Ford has expected a lot from its customers in recent years when it comes to its own model portfolio. It’s good that everything stays the same with the Puma, the most successful vehicle in Europe. However, the Ford Puma of the new model year could have used a little more changes, as the newcomer only differs marginally from its predecessor both visually and technically. In addition to new matrix LED headlights, the facelift brings new displays, more driver assistance systems and revised engines.
Everything revolves around the well-known three-cylinder turbo with a displacement of one liter, which is offered in three performance variants with 92 kW / 125 hp, 114 kW / 155 hp (117 kW / 160 hp) and 125 kW / 170 hp. While the basic version is coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, the more powerful three-cylinder transmits its power to the front axle via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The standard consumption is between 5.4 and 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers. An all-wheel drive version is not offered, nor is the former top model with a 200 hp 1.5-liter turbo. The electric version of the Puma Gen-E, which will also roll off the assembly line in Craiova, Romania, will not follow until the second half of the year. New to the drives is the mild hybrid system with a belt starter generator, which replaces the normal alternator and can recover electrical energy while driving.
In the interior of the 4.20 meter long crossover there is a 12.8-inch instrument unit, a twelve-inch central display in the middle of the dashboard and new driver assistance systems such as a 360-degree camera, reversing assistant with emergency braking, LED matrix headlights or a Networking via 5G mobile network. A new coating on the windshield is intended to reduce noise comfort and, if desired, a panoramic roof brings light and air into the interior.
