Same name but new look as Puma roars back on scene

Memories of the Ford Puma of a couple of decades ago conjure up an image of a Fiesta-based coupe car with little space and an eye-catching design.

Now the name is back, and it’s nothing like the original. It is Ford’s time to join the small crossover gang and the new Puma is a delightful adaptation of the genre.

Launched in Ireland this week, we are presented with a punchy new car that looks a quite different to the norm and drives like a Ford should. Here is a new chapter in Ford designer’s imaginative styling with its distinctive wing-top mounted headlamps and athletic lines.

You get the raised ride-height that everyone seems to want nowadays, but you also get an enchanting driving experience typical of every other Ford.

Mechanically, you get Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt technology that enhances Puma’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with an 11.5 kW belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG). This enables recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48 volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.

It 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.

In Ireland, the new Puma is offered in three series: Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X.

At €24,465 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; 8-inch SYNC with Navigation and FordPass Connect modem; keyless start; electronic a/c; lumber massage driver & passenger seats; ambient lighting; wireless charging; cruise control with adjustable speed limiter; and a rear spoiler.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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