Ford’s new Puma has already wiped the floor in the compact crossover class – impressing with its enjoyable driving experience, clever practicality and efficient powertrains.
Despite only arriving in showrooms at the start of 2020, it’s also already scooped various high-profile awards – including What Car?’s Car of the Year.
And another way in which it impresses is on the technology front. Here are five highlights from it…
Clever mild-hybrid technology
One of the highlights of the new Puma is its clever mild-hybrid powertrains, which are included as standard on all versions featuring a manual gearbox.
The system works by mating Ford’s acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine together with an 11.5kW belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG), which replaces an alternator. It allows for energy to be recovered that would usually be lost – then storing it in a battery to be used for additional performance and efficiency. With this system, it offers 40Nm more torque, along with mild reductions to fuel consumption and running costs, all with no compromise.
Massaging seats
Massaging seats are usually something you’d expect to find on the likes of Bentleys and flagship Mercedes models, but impressively Ford throws them in as standard on the Puma.
It’s the first car of this class to feature the tech, which helps to take the stress out of driving, as well as making the experience more comfortable. Both the front seats are massaging, too.
B&O Play sound system
If you like your music, having a good sound system is a must, and you won’t be disappointed with the B&O Play premium audio system on the Puma.
Fitted to high-spec ST-Line X and ST-Line X Vignale trim levels, the system gets an impressive 10 speakers – more so given the Puma’s cabin isn’t the largest.
Full digital instrument cluster
Digital instrument clusters are commonplace on upmarket models, but are now making their way onto models like the Puma, too.
All but entry-level Titanium versions of the Puma feature a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It allows you to personalise and prioritise the information you want on display. As well as being great to use, it also looks brilliant – giving the Puma a seriously upmarket and modern feel.
Impressive safety kit
Small cars are now safer than ever, and the Puma’s no exception – especially if you decide to tick the option box for the Driver Assistance Pack.
Do this and you’re treated to adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, along with an impressive self-parking function, which is ideal if you have to get into a tight parking bay or aren’t the most confident of drivers.
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