Ford Puma Gen-E Review | Practical & Fun Small Electric SUV

Read Caroline’s Ford Puma Gen-E review for everything you need to know about buying Ford’s new electric Puma in Ireland.

The Ford Puma has been a big success story in Ireland since its arrival in 2020. Styled as a trendy compact crossover, it’s the brand’s bestseller.

Now Ford is expanding the range with the new Puma Gen-E, the first full electric version of the popular crossover that will be sold alongside the petrol Puma.

It’s part of a growing move to electrification within Ford’s line-up, including the Explorer, Capri and the Mustang Mach-E. But being compact and electric is definitely a plus, with pricing starting from €32,916.

That puts it up against key rivals like the Peugeot e-2008, Jeep Avenger and the upcoming Renault 4.

Design

Styling remains one of the Puma’s strongest assets and Ford hasn’t messed with the winning formula. The Gen-E keeps the sporty stance and sleek styling of the petrol version. There are a few subtle tweaks like the closed-off grille and more aerodynamically styled front and rear bumpers.

Premium versions add smart matrix LED headlights with a claw-like signature and larger 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch on Select). Six paint options are offered, including the eye-catching Solar Silver seen here.

Ford Puma Gen-E Interior

Ford updated the Puma’s cabin last year as part of a facelift and the Gen-E benefits from all the improvements. There’s a new digital driver display and a large central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ventilation controls now sit within the screen, with just a few buttons below to select the drive modes for instance.

The steering wheel is quite large and square for the car, but through it you’ll see the digital cluster. Gear selection is now handled by a stalk to the right of the steering wheel, while there’s also more storage under the centre console.

The Puma Gen-E comes well equipped with even Select versions getting a wireless smartphone charger, cruise control and reversing camera. Premium versions feel a bit posher inside with synthetic leather and suede-effect seats and a B&O sound system.

Practicality

The Puma has always been a compact crossover, and while the front is spacious, the rear is a little tighter – especially with a slightly higher floor in the Gen-E to accommodate the battery. Still, there are useful features like two USB-C ports, pockets in the back of the front seats and Isofix on the two outer seats.

Boot space is where the Puma Gen-E really makes a statement. The petrol Puma was known for its clever “Megabox” storage under the boot floor, but the Gen-E introduces the even bigger Gigabox – but no spare wheel. Premium models add a handy powered tailgate.

What is the range of the Ford Puma Gen-E?

The Puma Gen-E uses a 43 kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery, delivering a WLTP range of up to 376 km for Select models, or 363 km for the Premium due to its larger wheels.

The Gen-E is the long-awaited electric Puma, now on sale in Ireland

Driving the electric Puma

Performance is respectable for a front wheel drive crossover, with 168hp on tap and 0–100 km/h in 8 seconds. Acceleration feels more muted in Eco and Normal modes, but Sport mode livens things up. There’s also the option of complete one-pedal driving and this is controlled via a menu in the touchscreen.

Like the petrol Puma, the Gen-E is great fun to drive and really has character to it. It does ride a little firm, particularly on the optional 19-inch alloys on my test car and it is not the quietist cabin at speed, but there is still plenty to endear drivers to this car.

The Puma Gen-E isn’t built on a bespoke EV platform, but that doesn’t stop it from being impressively efficient, with consumption as low as 13.1 kWh/100 km (Select) or 13.7 kWh (Premium). However on high speed motorway runs or more challenging uphill routes, consumption did rise during my test drive to 16/17kWh per 100 kilometres.

Charging

Charging is competitive for this class, with 100 kW DC capability allowing a 10–80% top-up in around 24 minutes, or 11 kW AC charging for home use. However, there’s no heat pump, which could affect winter efficiency.

Ford Puma Gen-E Video Review

Ford Puma Gen-E price

In Ireland, the Ford Puma Gen-E is priced to compete closely with the petrol version, making the switch to electric more attainable. Prices start from €32,916 for the Select trim, rising to €35,718 for the Premium tested here.

Verdict

The new Ford Puma Gen-E brings electric power to one of Ireland’s favourite crossovers. It doesn’t have the biggest battery or the longest range, but it fights back with its cute styling and effervescent, fun to drive feeling. If you do most of your driving in town and suburbia, and can charge at home, it will be much cheaper to run than the petrol while keeping all the good stuff like the big boot, modern cabin and fun driving dynamics.