Ford returns the Puma. But not as a small car coupe, but in much more contemporary form as equally chic as practical mini-SUV. The Fiesta-based crossover will start this fall with a new trunk concept.
Optically, the 4.19-meter-long Puma is as a sporting alternative to the other mini-SUV of Cologne, the edgy designed, already introduced in 2014 Ecosport. The front with the friendly almond-shaped headlamps reminiscent of the compact SUV Kuga, the flat waistline and the accented rear wheel arches remind a little of the 90s small car coupe, from which the Puma has inherited his name.
Inside, the new is based on comfort and technology, including massage seats, digital instruments and Wi-Fi hotspot.
Not to be seen at first glance is the new trunk: Under the generous load compartment, where usually the spare wheel is stored, there is an 80-liter plastic box with integrated water drain. Because it is thus easy to clean, it is particularly suitable for the transport of dirty objects – such as rubber boots or sports equipment. The box can also be quite simply used to increase the cargo space to 456 liters. Locking the open loading floor, for example, can transport two upright golf bags in the small Ford.
When driving the Puma sets first on the three-cylinder petrol engine of the Fiesta. The basic engine is a 1.0-liter engine with 125 hp, above it ranks a 155-hp expansion stage, which – for the first time at Ford – relies on 48-volt hybrid technology. Later, a 125-hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel supplements the offer. Also a “ST” sports version with about 200 hp is conceivable. All-wheel drive, however, is not provided. For power transmission, in addition to a manual six-speed gearbox, a dual-clutch transmission with seven gears is available.
The arsenal of assistants is quite extensive for a small car. Among other things, there is an adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assistant and lane pilot. In addition, a cloud-based hazard warning system, which Ford models use to warn one another of accident locations on the route, is moving in.
At least initially, the Puma is not intended as a substitute for ecosport. Both models address different customers according to Ford’s point of view and are not priced at a level either. An exact amount of the manufacturer does not yet, the Puma but should start above the nearly 21,000 euros of Ecosport.