The improved version of Ford's Puma still looks an interesting package for buyers in the small SUV segment searching for something a little more fun. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Ford's little Puma small SUV was launched in the middle of the Covid crisis, but that didn't stop this 2020 market entrant from becoming the UK's best-selling car. Now the brand has usefully updated this model, with a smarter look and a redesigned, better-connected interior. The major reason you might like it though - this car's sharp, engaging handling - remains as before.

Background

You'll probably be aware of Ford's Puma - it's a strong seller. The name was borrowed from a much-loved turn-of-the-century little Ford coupe, but what we've got with this car is what the brand calls an 'SUV-inspired Crossover'. Here, we look at this car's mid-term facelift, which builds on sales success which saw the original version of this model topping the UK car sales charts in 2023. As before, this Puma it's good looking, efficient and spacious by class standards, with loads of clever interior touches too. And if it can deliver on its dynamic promises, you might just have here pretty much everything you'd want a small SUV to be. Is that what this improved Puma serves up? Time to find out.

Driving Experience

Ford hasn't fundamentally changed anything about the engineering or handling of this revised petrol Puma; it didn't need to. This was already the most engaging car to drive in its segment. What the company has done (rather disappointingly) is drop the sporty 1.5-litre four cylinder engine previously fitted to the top Puma ST, so all Pumas now use some sort of three cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild hybrid 48V unit, the powertrain you probably would have chosen anyway. As before, for mainstream models this comes in either 125PS or 155PS forms, the lesser engine offered with either 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission. The 155PS variants come only in auto form. As does the top sporty ST flagship variant, which gets this 1.0-litre engine tuned up to 170PS. The availability of a manual transmission Puma ST was deleted along with that much more powerful 200PS 1.5-litre four cylinder engine. Selectable drive modes feature - 'Normal', 'Eco', 'Sport', 'Slippery' and 'Trail'. As before, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit isn't a full-Hybrid; ie it can't ever power the car on battery power alone. Instead, an 11.5kW integrated starter/generator recovers energy when coasting or braking which then gets stored in a small lithium-ion battery. This is then used to assist the engine during acceleration and to run the stop/start system. The rest to 62mph sprint in the 125PS model takes 9.8s en route to 119mph, figures the 155PS model improves only slightly to 8.7s and 124mph. The 170PS ST is a bit faster (7.4s and 130mph). With the Puma ST derivative, an optimised chassis features bespoke twist-beam, anti-roll bar and damper configurations. And steering response is 25% faster and the brakes are 17% larger than the standard Puma. There's also now the option of an all-electric model, the Puma GEN-E, which uses a 166bhp electric motor drawing from a 43kWh battery offering up to 234 miles of EV range.

Design and Build

The visual changes to the updated petrol model are quite subtle; revised headlights that incorporate a smarter daytime running light signature and a restyled version of the Ford grille badge. That grille is dechromed with 'Titanium'-spec models, while 'ST-Line' variants get a more aggressive front bumper. As before, the headlights are high up on the bonnet (like the turn-of-the-century Puma coupe) and Ford says that the beady daytime running lights are a nod to a more modern Ford coupe, the GT supercar. Maybe. The GEN-E electric model's fractionally larger thanks to its slightly stretched B-car platform; and it looks a little different with its revised bumpers and blanked-off grille. Inside, the update changes are far more obvious. The redesigned dashboard is less cluttered than before and features slim air vents, a wraparound feel and a revised two-spoke squared-off steering wheel. Because the GEN-E version doesn't need a gearstick or a manual handbrake, Ford has been able to redesign the centre console of that version. The displays used across the range are larger than with earlier Pumas: there's now a 12.8-inch customisable digital instrument panel with higher-definition graphics. And a 12-inch SYNC4 central infotainment monitor which apparently has 'twice the computing power' of the previous SYNC3 system. Underneath that screen lie new 'soft' buttons for the climate control and heated seats. Plus there's a new 'phone storage compartment with an intregrated wireless charging mat. Synthetic leather upholstery adorns the seats, the armrest and the steering wheel, with different stitching colours depending on the trim level you've selected. And there's smart ambient lighting to give the cabin a classier feel. As before and as you'd expect from a supermini-based SUV, there isn't a great deal of space in the rear, but a couple of adults can be accommodated reasonably easily for medium-length journeys. We continue to be impressed by the boot. At 456-litres in the petrol model, it remains one of the very biggest trunks in the small SUV segment and can be accessed by a powered hands-free tailgate. There's also an adjustable-height floor that can be folded back against the back seats. Under the floor, there's still a drainable 'Megabox' for dirty items, a strong selling point. The GEN-E has a larger 574-litre boot and an additional 43-litre under-bonnet 'frunk'.

