2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36
With the Ford Puma, the car manufacturer wants to further promote its sales. But does the small SUV also have the potential to do this?
To let go of such an easy-to-pronounce and internationally applicable name like Puma? No, that was never an option for the product planners at Ford. Even if today's modern Puma has almost nothing to do with its namesake from the 90s. Back then the Puma was a small sports coupe. With such a model, however, it would no longer be possible to obtain a flowerpot in the compact B segment.
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In contrast, small SUVs and crossovers are all the rage. And that is exactly how the new Puma was designed. However, Ford is not the first to think of this. Over a dozen competitor models are already on the market. Nevertheless, the Cologne-based company is extremely confident that the Puma will be a success: “We combine good design with the best package in its class,” says the head of the series, Sigurd Limbach. The 4.19 meter long Puma shares the B2 architecture with the Fiesta, but has a 9.5 centimeter longer wheelbase. This is of particular benefit to the passengers in the back seat. You enjoy ample legroom.
Large trunk in the Puma
But the big surprise is literally behind them. The developers are particularly proud of the Puma's unique functionality. Not only does the trunk hold 456 liters, 164 more than the Fiesta, thus leading the segment, the small SUV also has a so-called "mega-box". It's under the loading floor. Where the spare wheel well is usually located, Ford has packed a deep, rectangular plastic tub (volume: 81 liters). Large plants, for example, can be transported upright and dirty rubber boots without any problems. The box also has a drainage opening, so it can even be easily cleaned with the water hose.
And they are not the only clever ideas that the developers have given the Puma. A sensor-controlled tailgate or massage seats are available on request. And who has not been annoyed by an ugly stain on the seat cushion and tried to deal with the mishap with a brush and cleaning agents? With more or less bad results. In the Puma, the covers can be zipped off and thrown into the washing machine. Another advantage: If you want to switch to a different upholstery color after a few years, you can do so too.
First European car with a digital display
The Puma is also very modern behind the three-spoke steering wheel with its various function buttons. It is Ford's first European car with a virtual digital display. The displays can be configured in different presentations and are easy to read. It's nice that the designers have left the classic knobs and buttons for operating the most important functions such as volume and climate control. Because not everything in the car today has to be controlled with the finger on the display. Older drivers in particular who did not grow up with smartphones should welcome this.
When the Puma is launched in March, the drive portfolio will initially consist of three-cylinder petrol engines with a displacement of 1.0 liters and 125 hp or 155 hp. Both units are mild hybrids with 48-volt technology. For the 155 PS version, Ford promises a 15 percent improvement in efficiency and states consumption (according to WLTP) of just 5.6 l / 100 km, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 127 g / km. In addition, there is the one-liter gasoline engine without electrification, also with 92 kW / 125 PS. The only diesel (120 PS) on offer comes from the Focus and will be available from May 2020.
Convincing driving performance
On a first test drive, the three-cylinder EcoBoost gasoline engine was completely convincing and shines with a robust sound, pleasant agility and good pulling power from low speeds. Not least because the electrical assistance of the generator sends up to 50 percent more torque to the drive wheels - and this just above idling speed. The engine is coupled with a manual six-speed gearbox as standard. It can be switched easily and precisely in the usual way. For the 125 PS variant without mild hybrid, Ford will also offer a 7-speed dual clutch transmission later in the year.
The good handling should not go unmentioned. Which is not surprising, compared to the Fiesta, the track of the Puma has been widened by almost six centimeters. A strong pound. Ford already enjoys an excellent reputation in terms of chassis / driving dynamics and has made a name for itself over many generations, especially in the compact class. A driving mode switch is available for those who want to individualize the driving characteristics or adapt them to their different needs. It activates the modes “Normal”, “Eco”, “Sport”, “Slippery” and “Unpaved Road”.
The Puma starts at 23,150 euros. There are four equipment lines, "Titanium", "Titanium X", "ST-Line" and "ST-Line X", the latter being intended exclusively for the two mild hybrids. Here the price starts at 26,900 euros. (SP-X)
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