It’s an impressive little thing – actually a Ford Focus for all eventualities – that was sold new from 2008 to 2012.
It’s not really a true mud plug, but it’s well suited to the demands of most semi-professional buyers. Its “intelligent” all-wheel-drive system is the kind that kicks in when the driver needs it, distributing power between the front and rear wheels. However, there is also a cheaper and 40kg lighter two-wheel-drive option, which is all most people will need.
It’s a pretty straightforward model, especially when powered by the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel and in Zetec (alloys, climate control and keyless start) or titanium (automatic lights and wipers, and steering controls) trim. cruising and air conditioning).
Being a Ford, there’s also Titanium X (leather, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and power-adjustable driver’s seat). To make matters even more interesting, a 197bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine makes a tall and hot Kuga hatchback a reality, although the penalty is 28mpg. Kugas are still good to ride.
Upgrades arrived in 2010, including a new 2.0-liter TDCi diesel with 138 hp (which delivered a useful 47 mpg) or a more powerful 161 hp.
It’s a compact car on the outside and inside the rear seats are tight but they have a 60/40 split and can fold completely flat to give you 1355 liters of space, with storage under the seat under the second row and additional storage under the trunk. In its standard configuration, the trunk is 360 liters.
Because it’s based on the generally very reliable Focus, there’s not too much to worry about. However, a little used diesel, which is almost all used diesel, will clog the particle filter and it is a little expensive to sort out. There may be minor electrical issues and low level construction issues that leave water in the cabin. Otherwise, it’s the best SUV used in the real world.
The ones we found
2012 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium, 92,000 miles, £6,595: The perfect on-roader, with 2WD, full titanium trim and 47 mpg TDCi. Three previous guardians, long CT and fair condition. It is also sold with a dealer warranty.
2011 Ford Kuga 2.5T Titanium, 82,000 miles, £6,995: It looks the part and has the engine to match as well as funky 19 inch alloy wheels. It has had three previous owners and comes with an exciting manual gearbox.
Or try this
2009 BMW X3 2.0d M Sport, 88,000 miles, £5,450: A prestige pocket SUV has to be an X3 and the everyday diesel. This one has a full service history and extra specs including Bluetooth and sleeker alloy wheels.
idol fantasy
Fiat Barchetta, 1995-2005
It’s that time of year when a true car lover’s thoughts should turn to ruffling their hair follicles. As in a Fiat Barchetta, a left-hand-drive character convertible, although there are aftermarket right-hand prostitutes. It’s front-wheel drive, which puts off some purists, but they’re morons. These cars are still affordable, especially in the £3000-£5000 range, and a less common 1.8 than a Mazda MX-5 or MGF.
The manual hood is easy to use and stores under a metal tonneau cover (which can leak). A slight redesign in 2003 ushered in a new front end, fog lamps and a leather steering wheel.
Check to see if any potential purchase is a gray (personal) import or a proper UK Fiat car as specs varied. Power steering, five-speed gearbox and ABS brakes were all standard. A comfort pack added leather, power mirrors and a passenger airbag. There were also several special editions.
Buy now
Peugeot 206, 1998-2009: Fun to drive and best enjoyed with missing wheel trim, this little hatch was never the best built, but it packs a lot of character. It sounds cheap, but that’s part of the appeal of this old-school supermini, which is relatively simple and easy to live with.
The best engines are gasoline 1.1 and 1.4. Then there’s the really old-school 1.9 D, which is easier to maintain than an HDi and delivers 65 mpg. Base-style trim is fine unless you want the luxury of a GLX or SE instead.
There is only an average amount of room inside and you should drive before buying as it can be oddly uncomfortable for the kingpin. The motors are quite powerful and overall they are cheap. But watch out for worn lower ball joints, broken engine mounts, sunroofs and, on cars, ECU problems.
One we found
2001 Peugeot 206 1.4, 112,000 miles, £1,150: With a deliciously old-fashioned description of a “female owner,” this is the kind of old-school supermini timer you should consider. It is in immaculate condition and looks perfectly clean in the dealer photos. For a 21-year-old city girl, that’s quite remarkable and a godsend. Buy now.
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