Market and Model

Puma pricing reflects current figures in the volume part of the small SUV segment. To be specific, that means a starting point of around £26,000, with figures rising to around £34,000 at the top of the range. Trim levels are based around familiar 'Titanium' and 'ST-Line' badging, plus a plusher 'ST-Line X' option before you get to the top 170PS ST performance model. Across the line-up, there's now a smarter range of colours. The GEN-E electric model starts from around £30,000 and has a different trim structure - 'Select' and 'Premium'. All models come with LED headlights and alloy wheels - 17-inch rims on mainstream versions, 18-inchers on the 'ST-Line X' and GEN-E 'Premium'; and 19-inch alloys on the top ST. There's also LED tail lamps with auto high beam, rear privacy glass, a Quickclear windscreen and cruise control with Intelligent Speed Assist. Inside, the new screens are standard-fit - a 12.8-inch instrument cluster and a 12-inch SYNC4 central monitor with 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto', plus connected navigation, a 6-speaker audio system and FordPass Connect media connectivity. You also get Electronic Automatic Temperature Control, a rear view camera and the useful 'Megabox' extended loadspace in the boot. Drive assist tech includes 'Pre-Collision Assist' with Autonomous Emergency Braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection. Plus a Driver Impairment Monitor, Post-Collision Braking, a Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning. New options added to this revised range include 'Intersection Assist', 'Reverse Brake Assist' and 'Predictive Speed Assist' (the latter feature automatically slowing the car when approaching a corner or a junction). Anti-glare matrix headlamps are also now optional, as are Predictive Bending Dynamic Lights, which utilise GPS data to automatically adjust the lighting for forthcoming bends.

Cost of Ownership

Being based on Fiesta engineering promises decent efficiency, as does Ford's EcoBoost mild hybrid technology and that's how it turns out. For the 125PS variant, Ford is talking about CO2 emission readings from up to 122g/km and a combined cycle WLTP fuel return of up to 52.3mpg - or 130g/km and 49.6mpg in auto form. For the 155PS derivative, the figures are 49.6mpg and 128g/km. For the 1.0-litre ST 170PS version, the figures are up to 47.1mpg and 136g/km, a decent improvement on the stats of the old 1.5-litre ST variant (42.8mpg and up to 148g/km). If you want real efficiency though, you'll need to wait for the full-electric Puma 'Gen-E' model. This will offer about 230 miles of range, will charge at up to 100kW and will give you a 10-80% top-up in under 35 minutes. For the combustion models, the claimed efficiency readings are all aided by what the brand calls 'Torque substitution', which deploys the electric motor functionality of the hybrid system's 'BISG' 'Belt-driven Integrated Starter/Generator' to provide up to 50Nm of torque - reducing the amount of work required from the petrol engine. The 'BISG' is also able to aid the powerplant's stop/start system in urban traffic, restarting the engine in approximately 300 milliseconds - about the same as the blink of an eye. And the 'BISG' also enables the Puma EcoBoost Hybrid's Auto Start-Stop technology to operate in a wider range of scenarios for even greater fuel savings, including when coasting to a stop below 10mph, and even when the vehicle is in gear with the clutch pedal depressed. If you really want strong efficiency returns from your Puma, then you're really going to want the GEN-E full-electric version, which offers a range of up to 234 miles. If you connect the car up to a 100kW DC rapid charger, you'll be able to replenish the 43kWh battery from 10 to 80% in just 23 minutes. An AC home charge using a typical 7kW wallbox should be possible in under 7 hours.

