Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Ford Puma has been reborn. Originally a small coupé back in the late 90s, Ford has breathed new life into the 90’s classic. The trouble Ford found with the original Puma was that it didn’t sell very well. This is why, on its return to Ford’s line-up after a couple of decades in the wilderness, it’s morphed into a small SUV.
The little SUV is sportier than most of the other cars in this class and is also more quirky. The Ford Puma is a funky crossover SUV that goes up against some very popular alternatives in its class such as the Skoda Kamiq, Renault Captur and Volkswagen T-Cross.
The Ford Puma really showcases Ford at its best. Taking the qualities of cars like the impressively popular Ford Focus and its fun cousin the Fiesta, Ford has produced one of the best small SUVs around.
Let’s take a closer look at our 2021 Ford Puma review and see how good the Ford Puma really is.
How’s the Interior?
The Puma’s interior is dressed a little more lavishly than its competitors. Cars such as the Hyundai Bayon or Volkswagen T-Roc have primarily tough, unforgiving plastics inside. The
Puma, however, has some pleasingly soft surfaces on the dashboard and the tops of its doors.
Both driver and passengers are in for a comfortable journey with the Puma as they all include seat-height adjustment and plenty of movement to get the steering wheel just where you need it, no matter what your shape or size. The standard seats, similar to the boot, are certified “life proof”. From the kids spilling milkshakes along the seats or dogs covering the fabric in mud, you can simply zip off the covers and stick them in the washing machine. Job done!
If you decide to go for the ST-Line model then you will find thicker side bolsters that cradle you in the corners a bit better, plus they also bring adjustable lumbar support to help ward off back pain on longer journeys.
The Ford is certainly not lacking on the tech front. Even the entry-level Titanium Design models get an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Not to mention regular sat nav is available on all other models in the range. The layout of the controls is easy to get your head around, with Ford’s Sync 3 touchscreen neatly handling the infotainment duties while separate physical climate controls do their stuff.
Exterior
To start with, it is an attractive, sporty SUV. There are small traces of that original car’s 90’s design, particularly from the front. It just manages to mix just the right amount of fun-loving character on the one hand and visual aggression and sportiness on the other. The Puma has got a comfortable raised-up driving position, eye-catching design, and miniature SUV shape. On top of that, Ford also places a huge amount of emphasis on simple driving fun too.
Depending on the trim level you go for, you’ve got a range of colours to choose from when buying a new Ford Puma. On Titanium Design, Titanium, ST-Line Design, ST-Line and ST-Line X models, the standard colour is Blazer Blue.
1) Blazer Blue – Titanium Design, Titanium, ST-Line Design, ST-Line and ST-Line X
2) Frozen White – Titanium Design, Titanium, ST-Line Design, ST-Line and ST-Line X at additional cost (ST-Line Vignale and ST models, it’s a no-cost colour)
3) Agate Black – Titanium Design, Titanium, ST-Line Design, ST-Line and ST-Line X at additional cost (ST-Line Vignale and ST models at discounted set costs)
4) Solar Silver – Titanium Design, Titanium, ST-Line Design, ST-Line and ST-Line X at additional cost (ST-Line Vignale and ST models at discounted set costs)
5) Magnetic – Titanium Design, Titanium, ST-Line Design, ST-Line and ST-Line X at additional cost
6) Desert Island Blue – Titanium Design, Titanium, ST-Line Design, ST-Line and ST-Line X at additional cost
7) Fantastic Red – Titanium Design, Titanium, ST-Line Design, ST-Line and ST-Line X at additional cost (ST-Line Vignale and ST models at discounted set costs)
8) Grey Matter – Titanium Design, Titanium, ST-Line Design, ST-Line and ST-Line X at additional cost (ST-Line Vignale and ST models at discounted set costs)
How does the Ford Puma run?
The Puma is a very easy, stress-free car to drive around town. The steering is light and accurate, and its six-speed manual gearbox is slick and smooth. The mild-hybrid does a great job of quick idle-stop in town, turning off the engine before you’ve stopped, and restarts instantly and magically at the very last moment before you need it to pull away. Not only is it better for the environment but makes short trips an absolute breeze.
There are also two regular engine options, in addition to the ST’s 197bhp unit: the Ecoboost mHEV 125, which actually produces 123bhp, and the Ecoboost mHEV 155, with 153bhp. With the car being front-wheel-drive only; and its engine line-up is made up of economical 125hp and 155hp 1.0-litre petrol engines with mild-hybrid assist, it’s far more suited to city streets than muddy fields.
Lease with cars2buy
Want to drive off in a brand new Ford Puma? Then check out our leasing options today. With a personal lease deal, you can place a small initial outlay and find the best fixed monthly cost for you. At the end of the lease contract, you simply hand your car back to the finance company and can get another brand new car by arranging another Ford Puma lease. Contact our team or view our range of Ford Puma deals, starting from £189.80 per month (+VAT).
*Image credit:
Ford Media Centre