New 2020 Ford Puma: prices announced
Ford’s latest compact SUV is available to order now, priced from £20,845
Ford has announced its new Puma crossover will start from £20,845, with prices climbing to £27,345 for the range-topping models. Available to order now, first customers will be able to take delivery in January.
Initially three launch editions will go on sale. The range kicks off with the Puma Titanium First Edition, which is priced from £22,295. Standard equipment includes heated and massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera. Its fitted with a 123bhp 48V mild-hybrid version of Ford’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine.
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Ford’s mid-range launch edition model is the Puma ST-Line X First Edition, priced from £25,195. Additions include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, sports suspension, a digital instrument binnacle, aluminum pedals, a powered tailgate and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system.
It is offered with a 123bhp or 153bhp version of Ford’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost mild-hybrid powertrain. Both engines come paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The range-topping launch edition model is the Ford Puma ST-Line X Plus First Edition, priced from £27,345. Additional kit includes19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic glass roof. It’s fitted with Ford’s 153bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain.
The Puma range is also bolstered by a cheaper, standard issue Titanium model priced from £20,845 and an ST-Line and ST-Line X, priced from £21,795 and £22,895. The engine range will also grow to include a 94bhp petrol engine, a diesel engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Ford has not forgotten the growing trend for performance SUVs - a hot Puma using the Fiesta ST’s powertrain will be with us in 2020, too. A camoufladged Puma ST has already been spotted, sporting a dual pipe exhuast, bigger wheels and more aggressive body trim.
New 2020 Ford Puma: design
The new Puma is designed to plug the gap in Ford’s line-up between the EcoSport and the forthcoming new Kuga. It’ll rival the fast-approaching new versions of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008.
The original Puma was a svelte coupé based on the Fiesta, and for the badge’s 2020s reboot, Ford has again pinched the best-selling supermini’s platform. But this time the firm has added a five-door SUV body that’s 46mm longer, 54mm higher, 71mm wider and has a 95mm longer wheelbase than the Fiesta.
At the front is Ford’s distinctive grille, but from here onwards it stands apart from the firm’s other SUVs. The headlights, high up on the bonnet, could be seen as a reference to the original Puma, and on ST-Line models the daytime running lights are a nod to a more modern Ford coupé: the GT supercar.
The interior is typical of a modern Ford. It’s essentially the Fiesta’s dashboard, with its simple design, SYNC3 infotainment system and decent materials. However, there are some bespoke features, like a digital display for the dials and zippable covers for the front and rear seats, which not only allow owners to mix and match patterns and colours, but also wash them should they need to.
The boot is the big surprise of the whole Puma package. With a capacity of 456 litres, it’s right up there with the largest in the class – but that’s only half of the story. There’s also a hands-free tailgate, while the parcel shelf is a piece of material so that it moulds around tall items in the boot.
In addition, the load bay floor can be raised to give a flat cargo area or lowered to prioritise space, plus it can be folded against the back seats. Do this and you will create a large space that can swallow a couple of small suitcases or even take a golf bag standing upright.
New Ford Puma: rivals
Citroen C3 Aircross
Well-established Citroen C3 Aircross scores highly for practicality, with sliding second-row seats.
Peugeot 2008
New platform for second-generation Peugeot 2008 allows brand to make pure-electric edition.
SEAT Arona
Proven MQB tech underpins SEAT’s baby Arona SUV, which has a long list of standard kit.
Skoda Kamiq
Forthcoming Skoda Kamiq SUV from Czech brand should rival new Kuga for boot capacity.
Volkswagen T-Cross
Funky small Volskwagen T-Cross SUV has won many plaudits for combination of cabin space and style.
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