2013 Ford Kuga's Top Ten Technologies

    The 2013 Ford Kuga is equipped with many new technologies to make the driver's driving journey more comfortable. Lane guidance, automatic road sign recognition, electric luggage compartment door, automatic braking, etc. These features are rarely seen in models of this level. Let's take a look at the specific technologies installed in this car.

1. Ford SYNC

    First of all, Ford's intelligent voice control system can control various functions of the in-car information system through voice, such as switching song lists, switching artists, etc. Unlike Siri and Google Voice Search, all functions are realized offline, which means you don't have to connect the in-car entertainment system to the Internet to enjoy these functions.

    Users can control the pause, play, skip tracks or voice dial functions on their mobile phones via Bluetooth; the same functions can also be achieved via a USB cable. Most modern smartphone systems, including Android, BlackBerry, iOS, and Windows, can support the SYNC system.

    In addition, through the Ford SYNC system, the phone book in the user's mobile phone will be automatically downloaded to the system to better execute the user's voice dialing commands; when the user is driving and has no time to pay attention to the message sent by the other party, the SYNC system can read the message content to the user through the voice system.

2. Driver warning system

    Ford's new Driver Alert System can help reduce accidents caused by drowsy drivers. The system monitors the driver's driving behavior, using a front-mounted camera and sensors to detect the driver's movements, and will sound an alarm if the system senses that the driver's driving movements are different from normal.

    The initial alert is a flashing small light on the vehicle system. If the driver ignores the warning, the system will beep and remind the driver to take a break.

    Of course, the system will also show users what it considers to be fatigue driving actions. Users can judge whether they are indeed in a fatigue driving state based on their own driving behavior seen on the screen, so as to better interact and integrate with the system and further improve the accuracy of the monitoring system.

    Not all drivers like this system because they hate being disturbed by the system's beeping while driving, but from a safety perspective, if the driver's mental state is indeed not enough to cope with daily driving, then the system will play a vital role.

3. Traffic sign recognition

    Although drivers usually know the maximum speed limit on the road they are on, if an accident happens, such as the driver behind you maliciously overtaking and the driver of your car tries to overtake, the speed may exceed the speed limit. At this time, this recognition function can help the driver escape.

    The system also uses a front camera and displays images such as speed limit signs and no-entry signs on the information system screen.

    In addition, the screen uses a gradient display mode, showing the latest detected signs in dark colors, and these icons will gradually fade over time, making this display scheme more intuitive. The driver can know when to speed up and when to slow down through the screen. This system can effectively prevent drivers from getting speeding tickets.

4. Blind spot detection system

    Ford's new blind spot detection system is designed to help drivers detect vehicles in the rear blind spot and prevent traffic accidents. No matter how the chassis and body shape of the vehicle, there is always a part of the rear of each car that the side mirror cannot cover.

    In order to eliminate blind spots, the 2013 Ford Kuga has a multi-wire camera on each side of the rear body. Once the speed exceeds 6 miles per hour, the two cameras will monitor obstacles within 3 meters behind the vehicle in real time. If the system detects a vehicle in the blind spot area, the LED light on the vehicle's rearview mirror will flash to remind the driver. This situation often occurs during lane change.

    Considering that the body of Kuga is larger than that of ordinary cars, its blind spot area is also larger. The blind spot detection system equipped in the car can also distinguish whether the vehicle in the blind spot area is about to overtake or about to rear-end.

5. Lane Keeping Assist

    Taking traditional lane detection systems a step further, Ford's new Lane Keeping Assist automatically keeps the vehicle in the same lane, preventing the driver from unconsciously driving out of the current lane, which is very easy to happen to novices. The system detects the white lane line in the middle of the road. Once the vehicle crosses the line, the system automatically corrects the steering wheel to return to the original lane. If the driver turns the steering wheel too much, such as 90 degrees, the system will vibrate the steering wheel to remind the driver to avoid driving into the oncoming lane.

    When the driver does need to change lanes, the system can determine his true intention through the driver's following actions, such as actively accelerating or braking, or forcibly turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction when it is corrected by the lane keeping system.

6. Automatic parking

    Frequent parking and starting are required in urban traffic conditions, especially when traffic is congested and you often have to wait for several green light cycles to pass an intersection. Ford's automatic parking system helps vehicles reduce rear-end collisions. The front sensor detects the vehicle situation within 15 meters ahead at a frequency of 50 Hz. The system automatically brakes on behalf of the driver if the driver fails to brake in time to avoid rear-end collisions. When the car speed is below 15 miles per hour, the system can stop the car 30 centimeters away from the car in front. When the speed is between 15 and 30 miles per hour, the system can significantly reduce the collision damage caused by rear-end collisions.

    However, at speeds above 30 mph, the system's effectiveness becomes minimal.

7. Active parking system

    The Kuga is a bit larger, so it can be difficult to park. Ford's automatic parallel parking system can help the car maneuver into the parking space correctly.

    The system can measure the surrounding space and ensure that the car can be parked before automatically driving the car into the space. During the parking process, the system automatically controls the steering wheel, and the driver only needs to step on the brake pedal or accelerator to control the parking speed. In a space less than one meter longer than the Kuga body, the system is sufficient to automatically perform the parking function.

8. Electric luggage compartment door

    The principle is the same as the keyless entry system. When the user has the vehicle key, he only needs to shake his foot twice at the rear bumper. When the sensor on the bumper detects the signal, the luggage compartment door will automatically open. Shaking the leg again will close it. This setting is undoubtedly a very valuable feature for car owners who have just finished shopping in the supermarket and are holding bags in their hands.

9. Intelligent regenerative charging

    The new Kuga is equipped with a smart regenerative charging system. It is not a hybrid or electric powertrain. It just charges the car's battery.

    In most cars, the generator is powered by the engine to charge the battery. The system in the Kuga only charges the battery when the car is coasting, decelerating or idling, reducing wear on the engine and other components, making them last longer. It also saves on expensive repairs.

10. Torque vector control system

    As a large car, the new Kuga is as agile as smaller cars. The car is equipped with an intelligent four-wheel drive system, which makes it more flexible.

    The system not only provides sufficient torque at low speeds, but also provides better response at high speeds. During driving, any torque vectoring work is automatically completed by the system without the driver having to switch modes.

    When the vehicle speed exceeds 18 miles per hour, the system automatically maintains a balance between comfort and performance and indicates the current torque distribution status on the head-up display.

    In the old Kuga, the torque vectoring system achieved the purpose of regulating wheel traction by reducing engine power. The new system brakes one wheel appropriately to enhance the vehicle's traction in corners. This setting is usually only seen in high-end models.

    As a full-time four-wheel drive vehicle, when driving at low speeds and on slippery roads, the system concentrates all torque on the wheels with the greatest traction and brakes other wheels that are spinning and slipping. In this way, the Kuga can maintain the best obstacle-passing ability on any shape of road.