First Drive Review: Ford Puma
Saturday, 7 November 2020
FORD PUMA
Price range: $33,990 to $37,990
Powertrains: 1.0-litre turbo petrol three-cylinder with 92kW/170Nm, 5.3L/100km, 7-speed dual clutch transmission, FWD.
Body style: SUV
On sale: Now
Ford's last player in the baby SUV segment was the cute, but extremely average EcoSport that was rather clearly built down to a price, rather than up to a standard. Things are a bit different with the new Puma, however.
Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?
Like the EcoSport, the Puma is based on the same underpinnings as the brilliant Fiesta hatch, it's just that this time around you can feel it, because the Puma is actually an engaging thing to drive.
The Puma lands in New Zealand in two guises – the standard car (just called Puma) and the ST-Line – there is a hot full-fat Puma ST in Europe but that remains only a “possibility” for the Kiwi market at this stage, because – let’s face it – the market for a manual-only hot baby SUV is pretty much a niche too far for Kiwi punters. You can always buy the mechanically identical (but lighter) Fiesta ST here anyway.
Both Puma models are powered by the thoroughly excellent 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from the Fiesta pushing its 92kW of power and 170Nm of torque through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission – but don’t worry, it’s not the disastrous PowerShift dual clutch Ford had so much trouble with, it’s an all-new wet clutch unit.
The entry level Puma comes standard with cruise control with adjustable speed limiting, emergency brake assist, a rear view camera with 180 degree split view, speed limit sign recognition, wireless phone charging and Ford Pass Connectivity with an embedded modem.
The ST-Line adds black exterior detailing, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, auto high-beam, a power hands-free tailgate, upgraded interior trim, full digital instruments, auto climate air, adaptive cruise and automatic parking.
Where did you drive it?
On the winding back roads of the Bombay region south of Auckland.
After a presentation at the conference centre of the Simunovich Olive Estate we were let loose to plot our own favoured routes over the familiar roads, so we quickly pointed the Puma’s distinctive and quite charming nose at some of the windiest bits.
Both versions of the Puma impress with their cheerfully engaging chassis (just like a Fiesta) and eager handling and while the ST-Line’s sportier suspension is a bit firmer than most would expect from a baby SUV, it is never harsh or uncomfortable, while the standard Puma is unflappable and always on the right side of comfortable.
The little 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine is every bit as eager and characterful as it is in the Fiesta, but the Puma’s extra weight does show up in some places, particularly going uphill.
But that was with two fully-grown and, shall we say well-fed, motoring journalists on board, so let’s give it a pass there, and once it is up and running it happily flies along.
What’s the pick of the range?
Is the ST-Line worth the extra $4k over the standard Puma? That’s actually a harder call than you might think.
There is no difference in the powertrain and some of the ST-Line’s goodies are quite tempting, but while the entry level Puma gets a doesn’t get as fancy an interior, it does get a brilliantly denim-like trim on the doors and still packs pretty much all the essentials. We will give this one to the base car, but would completely understand choosing the ST-Line.
Why would I buy it?
You want a small urban SUV with heaps of character, a great engine and an interior that is practical, spacious and comfortable. You might also want one that is capable and surprisingly fun on a winding road.
Why wouldn't I buy it?
The looks are a bit much for you, you regularly carry several fully-grown, well-fed, motoring journalists (or adults in general) over hilly terrain or you really, really wanted the hot ST, then you’ll most likely have to make do with the Fiesta.