Skip advert
Advertisement

New Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line Vignale review

Premium-spec, auto gearbox and high price show the Ford Puma SUV in a different light

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,565 off RRP*
Find your Ford Puma
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Verdict

The seven-speed auto doesn't really fit with the Puma's sporty character, and we'd only recommend it if you must have a self shifter. Instead, pocket the saving by going for the more involving, quicker and more efficient manual model. Adding Vignale extras to ST-Line X spec seems an extravagance, too, unless you really need all the creature comforts it provides.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the new Ford Puma ST is winning plaudits with hot hatch-style entertainment, at launch it only comes with a manual gearbox. If you're after a Puma that takes the strain out of driving by shifting the gears for you, then you need to look at the standard range, specifically the 123bhp EcoBoost turbo petrol, which can be had with a seven-speed auto. 

Of course, this three-cylinder motor can't deliver the kind of pace that the ST has, but go for this engine in top-spec ST-Line Vignale trim, and the price is pretty punchy. It's the most expensive non-ST Puma in the range at £26,940, which is only £1,555 less than the hot model. It's also £1,650 more than ST-Line X trim, and for that you get a decent haul of extra kit. 

There's a new 18-inch wheel design, LED headlights with a different running light signature, extra chrome on the grille and bodywork, lots of extra leather inside, including plush heated seats with lumbar massage, a heated steering wheel, front parking sensors and keyless entry. The exterior updates are subtle - you really need to park a Vignale side-by-side with an ST Line X to spot them – but the seats do feel comfortable to sit in. It has a sporty feel, too, because while the Puma has SUV-inspired looks, the driving position isn't really any taller than a supermini's.

On the road, the Puma feels remarkably supermini-like to drive, too. There's a touch more body roll, but it's by no means wallowy, and while the steering is direct and the handling on the sporty side, there's no real feedback through the wheel. The ride is also a little fidgety at low speeds on 18-inch wheels, so we'd recommend steering clear of the optional 19-inch wheels that are available. Things smooth out the faster you go, though.

While the seven-speed auto helps to take the strain out of motorway cruising, at lower speeds it can be frustrating. When pulling away, the electronics are eager to short shift to a high gear as quickly as possible, but this seems to take the engine out of its power band as the revs drop, so the Puma feels sluggish around town. It's also rather jerky in its shifts, and doesn't make for smooth progress. 

There are steering wheel paddles that allow you to take manual control of the shifts, and when you do, the gearbox is easier to manage - let the engine revs climb before you change up, and the Puma is far smoother to drive. However, that seems to be the antithesis of choosing an auto in the first place.

Model:Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost auto ST-Line Vignale
Price:£26,940
Engine:1.0-litre 3cyl turbo
Power/torque:123bhp/200Nm
Transmission:Seven-speed auto, front-wheel drive
0-62mph:10.2 secs
Top speed:116mph
Economy/CO2:53.3mpg/141g/km
On sale:Now
Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

Our latest car deals

Ford Puma

Ford Puma

RRP £25,650Avg. savings £2,565 off RRP*Compare Offers
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £3,518 off RRP*Compare Offers
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £1,836 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £21,210Avg. savings £1,862 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales
Omoda E5 - front tracking

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales

A newspaper column and whispers suggest that government-backed cheap EV loans could be coming to stimulate market
News
2 Dec 2024
New Ford Puma Gen-E arrives to challenge the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger
Ford Puma Gen-E - front studio

New Ford Puma Gen-E arrives to challenge the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger

Despite being based on the petrol car, electric Ford Puma gets bespoke features and a massive boot
News
3 Dec 2024
Mk1 Ford Escort to make a comeback on December 12
Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort teaser

Mk1 Ford Escort to make a comeback on December 12

Boreham Motorworks is bringing the original Ford Escort back to market and has big plans for other classic Ford reincarnations.
News
2 Dec 2024