This is the NEW Ford Puma
Ford is reviving the Puma badge and attaching it to a new Fiesta-based Crossover / SUV due to go on sale in early 2020.
The Ford Puma was a sporty coupe from Ford, based on the Fiesta, and with quite a loyal following. But it went the way of that other much loved sporty Ford Coupe – the Capri – as Ford became more focused and corporate in it lineup. But now the Ford Puma returns.
But this 2019, not 1997 when the last Puma arrived, so rather than a slightly funky and appealing little Fiesta-based Coupe we get what, we hope, is a slightly funky little Fiesta-based…SUV.
Yes, Ford is bringing back the Ford Puma as a Crossover /SUV of Fiesta size, and it appears it’s keeping the EcoSport as a more affordable alternative to the Ford Puma. Because you can’t have too many SUVs in the 21st century.
The Puma will be revealed more fully in the summer – all we have is Ford’s light show covered image above – and go on sale soon after the new Ford Kuga (that’s the new Kuga that looks like a Ford Focus – there’s a theme here) as Ford tries to play SUV catch-up in Europe.
Inside you can expect the Puma to be mainstream Fiesta, with a few tweaks, and come with a range of engines borrowed from the Fiesta. Although Ford is keen you know it will have the option of a 153bhp mild hybrid with the 1.0 litre EcoBoost mated to a 48V starter motor generator. Expect jobbing Titanium, sporty ST Line and posh Vignale trims to be on offer.
According to Ford: “We think Puma is going to really resonate with compact-car customers in Europe. If you want a car that can turn heads on Friday night, and swallow your flat-pack furniture with ease on Saturday afternoon, then you’ve found it“.
We’ll find out later in the year.
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