The Ford Puma, which we used to know as a sports coupe, now glides on the roads as a muscular and tall crossover in line with the brand's B-SUV strategy. With its high-positioned, frog-eye LED headlights reminiscent of a Porsche Macan and wide grille, it has a cute yet aggressive stance in traffic. In automotive journalism, we often write that B-SUVs usually sacrifice driving dynamics for design; however, the Puma proudly displays all the advantages of being built on the Fiesta platform in the athletic structure of its exterior design. It is one of the most "driver-focused" looking vehicles in its class.
Mechanically, under the hood lies the 125-horsepower mild-hybrid (mHEV) version of the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine. As a former service manager, I closely know the durability and the evolution of this 3-cylinder block over the years. The 48V integrated starter generator wonderfully fills the turbo lag during takeoffs. Combined with the 7-speed dual-clutch Powershift transmission, it accelerates this light 1280 kg body with an incredible appetite. The characteristic 3-cylinder growl of the engine makes you feel almost as if you are in a sports car while driving. Fuel consumption easily sees below 5 liters during calm highway driving.
The interior is a slightly taller and modified version of the Ford Fiesta. The massive new 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 infrastructure that comes with the facelift has added a very modern vibe to the dashboard. Material quality is at B-segment standards; touched areas are soft, while lower sections are hard plastic. However, where the Puma truly hits hard is practicality. Under the 456-liter trunk, there is an 80-liter extra washable pit (with a drain plug at the bottom) they call "MegaBox." It's unique engineering brilliance for placing muddy boots, groceries, or real estate signs vertically. Rear legroom, unfortunately, is a bit restricted due to the nature of the platform.
In driving dynamics, the Puma is by far the king of its class. Ford's legendary steering feel and chassis balance make driving this car on winding roads a pleasure. The suspension system (especially in the ST-Line trim) is tuned quite stiff; thus, the car doesn't lean at all in corners and points its nose into the turn with incredible decisiveness. However, as the price of this sportiness, you take harsh impacts into the cabin over city potholes and short bumps. Insulation is around the B-class average; while wind noise is isolated, the sporty engine sound seems intentionally let into the cabin.
In summary, the Ford Puma is a B-SUV built not just for drivers who want to get from point A to point B, but for those who want a small smile on their face at every corner. If rear seat spaciousness isn't your primary priority; it is a wonderful daily companion where logic meets fun with its award-winning EcoBoost engine, extraordinary driving dynamics, and MegaBox trunk.
