Refusing resolutely to show signs of stress cracks, Ford is progressing with its new product initiatives, of which one of the more important is the all-new Puma. A name applied previously to a late-1990’s sporty coupe version of the Fiesta, the company has tried unsuccessfully to empower the Ecosport in the compact crossover scene but its combination of awkward styling, poor Brazilian build quality and oddball features, such as the side-opening rear door, have doomed it to extinction.
While the last of the original Pumas was sold in 2002, Ford hopes that the intervening 17 years (almost a generation) will have erased most memories of a somewhat different machine. The all-new, Romanian-built Puma boasts some remarkable features that are sure to win it some much-needed attention. Not the least of them is the double-height boot floor that Ford calls ‘Megabox’, which is capable of carrying two golf bags upright within the boot, when its deep trough is revealed. Access to the boot is made easier thanks to ‘hands-free’ access (waggling a foot below the rear bumper will open the hatchback).
Puma’s styling cues include distinctive wing-top mounted headlamps and an aerodynamic profile. Compact crossover proportions deliver a raised ride-height for a more confident and commanding driving experience, while a class-leading boot capacity of 456-litres (to the window line) is sure to satisfy most family demands.
Punchy, responsive performance and optimised fuel efficiency is delivered through Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt, mild-hybrid technology, which combines with the firm’s familiar 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine to produce up to an outstanding 152bhp (a 122bhp version is standard). Featuring an 11.5kW belt-driven integrated starter/generator and brake energy recovery, it recharges the in-built lithium-ion battery pack that metes out torque-optimised power for overtaking manoeuvres, while also running all electrical systems in stop:start mode. CO2 emissions range from 124g/km to 127g/km (WLTP figures). Both diesel engines and a 7-speed twin-clutch automated transmission will join the range early next year.
Advanced driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, with the aforementioned ‘Stop & Go’, speed sign recognition (which also includes ‘No Entry’ warnings) and lane centring, combined with ‘evasive steering assist’, for easier and safer motoring. Local hazard information, picked up by the on-board radar system, is relayed to the dashboard display long before the driver can see it. All aspects of connectivity have also been improved with the new Puma’s upgradable technology platform.
Ford’s aim has been to make the new Puma more accessible and more comfortable than ever. Massaging front seats are on the options list, as is the full-width and almost full-length panoramic sunroof, with an electrically operated opening section. From its colourful instrument display, to its stylish exterior, Ford is pulling every trick out of its considerable bag to build desire for the new Puma.
