Ford Puma costs big bucks, so is it any better than the others?? It sits in a crowded segment does the Puma stand out.
The cabin is nicely laid out, and SYNC3 has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto via USB.
The front travellers have massaging seats with powered adjustment, but not heating or cooling. Single zone climate control and easy entry with push button start is standard.
The 12.3” driver’s display isn’t overly cluttered, and has changing themes depending on drive mode.
We tried a short trip with 4 on board, but rear space is snug.
Our car had a large glass roof with interior net shade, adding a brightness to the cosy ambience.
Driving:
A 1.0L 3-pot turbo petrol has 92kw/170Nm, driving the front wheels through a 7-speed DCT automatic. It won’t win any land speed records, with a 9 second 0-100kph.
Park assist gets you into, and out of, very tight kerbside spots, but the 90o shopping centres have parking only.
Part of the park-pack is Blind Spot Monitor, front sensors, and RCTA. That is something that should be standard in a car of this price.
Puma benefits from Sport modes, and we used it for most of the week.
Highway travel is relatively quiet, with the active lane control, and active cruise, making light work of the trip.
We found the ride more than acceptable, with Macpherson front suspension, and a Torsion Beam rear. Puma is firm enough in corners to give the driver fun even in dampish conditions.
In fact, we drove through some heavy rain and it was as solid as a rock.
The on-road price of $39,891 (NSW) doesn’t include our options of Sunroof $2,000, Grey Matter paint with black roof $1,150, and Park Pack $900. This takes the final DRIVE AWAY price $44,157 in New South Wales.
Conclusion:
Puma costs more than its competitors, and many of the options should be standard. It is a fun drive, but the drive away price of $44,157 including options, will give buyers cause to look at other brands to make sure Puma is the one they really want.
If it helps, I’d happily drive one.
What we think needs work:
- there is an acre of scratchy plastic
- lacks power
- infotainment screen could be bigger
What we like:
- It’s cute on the outside with sweet little face, and a pert rump. It is really little more than a Fiesta that over ate.
- Puma is small: 4,186-4,207 mm L x 1,805 mm W x 1,548-1,552 mm H, with a 2588mm wheelbase
- “Fixed Signature LED Headlamps” with LED DTRLs
- Ergonomics are good, and all knobs and buttons are where you’d want them to be.
- The killer B&O sound system is surely best in class.
Puma ST Line V
- Price: $35,890
- Engine: 1.0L Turbo Petrol, Euro 5
- Power: 92kw170Nm
- Econ: 5.3L/100k
- Trans: 7-sp DCT automatic
