Prices for the new Ford Puma start from €24,835
Ford’s big cat is back and it is set to trouble rivals writes Geraldine Herbert
Why you will like it? With good looks, a small engine and fuel-sipping hybrid technology what’s not to like about Ford’s new baby SUV? It joins the likes of the Nissan Juke, Skoda Kamiq and Volkswagen T-Roc in this fashionable sector of the car market.
Is it a looker? Stylish, sporty and seductive we particularly like the low sloping roofline with the athletic lines.
What’s it like inside? Inside the Puma’s dashboard is typical Ford. The controls are intuitive and easily accessed. It is also surprisingly spacious with plenty of head and legroom for front passengers but adults may feel a little short-changed in the back seats. The raised ride height gives good all-round visibility but rear visibility isn’t great. On the plus side, there’s a big boot that can swallow 456 litres and can extend to 1216 litres with the seats folded down. There is also an innovative new MegaBox storage compartment under the floor.
How smart is it? Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system is a great addition and allows you to stay connected and control your phone, music and navigation system with simple voice commands. You can even call up a list of local restaurants just by saying “I’m hungry” plus it can also read out your text messages too.
What’s it like to drive? Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litrel EcoBoost Hybrid with 125ps. You will be pleasantly surprised however to discover that such a tiny engine can deliver so much oomph and the new Puma raises the bar in the “fun-to-drive” stakes. You won’t feel every bump in the road and the steering is light and handling agile.
The interior of the Ford Puma will be familiar to Ford drivers
How safe is it? The Puma was awarded five stars for safety by Euro NCAP and comes with a host of active and passive safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist, all keeping a watchful eye on the road ahead, alerting you to potential hazards.
What are my options? The new Puma comes in three flavours; Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X. The entry level Titanium Puma is well equipped with 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 a/c; massage driver & passenger seats; ambient lighting; wireless charging; cruise control with adjustable speed limiter and a rear spoiler.
Will it break the bank? The car is a mild hybrid so it comes with low CO2 of 127g/km (Band B1) and frugal fuel consumption. The starting price is €24,835 and PCP Finance is available with 36 monthly payments of €227.81.
Our Rating: Comfortable, fun and green – Under those stylish looks lurks a capable family car
The Good: Great to drive, plenty of storage space
The Gripes: Tight in the back for adults
Vital Statistics
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5.9 litres per 100km
BOOT SPACE: 456 litres
PRICE: €24,465
Visit the Ford Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details or Twitter.
Geraldine Herbert
11th November 2020
