by The first Ford Puma of 1997 was a compact and relatively inexpensive coupe based on the Fiesta platform. Now the model has been revived, but this time in the more popular B-class crossover format.
Interestingly, the new Ford Puma also uses the Fiesta architecture. It is slightly larger than its hatchback sibling – 4207 mm in length and 1805 mm in width with a wheelbase of 2588 mm.
The new Ford Puma is also a coupe in a sense, more precisely, a coupe-like crossover. It turned out to be a bright and sporty alternative to the Ford EcoSport with a sloping roof, muscular bulged fenders, and a high window line.
The test version ST-Line Plus stands out with a body kit and a special grille with a cellular pattern. And yes, the design of the front part with its high-mounted headlights is not an imitation of the Porsche Cayenne but a reference to the first Puma. By the way, all Ford Pumas in Ukraine have LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The interior of the Ford Puma ST-Line Plus also has plenty of sporty touches. The trim is complemented by contrasting red stitching, and the steering wheel is flat-bottomed and covered in perforated leather. There are also carbon-look inserts, and the pedals and sills are adorned with aluminum overlays.
The layout of the interior and most of the switches are familiar from the Fiesta. What’s not available in the hatchback is the virtual dashboard with variable graphics depending on the driving mode selected.
The Ford Puma multimedia with an 8-inch touchscreen is supplemented by voice control as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is a wireless charging dock for the smartphone. The glove box is quite spacious, though the storage compartment in the armrest could be larger.
For a crossover, the seating position in the Puma is not very high, although, of course, higher than in the same Fiesta. Rearward visibility is somewhat limited due to the small rear window and extended rear fenders. The seats themselves hold the back very well. They are heated, as is the steering wheel. Between the seats are cup holders and a convenient pocket for the key.
On the second row, tall passengers might find the headroom a bit limited, but there is plenty of legroom.
The trunk is also very decent for a B-class, offering 456 liters, and with the rear seats folded, 1161 liters. The floor here is two-tiered, and under it, a spacious hidden compartment is provided above the spare tire.
The Ford Puma configuration in Ukraine is rich, and all versions are well-equipped. The ST-Line Plus has keyless start, climate control, adaptive cruise control, rain and light sensors, a powerful sound system, a rearview camera, and parking autopilot. Additionally, the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite is provided – automatic braking, road sign recognition, lane keeping and blind spot monitoring.
The only engine available in our market is the 1-liter three-cylinder turbo engine. It provides 125 hp and has a decent torque of 200 Nm at 1400 rpm.
The engine is lively and responsive, and the new 2021 Ford Puma accelerates briskly (especially in Sport mode). Sometimes it even seems like there are more horses under the hood. Quickly changing lanes in the city or overtaking a truck on the highway is no problem.
According to the official specs, the compact Ford crossover accelerates to a hundred in 10.2 seconds and reaches 190 km/h. The engine is not the quietest but works vibration-free, and the 7-speed robot shifts gears smoothly and quickly. The declared fuel consumption is small – 6.0 L/100 km in the city and 4.4 L/100 km on the highway. Even with active driving, it turns out to be just under 8 L/100 km in the city and about 5.5 L/100 km outside the city.
The driving experience is also pleasant. Like most modern Fords, the Puma delights with its handling. The steering wheel is precise and with enough feedback. The crossover is obedient and confidently maneuvers without hints of understeer. Of course, the suspension in the ST-Line Plus version is on the stiff side, and this is noticeable on our broken roads, but the roll in turns is very small. At high speeds, directional stability raises no questions, and the Ford Puma decelerates confidently as well. The only thing is that the underbody noise insulation could be a bit better.
The new Ford Puma is one of the most engaging B-class crossovers to drive. However, the model is not cheap – starting from 679 thousand hryvnias for the base version and 777,340 hryvnias for the ST-Line Plus, like ours. Although, of course, you need to consider that for your money, the compact Ford crossover is richly equipped.
Specifications of the Ford Puma:
- 3-cylinder gasoline turbo engine, transversely in front
- Volume 999 cm3
- Power 125 at 6000 rpm
- Maximum torque 200 Nm at 1400 rpm
- 7-speed automated gearbox with dual clutch
- Maximum speed 190 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h 10.2 s
- Fuel consumption city/highway 6.0/4.4 L/100 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 4207/1805/1537/2588 mm
- Trunk volume 456-1161 L
- Ground clearance 167 mm
- Turning diameter 10.4 m
