery is depleted, the petrol engine kicks in and provides a combined fuel economy of 1.2 liters per 100 kilometers (196 mpg) and a CO2 emission of 26 grams per kilometer. The battery can be fully recharged in 3.5 hours using a standard 230-volt outlet or in less time using a public charging station or a wallbox.
The Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid offers four driving modes to suit different situations and preferences: EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge. EV Auto mode automatically switches between petrol and electric power to optimize efficiency and performance. EV Now mode uses only electric power until the battery is depleted. EV Later mode preserves the battery charge for later use, such as in urban areas or low-emission zones. EV Charge mode uses the petrol engine to recharge the battery while driving, which can be useful for long trips or when no charging stations are available.
The Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid also features a range of smart technologies that enhance safety, convenience, and connectivity. Some of these include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition, and Lane Centering, which helps the driver maintain a safe and comfortable distance from the vehicle ahead, adjust the speed according to the traffic signs, and keep the vehicle centered in the lane.
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, which warns the driver of potential collisions and applies the brakes if necessary.
- Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, which alerts the driver of vehicles in the blind spots and approaching from behind when reversing out of a parking space.
- Active Park Assist 2.0, which automatically steers the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces with the push of a button.
- SYNC 4, which is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, cloud connectivity, and over-the-air updates.
- FordPass Connect, which is a built-in modem that enables remote access to the vehicle via a smartphone app, such as locking and unlocking the doors, checking the battery status and charging schedule, locating the vehicle, and receiving vehicle health alerts.
Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid: A Success Story in Denmark
The Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid has been a hit in the Danish market since its launch in 2020. It has sold more than 4,548 units in 2023, making it the best-selling plug-in hybrid and the best-selling car overall in the country. The Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid accounts for more than 40% of the plug-in hybrid segment and more than 6% of the total car market in Denmark.
One of the reasons for the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid’s popularity in Denmark is the favorable tax regime for plug-in hybrids, which was introduced in 2020 and extended until 2025. The tax rate for plug-in hybrids is based on their electric range and CO2 emission and ranges from 20% to 65% of the vehicle’s value. The Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid, with its high electric range and low CO2 emission, falls into the lowest tax bracket of 20%, making it an attractive and affordable option for many customers.
Another reason for the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid’s success in Denmark is the growing demand for electrified vehicles in general, as more and more customers are becoming aware of the environmental and economic benefits of driving with lower or zero emissions.
