WITH THE DEMISE OF HOLDEN, Ford needs to be proactive to fill the gap. One model they must be hoping will be successful is their new small SUV, the Puma.
The Puma exterior is distinguished by 17-inch alloy wheels machine-finished in Pearl Grey. Up front, chrome grille elements emboss the front grille and fog light surrounds, adjacent to the LED headlights, with these elements continued for the side skirts. The rear diffuser and skid plate are metallic grey, with the window surrounds in high-gloss black finish.
Applied across the Puma range is the award-winning 1.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost three-cylinder engine, teamed with a seven-speed automatic transmission and offered exclusively in front-wheel drive. With 92kW and 170Nm, the Puma’s EcoBoost engine includes high pressure direct fuel injection, twin-independent variable cam timing and fuel saving cylinder deactivation.
Developed by Ford of Europe, the EcoBoost engine is an eleven-time winner of the International Engine of the Year Awards, and brings Puma a fuel efficiency figure of 6.3L/100km.
The Puma is the first urban SUV from Ford to be equipped with Selectable Drive Modes. Five Drive Modes can be selected: Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery and Trail, with a unique graphic display in the instrument cluster indicating the chosen mode:
- Normal: For everyday driving
- Sport: Created for spirited driving
- Eco: Prioritises maximum efficiency
- Slippery: Designed to bring increased confidence on surfaces with reduced grip, such as wet roads, snow and ice
- Trail: Intended to help maintain momentum on soft, deformable surfaces like a sandy beach or powdery dirt road
Puma also offers a comfortable, user-centric interior that delivers livability and convenience with generous passenger space and cargo capacity. The Puma has a 2588mm wheelbase enabling generous legroom (by the standards of the class) for all occupants. The 60/40 split-fold rear seat can be lowered for greater cargo space of up to 1170 litres, with a generous 410-litre boot space with the second-row seat in place. Security and convenience are also considered, with the Ford-patented liftgate-mounted parcel shelf, which flexes to allow cargo of various shapes and sizes to be held in place, while seamlessly integrating into the tailgate when not in use.
Puma: well-rounded, highly-equipped
The Puma is a comprehensively equipped SUV that includes standard features not previously offered in an urban-sized SUV from Ford. Safety and driver comfort have been a primary focus for the Ford Puma, and an essential part of its development for more discerning, selective buyers in a hotly-contested segment for both Australian and New Zealand.
In addition, Driver Assistance Technology, convenience and safety tech as standard on Puma – and across the line-up – includes:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Warning Lane Keep Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Cruise Control
- Driver Impairment Monitor
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Tyre Pressure Monitor
- Emergency Assistance
- Airbags – driver, front passenger, front seat side and side curtain
In addition, a Park Package is available as an option across the Puma line-up, and includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centring
- Active Park Assist with front, side and rear ultrasonic sensors
- Front parking sensors
- Blind Spot Detection (BLIS)
Interior décor: Puma panache
The Puma’s interior is designed to blend simplistic, elegant lines and functionality with comfort and convenience. The Puma cabin space allows easy entry and egress, before a smartly designed interior featuring tactile surfaces and user-centric layout for the driver, instruments and controls. This includes the convenience of push-button start/stop, in addition to carbon-look appliques for the cluster bezel and instrument panel, complementing distinctive fabric inserts for the doors.
The Puma features a leather-wrap steering wheel, which hosts fingertip control for voice-activated sat-nav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto commands. Smartphone convenience is also enhanced with wireless charging for compatible devices, with two USB outputs as well as a 12V power outlet adding flexibility for additional device use by passengers or for laptop or tablet support.
Puma’s audio system includes a seven-speaker system with AM/FM/DAB+ radio, with Bluetooth-enabled audio streaming and app compatibility with apps including Spotify, and Waze. The in-built voice-activated sat-nav is accessible via the 8.0-inch full colour centre display. The large, floating screen doubles as a 180-degree reversing camera, aiding Puma’s ability to sneak into tight parking spaces without a hitch.
FordPass Connect brings even greater accessibility, convenience and capability to Puma owners through their compatible smartphone. The FordPass Connect embedded modem is standard in all Puma models and brings several services that are designed to simplify customers’ ownership experience, placing key vehicle information in the palm of their hand. These include access to roadside assistance, the ability to schedule a service online and check their recent service history, their owners’ manual, and even a convenient way to get in touch with a ‘Ford Guide’, who can assist – by phone or email – with any queries about connected services.
Standard interior features for 2020 Ford Puma include:
- SYNC 3 with voice-activated in-built satellite navigation
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
- Wireless smartphone charging
- FordPass Connect embedded modem
- FordPass app compatibility
- AM/FM/DAB+ radio
- Bluetooth-enabled audio streaming
- 8.0-inch full colour touchscreen
- 180-degree full colour split-view reverse camera
Puma ST-Line
The Puma ST-Line adds a sporting character to the Puma design and look. Instantly recognisable courtesy of a unique front-end treatment, the ST-Line brings a matte-black grille and ST-Line exclusive front bumper, with more aggressive yet restrained fog-light surrounds and muscular detailing.
The Puma ST-Line’s lower stance is achieved by 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, housed in colour-coded wheel arch surrounds, and a sports suspension tune. The Puma ST-Line look is completed by a larger ST-Line integrated rear spoiler.
Red-stitched interior trim detail is applied to the gear selector, centre console, doors and dash. The driver is presented with a 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument cluster and flat-bottomed steering, which is also finished with red-stitching. Paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel and metallic foot pedals are included in the package.
Above the Puma, the Puma ST-Line equipment package includes:
- 17-inch ST-Line machine finished five-spoke alloy wheels
- ST-Line matte black grille
- ST-Line front apron
- ST-Line side skirts
- ST-Line rear apron treatment
- ST-Line rear integrated spoiler
- ST-Line sports suspension
- 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument cluster
- Flat-bottom ST-Line leather steering wheel Race Red stitching
- Paddle shifters
- Race Red stitching on dash, door trim, dash and gear selector
- ST-Line sports seats with red stitching
- Metallic ST-Line foot pedals
Puma ST-Line V: premium sports
The Puma ST-Line V is a new premium equipment grade that sees a sporting, dynamic spirit combined with high-end materials, features and style. The V signifies Vignale, and sees the Puma ST-Line V presented with chrome detailing applied to the window surrounds, as well as front- and rear-end styling treatments. Providing a more stylish look, privacy glass brings a bold contrast to the chrome-finish window surrounds, while 18-inch alloy wheels are exclusive to the ST-Line V.
The ST-Line V also adds leather-accented seating with subtle grey stitching, which extends to the gear selector, centre console, door trims and dash finish. Electronic climate control, 10-speaker B&O Play audio with subwoofer also elevate the cabin experience for ST-Line V occupants. Smart keyless entry is further enhanced with a hands-free powered tailgate, which includes a customisable height setting for smaller spaces.
Above the Puma ST-Line, the Puma ST-Line V package includes:
- 18-inch machine finished 10-spoke alloy wheels
- Chrome detailed grille
- Chrome fog-light bezels
- Chrome window surrounds
- Chrome rear bumper details
- Privacy glass
- Smart Keyless Entry
- Flat-bottom leather steering wheel with Metal Grey stitching
- Leather-accented seating with Metal Grey stitching
- Automatic Climate Control
- B&O Play 10-speaker audio with subwoofer
- Hands-free powered tailgate
2020 Ford Puma prices
| Recommended (plus on road costs) | |
| Puma | $29,990 |
| Puma ST-Line | $32,340 |
| Puma ST-Line V | $35,540 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Ford Puma, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.