2020 Ford Puma First Drive Review
The Ford Puma is back but this time as Ford’s new B segment compact crossover. Caroline travelled to Malaga, Spain, to test drive Ford’s new feline. The 2020 Ford Puma joins the expanding Ford line-up of SUV and SUV-inspired crossover models in Europe - including the Fiesta Active, Focus Active, EcoSport, and new Kuga - and is in dealers now, priced from €24,465.
Styling
The new Ford Puma is a fantastic piece of design for the Ford brand in Europe. Proportions are SUV-inspired, the design sleek and sporty, but with a charismatic evolution of the Ford face – big grille and large almond shaped headlamps. It’s something fresh for the segment, with different personalities depending on what trim level you go for - sporty Puma ST-Line or stylish Puma Titanium.
Interior
The Puma’s cabin is based on the latest generation Fiesta interior. Material quality is competitive for the segment and the streamlined dashboard layout is characterised by a standard 8” touchscreen in the centre of the dash with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration. The Puma also introduces a new 12.3-inch digital cluster, which is standard on Puma ST-Line. Other features also include local hazard information displayed in the digital cluster, wireless charging pad, lumbar massage seats and removable seat covers.
Practicality
The 2020 Ford Puma is based on the Ford Fiesta but is bigger in all directions. Passenger space is competitive by class standards but most of the gains in practicality are in the boot area. Ford has introduced a new innovative ‘MegaBox’ concept. This 80 litre extra compartment in the boot can be used to stow larger items up to 115cm tall such as household plants on trips home from the garden centre! When not in use a flat floor can be placed over it. Combined boot space is over 400 litres, quite exceptional for the compact class.
Engines
The Puma features mild hybrid technology to improve efficiency and is one of 14 electrified vehicles to be introduced by Ford by the end of 2020. In Ireland the new Puma will be offered with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild hybrid petrol engine with 125 hp mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. CO2 emissions are rated from 124 g/km and fuel efficiency from 5.4 l/100 km according to WLTP. There are no plans as yet to import the higher powered 155 hp version to Ireland.
EcoBoost Hybrid technology enhances the Puma’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with an 11.5 kW belt-driven integrated starter/generator, enabling recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48‑volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack. It also acts as a motor to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical parts.
An EcoBlue diesel engine will join the Puma range later, as will a 7-speed automatic transmission. We also anticipate a high performance Ford Puma ST derivative.
On the road
The Puma uses the Fiesta platform but with some modifications. It has a wider track and the rear suspension is stiffer by 50%. On the road the new Puma is exciting and characterful to drive. The steering has a sporty feel that comes alive in fast cornering. Body roll is minimal. Ford gave us a challenging and technical test route in the Ronda region of southern Spain and the new Puma was a delight to drive.
Driving modes are included as standard and settings include Sport, Normal, Eco, Trail and Slippery. The Sport model gave the car a bit more zest and the instant throttle response was great for the mountain roads. Comfort and refinement were very good but fuel consumption was a bit disappointing, with my average fuel consumption between 7.3 and 7.7 litres over a 3 hour drive. In fairness the route was very technical with a large part taking place uphill and in third gear so we will investigate this further during more balanced driving at home in Ireland.
Equipment
At launch the new Puma will be offered in three series in Ireland: Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X.
Standard equipment for Puma Titanium includes 17-inch machined alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps with auto high beam, pre-collision assist, 8-inch SYNC with navigation and FordPass Connect modem, keyless start, electronic air con, massage driver and passenger seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter and rear spoiler.
The Puma ST-Line adds ST-Line sports body kit, large rear spoiler, LED fog lamps with cornering feature, ST-Line sports exhaust, 12.3-inch digital cluster, dark sports headliner, flat-bottom steering wheel, and alloy pedals and gear knob.
ST-Line X adds 18-inch matt black alloy wheels, SYNC Gen 3 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and B&O Play sound system, partial leather sports trim, privacy glass and shark fin antenna.
Pricing
The new Ford Puma will go on sale in Ireland priced from €24,465 for the Puma Titanium. The ST Line is priced from €26,065 and the ST Line X from €27,865. We can expect the diesel variant to start in the region of €26,465.
Rivals
The new Ford Puma enters a very competitive segment and rivals include the Renault Captur, Hyundai Kona, Volkswagen T-Cross and Skoda Kamiq.
Summary
The Ford Puma feels like a fresh start for Ford, not just in the B-segment but the entire portfolio. The Puma marks the beginning of a serious push to electrification for Ford. The Puma’s good looks should win many fans and it’s now one of the most modern and desirable models in Ford’s range.
While the Puma range is quite narrow at launch with just one engine and gearbox available, this is a fashionable mild hybrid powertrain so it is actually very suitable and apt for the compact class.
The new Ford Puma is at last a very competitive compact crossover for Ford in the busy B-segment.
I look forward to bringing you a full road test later in the year.
Caroline Kidd
