Name: Ford Puma Review
Item: Ford Puma
Author: Gumtree.com

The new Ford Puma is a crossover compact SUV first launched in 2019 – not to be confused with another sport compact vehicle of the same name discontinued in 2002. Keen drivers will be delighted to know that the Puma feels just like a crossover should. It’s got a punchy engine, nimble handling, and it’s engaging to drive in the city and countryside alike. The interior is surprisingly spacious, despite its compact five-seat design. If you want a comfy family SUV with a quirky vibe, then look no further than the Ford Puma.

Visit the Ford Puma model page for the full range and more details on the model.

What we think about the Ford Puma

Bold design is perhaps the Puma’s most impressive feature, making it stand out from other crossover SUVs. It’s highly practical and comfortable, offering an enjoyable ride.

Pros

Powerful and economical engine trims

Spacious interior with generous cargo space

Cons

–

Handling will take time to adjust to

–

Complicated infotainment system

The 2020 version of the Ford Puma has a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine version, as well as a similar mild-hybrid variant. Its fuel efficiency is impressive, and it’s rated highly for safety. Besides the basic Puma trim, there are also ST-Line and ST-Line V grades available, both with slightly improved features.

Driving performance of the Ford Puma

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

This is definitely a fun car to drive, with accurate and nimble cornering, and good grip on the road. That said, the manual six-speed gearbox can be difficult to get used to at first, resulting in the occasional awkward shift. Ford’s light steering is a breeze, but it fails to give a real, satisfying feeling of connection to the road. The ride is comfortable, though – the Puma’s suspension means you don’t feel many bumps, even on rougher surfaces.

Safety and reliability of the Ford Puma

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

Euro NCAP awarded the Puma a full five-star rating in 2019. Protection for adults scored 94%, while child protection scored 84%. A number of safety features come as standard, including pre-collision assist, which helps to brake when a potential collision is detected. The optional Driver Assistance Pack also offers blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control – the latter keeping you at a safe distance from the car ahead while cruising. A unique touch is the Puma’s Local Hazard Information system, a technology that informs other cars using the same software of road-based hazards in their area.

Under the bonnet of the Ford Puma

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The base model of Ford Puma offers a reasonable 128 bhp. It’s got a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine, providing a decent amount of power for its size. Acceleration is average, hitting 60mph from standing in 10 seconds, and most trims usually top out at around 120 mph. An alternative is the mild-hybrid, which offers better torque than the petrol-only version with the same horsepower, and manages to do 0-60 mph slightly faster at 9.8 seconds.

What you'll find in the Ford Puma

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Ford Puma’s stylish and sleek aesthetic is partly based on recent Ford Focus models, though its large front grille, sharp rear hatch and bulging wheel guards give the Puma some desirable SUV muscle. Large, high mounted headlights and taillights complement this bold design, and 17-inch alloy wheels come as standard – a nice touch for sure. Overall, the Puma’s curves are smooth and sculpted, creating a sporty feel that really stands out on such a compact SUV.

Comfort and interiors in the Ford Puma

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The interior of the 2020 Ford Puma is functional but classy, with some splashes of colour and a modern feel to the fixtures. Despite the cabin’s small size, legroom is decent thanks to the efficient use of space. There’s also an impressive 410 litres of cargo space, in part due to Ford’s MegaBox feature – an 80-litre compartment beneath the floor of the boot, ideal for muddy shoes after a family adventure (a drain plug is also included in its base). You can make use of large pockets in the front doors for even more storage.

What features you'll find in the Ford Puma

Our Features Rating8 / 10

Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system is available through the Puma’s eight-inch touchscreen, which comes as standard. A 12.3-inch digital dashboard is also available as an extra on the latest model, offering a range of customisation options for what kind of vehicle info you want to see. If you’re a feature-focused buyer, check out models with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite. This brings in a number of new safety features, as well as the Local Hazard Information system that provides real-time notifications of things such as road closures. A panoramic sunroof and massaging front seats are also available as add-ons, as is a powerful Bang & Olufsen sound system with eight speakers.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Ford Puma

Our Fuel Consumption Rating9 / 10

All versions of the Puma’s innovative EcoBoost engine offer great fuel efficiency, particularly considering their relatively high power output. The most recent model has a 128 bhp mild-hybrid engine and a more powerful 153 bhp variant, and they both run for up to 50.4 miles on a gallon of petrol. Without the electrical storage assistance of the hybrid system, the basic petrol engine is able to provide 48.7 miles to the gallon, which is still impressive for its class.

Running costs of the Ford Puma

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

Superior fuel efficiency makes the Ford Puma one of the cheaper SUVs to run. Ford offers a three-year warranty as standard with the vehicle, and a service is necessary once a year. The car’s insurance costs are relatively low as a result of the smaller engine and good safety rating. Many reports indicate that the Puma is likely to retain a decent amount of its value over the years, with notably less depreciation than other cars once they’ve put some miles on the clock.

Our verdict of the Ford Puma

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

A family-friendly SUV that's as thoughtfully spacious as it is exciting to drive, this sporty crossover is equally comfortable on city streets and demanding country terrain.

Ford Puma Review