Ford remains one of the UK’s most popular car brands, with a range of best-selling cars – including models like the Fiesta and Focus.
But in recent years, there’s been another entry to Ford’s popular range – the Puma crossover. Arriving right at the end of 2019, it was a brand new model for the firm, reviving a nameplate used on an affordable, fun coupe from the early 2000s.
It’s safe to say that the revived Puma has proven an enormous success, too, with more than 26,000 registered in 2020, and in excess of 18,000 being delivered in 2021 so far – making it the UK’s most popular crossover/SUV.
But what’s behind the Puma’s success? Let’s take a look.
Just like a Fiesta to drive
Under the surface there are plenty of similarities between the Puma and Ford’s Fiesta hatchback, and there are few better cars to be linked with, not least when it comes to driving pleasure.
Typically crossovers aren’t all that much fun to drive, but Ford ensured that its Puma was different, as it’s impressively agile and rewarding, feeling just as good behind the wheel as many superminis.
Funky styling
Despite the links to the Fiesta, Ford has made sure it’s not just a raised version of the regular hatchback, but its own car entirely. With chunky wheelarches and that all-important raised driving position, it looks suitably different and SUV-like.
Fancy LED lights help to add plenty of road presence, while the tall upright grille is another cool detail. If you fancy something that looks a bit sportier, there are also a range of ST-Line trim levels that help to make it stand out further.
Practical interior
A key draw to a crossover or a small SUV over a conventional hatchback is the increased spaciousness and versatility. Not only is there easier access because they’re higher up off the ground, but also a larger interior.
That’s exactly the case with the Puma, with plenty more passenger space than you’ll get with a Fiesta, while the 456-litre boot is a very generous size, too. We also can’t forget about the Puma’s party trick – its MegaBox. Essentially a separate 80-litre storage area beneath the boot floor, it’s ideal for extending this Ford’s boot further or enabling taller items to be stood upright.
Efficient hybrid engines
Ford is seriously ramping up its electrification offensive, and the Puma was one of the brand’s first showcases of mild-hybrid powertrains, which have since been introduced to the Fiesta and Focus, too.
Here, they combine a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a small electric motor that assists, enabling greater efficiency and additional performance. With a claimed fuel economy figure of 52.3mpg, and CO2 emissions of 122g/km, it’s easy to see the benefits of this electrification when it comes to running costs.
Sporty ST model available
Ford has also extended the Puma range with a hot ST model – featuring exactly the same 197bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine as the Fiesta ST, which enables particularly sprightly performance.
It’s not just outright pace that the ST is about, though, but the thrills – with weighty steering, super sticky tyres and impressive traction truly making this Puma feel just like a hot hatch.
Enquire on a new Ford Puma
