Ford Kuga PHEV | Independent Car & Driving Preview

It seems you can't have a cutting-edge mid-sized SUV of any kind these days without having a plug-in hybrid version, so Ford offers that tech with its third-generation Cougar Crossover. There are the usual PHEV calling card features here, a 35 mile all-electric driving range, a super low benefiting kind taxation rating, and a rather high sticker price. Built into a package that should feel a touch more dynamic than most of its rivals. Unlike the mild hybrid model in the Cougar range, which is a 2.0-litre diesel, this PHEV variant is petrol-powered using a 2.5-litre engine paired with a 108bhp electric motor, resulting in a useful total output of 222bhp, with the electrified element of the whole setup powered by a decently-sized 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery, and the whole shooting match mated to a CVT automatic gearbox. Keep the battery cells topped up, and theoretically up to 35 miles of WLTP-rated electric driving range is possible. There are normal, eco, and sport driving settings, plus also a slippery deep snow sand mode, despite the fact that this Cougar PHEV can only be had with front-wheel drive. There are also four further settings for the electric drivetrain, EV Now, EV Charge, EV Later, and EV Auto, the latter where clever electronics determine the most efficient use of engine and battery power. The cabin is largely the same as that of a conventional model, but boot capacity falls by 64 litres to 411 litres. On to the WLTP-rated stats. There's a combined cycle economy figure of 201.7 miles to the gallon, and a CO2 emissions reading of 32 grams per kilometre, the latter translating into a lowly 10% benefit-in-kind taxation rating. The quickest you'll be able to recharge from empty is three and a half hours from a 7.4 kilowatt garage wall box. A standard three-pin plug will charge the car in around six hours.