It’s known as the Ford Puma. This sporty looking machine is Ford’s new small SUV and while it does look great, it’s also just a larger Fiesta and we will show you why. The Fiesta is a good-looking car though and this Puma does look even better in my opinion, so maybe that’s not bad at all.
The Puma looks great but not off-road
It’s a very familiar look and while sporty, doesn’t look like an off-roader. Overall, the design is great, and it does have a presence about it on the road maybe not one that will turn heads but one that you will feel great driving in. There’s an interesting decision in the frame with what Ford call a floating A-pillar. What that’s for, who knows. Fun fact, the very high up headlights are inspired by the Ford GT.
A quality familiar interior from Ford
If you’ve driven a Fiesta, you will know exactly what it’s like to be in the Puma. There’s nothing too exciting about the design on the inside unlike some of the other small SUVs on the market. There is a good use of higher quality materials, mixed with hard plastics but it’s not a cheap-feeling interior.
The infotainment system is well placed although the design does look like an afterthought. It’s an 8-inch touch screen that comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The connectivity is limited with only two USB ports and 1 12 vault socket, however, this Puma does have a wireless charging panel in the centre console.
In the back, there isn’t great space for adults although it is not the worst in its class. The boot boasts a good amount of space getting to 456-litres. If you want even more space or a spot to put your dirty gear after a day out, Ford put something they call the “MegaBox” under the boot of the Puma and it gives you even more space to put things in. Unfortunately, the MegaBox does mean no spare wheel.
What under the Puma’s hood?
Powered by a 1-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, there are 2 power options (92 kW and 114 kW) and the option to go for a mild-hybrid motor. There is no all-wheel-drive, only front-wheel drive and right now it only comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Ford plans to give the Puma a diesel option as well as an automatic transmission in the future.
There are some additional driver assistance features you can get with this car if you pay a bit more. These include a rear-view parking camera, auto parking and evasive steering. The last one will steer the car for you if you’re unable to drive around an obstacle for some reason.
Models
There are 3 trim options for the Puma and they start with the Titanium. This standard model comes with climate control and rear parking sensors.
The next one up is the ST-Line and it has aluminium on the gear stick and extra red stitching. The real difference for this model is the digital driver’s display that has a lot of exciting design choices as well as the 18-inch wheels,
Lastly is the ST-Line X and it gets part-leather sports seats and an upgraded stereo. It also comes with carbon looking trim so you can fake the sport look.
It’s a great car to get you to the outdoors
For a bigger Fiesta, it’s a good-looking car that offers a lot for its class. It’s not going to give you what you’d want from an SUV like off-roading. However, to get you to the off-road places to go biking or hiking, it would work excellently, especially with the MegaBox to throw your dirty gear in.