Ford Puma review
Ford’s small sporty crossover combines SUV style with five-door hatchback practicality. The Puma is as easy and fun to drive as a supermini. Yet when you get inside, it’s surprisingly spacious and comfortable. Add to that the impressive array of gadgets on-board and you might start to get interested in adopting this little Puma. All this and more in our Ford Puma review below.
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Pros
- Excellent to drive
- Punchy engine
- High-quality interior
Cons
- Rear space could be slightly better
- Only one engine (but it's a great one)
Interior
Our rating: 9/10
The Puma’s cabin shares much of its design with Britain’s most popular car, the Fiesta. So, it’s off to a great start. And, compared to some jazzy crossover rivals, it offers a more reserved look, if that's what you're after.
All around the interior the materials are generally good quality. Everything feels durable and well put together.
Since the Puma is a bit bigger than a Fiesta, there’s more space inside for passengers.
Even if the back roof-line looks sloping, clever interior design means there’s still plenty of leg and headroom in the rear seats.
Tech and features
Ford’s familiar eight-inch touchscreen system dominates the dash. It’s a clear, easy-to-use controller for the music, connectivity, and infotainment options.
The driver gets digital instruments and a nicely adaptable driving position. The rest of the dashboard space is left uncluttered – most buttons are on the steering wheel.
Generous levels of kit add to the appeal. All Pumas get phone connectivity, cruise control and wireless charging. Higher trim levels get leather, bigger touchscreens and a B&O sound system.
Look for the few special editions with premium luxuries like a heated steering wheel, rear-view camera, and panoramic glass sunroof.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
Handling and ride comfort
The Puma is based on the Fiesta – one of the best-handling small hatchbacks. That’s a great start. It means the suspension is tried and tested.
The result is a car that handles much like a hot hatch. It corners neatly, without any tall SUV body roll.
It handles rough roads and British potholes without wallowing like a bouncy castle. It’s smooth and comfortable on motorways, and best of all, it’s fun.
Take the Puma on some open country roads, and it will leave a smile on the driver’s face. All versions are rather nippy, the ST models are very swift.
Practicality
Our rating: 9/10
Boot space
More ingenious design means Ford has created a Tardis-like boot. Somehow the Puma’s load space is bigger than the boot in a Ford Focus, which is a much bigger car.
There’s hardly a loading lip to overcome, and the space is wide and square, making it easy for most types of load.
The floor can be lowered or lifted for more storage underneath, and of course, the back seats can be folded down as usual.
The ultra-flexible parcel shelf hides your luggage and simply wraps around things that stick up a bit too high.
High-spec versions get a powered tailgate that can be opened by waving your foot under the back bumper.
Running costs
Our rating: 9/10
Fuel economy
The mild hybrid petrol engines have good performance allied to fuel economy of between 46 and 50mpg.
Tax, insurance and servicing are low. With the UK’s widest network of dealers, Ford servicing is easy and generally well-priced. Ford’s three-year warranty is merely average among rivals.
Reliability
There are limited reports about Puma reliability so far. Latest surveys show the mechanically similar Fiesta roughly average among rivals so expect the Puma to match that.
The verdict
Interior
9/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
9/10
Running costs
9/10
The Ford Puma is a practical, stylish small crossover that’s big on space and fun.
It's super practical, with a roomy cabin and durable build quality, so you'll be comfy even on long motorway journeys – including for passengers.
Plus, all versions come with a touchscreen system, and some nice premium touches throughout.
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