Summary

Back in late 2019, Ford's decision to re-use the Puma name for this little SUV wasn't universally popular amongst enthusiasts for the original coupe model, but that doesn't matter much. After all, for the real target market here, this car's badge is more likely to suggest sports ware or trainers than a classically-styled sports coupe. And that lifestyle orientation fits with the kind of little SUV this Ford is still trying to be - active, trendy, charismatic and current. It isn't perfect of course. This Puma's a little on the pricey side once you specify a decent trim level. Overall though, there's an awful lot to like here, particularly with this improved model. Ford needs a credible entry-level point for its SUV line-up and this Puma fills that role very well, while setting benchmark standards for the kind of driving enjoyment a little car of this kind can serve up. As enthusiasts, we still can't help wishing it was a small coupe. But as pragmatists, we reckon Ford has got this car just about right.

Body Glass

Quickclear heated windscreen

Acoustic laminated windscreen

Rain sensing wipers

Front and rear electric windows with one-touch up/down

Automatic windshield wiper

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Brakes

Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes

Electric parking brake

Collision mitigation system using camera and radar

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Non painted brake calipers

ESP with electric brake boost

Pre collision assist system

Autonomous emergency braking

Pedestrian/cyclist detection & post-collision braking

Carpets/Rugs

Premium front floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Standard suspension

Communication

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless)

Wireless charging

Driver Aids

Wrong way alert

Lane departure warning

Lane change waring and aid with lane centering assist

Reverse brake assist

360 degree camera

EcoCoach - Efficient driving monitoring system

Intelligent speed assist, adaptive speed control with CADSlll

Driver impairment monitor

Advanced speed sign recognition

Power assist steering

Front parking aid

Rear parking sensors

Driver Convenience

Power lift tailgate

Column stalk shifter

Selectable drive modes(Normal, sport, Eco, trail, slippery)

Driver Information

FordPass connect

5G embedded modem

Vinyl wrapped instrument panel (High Level)

Emergency call service

BLIS (Blind spot information system)

Driving Mirrors

Dual powered heated exterior mirrors with turn repeaters, puddle lamps, foldable with logo lamp

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Entertainment

SYNC 4 with 12" Touchscreen display

12.8" Digital cluster, 2 USBs, connected navigation center, 6 radio speaker

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Unique aerodynamically styled front bumper, rear bumper and spoiler

Active grille shutters

Lower bumpers, wheel arches, side claddings body color with spears in high gloss black

Gigabox and frunk

Exterior Lights

LED projector headlamps

LED third brake light

LED rear lamps

LED daytime running lights

Front headlamp leveling

Auto high beam

Auto headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Electronic automatic temperature control (EATC)

Interior Features

Deluxe headliner

Centre console

Fabric upholstery

Sensico steering wheel

Standard foot pedals

Interior Lights

Multi colour ambient lighting

Safety

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

3 rear seatbelts

Child safety lock

Air curtain restraint

Seats

Manual 4 way passenger seat with lumbar support

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Front and rear head restraints

Driver's seat with lumbar adjustment

Front and side airbags for driver and passenger

4 way manually adjustable drivers seat

Single front passenger seat

Security

Ford Keyless entry and start

Locking wheel nuts

Thatcham alarm with power door dead locks

Wheels - Alloy

17" Alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 24

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 53

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 375

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 13.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Extra High: 172

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 233

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 43

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High: 277

Emissions - ICE

HC: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Compression Ratio: N

Engine Layout: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Camshaft: N

Number of Valves: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

CC: 1

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Service Interval Mileage: 999999

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Badge Power: 168

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 18E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Coin Description: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Coin Series: Select Comfort/ADAP

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 29.6

Engine Power - BHP: 167

Engine Power - PS: No

Top Speed: 99

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 123

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 214

Engine Torque - NM: 290

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R17

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R17

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4186

Width: 1805

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1536

Wheelbase: 2588

Width (including mirrors): 1930

Weight and Capacities

Max. Loading Weight: 452

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2015

Minimum Kerbweight: 1563

Max. Roof Load: 50

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1283

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 556

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.5

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Black painted roof

Power opening panorama roof

Interior Features

Dog guard bezels - 1st and 2nd Row

Packs

Winter pack with heated driver and passenger seat- Puma

Paint - Solid

Solid - Frozen white

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Agate Black

Premium paint - Solar silver

Premium paint - Electric yellow

Premium paint - Fantastic red

Premium paint - Digital aqua blue

Towing

Detachable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Fabric - Black/grey with grey stitching