The Ford Puma returns, sort of

Ford has revived the Puma name, but on yet another SUV derivative

If you’re a fan of the lithe, agile, terrier-like Ford Puma of the 90s look away, as Ford’s decision to revive the nostalgic nameplate has come with the caveat that it will be placed on the back of a new compact SUV. The new model is certainly striking and does bear a slight resemblance to its forebear, but against its numerous small SUV rivals, including the new Peugeot 2008, it’ll need more than a recognisable badge to compete. 

The Puma is based on the current Ford Fiesta, and shares that car’s basic underlying technical components. The rear axle has picked up a beefier twist-beam compared to the Fiesta to deal with the extra mass, but it also means the Puma is front-wheel drive only, without the space or design to support rear driveshafts.

> Click here for more on the incoming Ford Kuga

Powertrains exclusively of the 1-litre three-cylinder Ecoboost petrol variety, with high-output models picking up a new 48V mild-hybrid system. As you’ll find with many other 48V systems, the Ford setup supports an integrated starter-generator attached to the engine and a small electric motor, smoothing out the Puma’s start-stop and coasting functions. The 48V system also powers the Puma’s electrics but transmissions are limited at this point to a six-speed manual.

What is new for the Puma is the torque-fill function, similar in principle to that in a McLaren P1, in which the electric motor actually assists the petrol engine with up to an extra 15lb ft of torque at full load. This might not sound like much, but at lower rpm, and specifically when the turbo is at low boost, the system can increase torque by up to 50 per cent. 

> Click here for our review of the Ford Fiesta ST

The 48V mild-hybrid version of the Puma is available in two power outputs, 124bhp and 153bhp, with lesser powertrains sticking with a traditional 12V system. There is also the chance of a hot ST model in the near future, sharing the Fiesta ST’s 197bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged triple, although Ford has yet to confirm this officially.

Partnership
Need to sell your car?
Find your best offer from over 5,000+ dealers. It’s that easy.

The design does channel some of the previous Puma’s aesthetic - if you squint. The high-set headlights, tapering glasshouse and flared hips all reference the old Puma but are combined with plenty of modern elements like large wheels (up to 19-inches), LED lighting and a floating a-pillar to create a distinctive, if controversial look. The interior is similar to the Fiesta’s, and although there is nothing inherently wrong with it, compared to the incoming Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur it lacks the wow-factor that is becoming increasingly expected upon in all small car classes. 

Sales will commence early next year, with local pricing and specifications released later. We do know that the Puma range will follow the same structure as current Ford models, with Zetec, Titanium and ST-Line trim levels available with various versions of each powertrain. Expect to see plenty in a Tesco car park near you soon.  

Recommended

Ford GN34 – dead on arrival
Ford GN34
Features

Ford GN34 – dead on arrival

This Ghia-styled, mid-engined V6 coupe came close to becoming Ford’s answer to the Honda NSX
28 Sep 2023
1972bhp Ford Pro Electric SuperVan eyes Pikes Peak
Ford Pro Electric SuperVan – front quarter
News

1972bhp Ford Pro Electric SuperVan eyes Pikes Peak

The all-electric Ford SuperVan 4 will tackle Pikes Peak hillclimb with Romain Dumas at the wheel
24 Feb 2023
Ford job cuts: 1,300 to go in the UK
Ford
News

Ford job cuts: 1,300 to go in the UK

Ford has announced a series of job cuts across Europe with around 1,300 positions set to go in the UK.
14 Feb 2023
Ford to enter technical partnership with Red Bull Racing in F1 from 2026
RB x Ford
News

Ford to enter technical partnership with Red Bull Racing in F1 from 2026

Red Bull has been revealed as the F1 partner facilitating Ford’s F1 return
3 Feb 2023

Most Popular

Car pictures of the week: evo’s Car of the Year contenders
eCoty – the contenders
Features

Car pictures of the week: evo’s Car of the Year contenders

evo’s Car of the Year issue hits newsstands next week – here's a preview of what you can expect
2 Dec 2023
Best car tyres 2023: evo performance tyre test
Best car tyres 2023
Features

Best car tyres 2023: evo performance tyre test

Which tyre should you choose for your performance car? This year’s evo tyre test puts eight strong contenders through their paces to find the very bes…
1 Dec 2023
The Tesla Cybertruck has finally landed, but it’s more expensive than promised
Tesla Cybertruck
News

The Tesla Cybertruck has finally landed, but it’s more expensive than promised

After years of setbacks, Tesla has delivered the first production examples of its controversial Cybertruck pick-up
1 Dec 2023