The new Ford Puma has just gone on sale here, which Ford says, introduces advanced, fuel-saving mild-hybrid powertrain technology alongside class-leading practicality and head-turning design for compact crossover customers.
Ford adds that its powerful, responsive performance and optimised fuel efficiency is delivered using Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology. It seamlessly integrated electric torque assistance with a low-friction, three-cylinder 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver 125PS.
In Ireland, the new Puma is being offered in three series - Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X. All three are five-door and power comes from the 1.0 turbo EcoBoost petrol mHEV delivering 125PS, with claimed WLTP CO2 of 127g/km. And the entry level Puma Titanium has a price tag of €24,465.
Standard specification for the Puma Titanium includes: 17-inch machined alloy wheels; projector headlamps with LED day time running lamps; auto high beam; pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking; eight-inch SYNC with navigation, and FordPass Connect modem; keyless start; electronic a/c; lumber massage driver and passenger seats; ambient lighting; wireless charging; cruise control with adjustable speed limiter; rear spoiler.
The Puma is a new chapter in Ford’s design identity with styling cues including distinctive wing-top mounted headlamps and athletic lines. SUV-inspired proportions deliver a raised ride-height for a confidence-enhancing driving experience, and support class-leading uncompromised luggage capacity of 456 litres.
Advanced driver assistance technologies delivering a simpler and less stressful driving experience includes: Adaptive cruise control with stop and go, speed sign recognition and lane centring for effortlessly negotiating highway and stop-start traffic, and new local hazard information, which can inform the driver of hazardous situations on the road ahead before they become visible to the driver or vehicle sensors
“We think new Puma will prove very popular in the Irish market,” says John Manning, of Ford Ireland. “The small crossover/SUV segment is very much a growing one in Ireland with a wide range of models available to prospective buyers. We really feel the Puma has the attributes to stand out from among its competitors: mild hybrid technology, class leading cargo space - thanks to the novelty and practicality of the MegaBox - up-to-the-minute technology, great looks, and most of all, great drivability. Put all of them together and that is a winning formula.”
EcoBoost Hybrid technology enhances Puma’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with an 11.5kW belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG ). Replacing the standard alternator, the BISG enables recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48-volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.
The BISG also acts as a motor, integrating with the engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries.
Ford boasts that Puma’s styling belies unprecedented compact crossover practicality, supported by rear stowage solutions that offer practical solutions to everyday storage problems. It adds that the Puma delivers best-in-class uncompromised load space and rear luggage space of 456 litres. A flexible load compartment can comfortably accommodate a box 112cm long, 97cm wide and 43cm high with the second row of seats folded flat.
For even greater versatility, the Puma’s boot floor can be easily adjusted using just one hand to suit load requirements, and to hold one of three positions in the cargo area.
Loading the Puma is made even easier with Ford’s segment-first hands-free tailgate technology. The system allows access to the boot space even with arms full of groceries, children or sports equipment, using a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper.
I also like that the Puma’s tailgate also features an innovative incorporated parcel shelf solution – solving the challenge of what to do with the parcel shelf when loading, unloading and carrying large items. The tailgate-mounted luggage cover moves in unison with the tailgate and removes the need for side supports, ensuring unhindered access to the rear load area. The flexible luggage cover easily moulds itself around bulky items.
