Ford Puma line-up expanded
Remember the Ford Puma of the late 90s? Well it’s back – and it’s available to lease right now for less than £250 per month.
This time the name is be on the back of a small crossover rather than a sporty coupe. And we doubt Steve McQueen will be digitally placed in the advert for added kudos this time.
Based on the best-selling Ford Fiesta’s platform, the SUV-inspired compact crossover aims to fuse unique exterior styling with best-in-class uncompromised load space and sophisticated mild-hybrid powertrain technology.
“Our customers told us they want a compact vehicle with stand-out looks that also delivers solutions for everyday living. The result is our new Ford Puma,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.
Two trims were initially available from launch: the Ford Puma Titanium, which features segment-first driver and passenger lumbar massage seats as standard in addition to advanced wireless charging, and the Ford Puma Titanium First Edition featuring comfort and safety technology packs including intelligent adaptive cruise control, rear view camera, heated seats and heated steering wheel.
Ford has now expanded the new Puma range with additional powertrain and equipment level options. This includes a new seven-speed automatic transmission option for the 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. This helps optimise fuel efficiency and refinement delivering from 138 g/km and 45.6 mpg.
A luxurious new Puma ST-Line X Vignale variant is also now available from £25,240. It adds even more premium styling and specification to the range with unique details including exclusive 18” alloys, a satin aluminium upper grille and surround, ebony lower grille, and body-coloured lower rear bumper.
Further Puma variants models including the Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X are also now available.
Bucking the trend for wedge-style crossover profiles, the Puma features a low, sloping roofline to differentiate itself from competitors.
Pronounced wheel arches amplifying the sporty character, while the headlights are featured high up on the bonnet to differentiate the Puma from other Ford models. Extending forward to the instantly recognisable front grille, the headlamps give Puma a bold, aerodynamic front design.
The upscale interior promises to be innovative and inviting, with the Puma being the first vehicle in its segment to offer hands-free tailgate and Lumbar Massage Seat comfort and convenience technologies. A wireless charging pad, Bluetooth connectivity, SYNC3 infotainment system with touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, 12.3in digital instrument cluster and an optional 10-speaker B&O sound system also feature.
Other practical features include a full-length openable panorama roof, park assist, post-collision braking, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and new Local Hazard Information.
Perhaps the real head-turner is an ingenious flexible rear storage solution. This ‘Ford MegaBox’ allows you to lift the load bay floor, fold it against the back seat and use it as an additional flat storage area. The storage solution offers a capacity of 80 litres in a space 763mm wide, 752mm long and 305mm deep.
The regular boot promises best-in-class uncompromised load space and rear luggage space of 456 litres with the rear seats up. The car made an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside a range of other Fords that are set for an electrified future.