2024 Ford Puma Review: Compact SUV with a Premium Price Tag

Ford has always been known for producing versatile vehicles that cater to a wide range of customers, from the affordable hatchback to the rugged off-roader. The Ford Puma, once a sporty coupe, has now been reimagined as a compact crossover SUV. For the South African market, it’s an interesting addition as Ford’s only small vehicle offering since the exit of popular hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta and Focus. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of the 2024 Ford Puma, breaking down its design, features, performance, and whether it’s worth the premium price tag.

Overview of the Ford Puma

Ford reintroduced the Puma in the global market as a compact crossover to compete in the ever-growing SUV segment. As the smallest SUV offering from Ford in South Africa, it fills a niche for urban dwellers and young families seeking practicality, style, and a dash of sportiness. Here are some of the key stats:

• Engine: 1.0L Turbocharged EcoBoost (92 kW, 170 Nm torque)
• Transmission: 7-speed automatic
• Fuel Economy: Claimed 5.3 L/100 km, tested 6.8 L/100 km
• Trim Levels: Titanium and ST-Line Vignale
• Price: R571,000 for Titanium, R615,000 for ST-Line Vignale

While these numbers look solid on paper, the devil is in the details, and that’s where this review will dive in.

Ford Puma’s Design: Quirky and Modern

One of the most polarizing aspects of the Ford Puma is its design. Some people love the quirky, modern looks, while others are not so fond of its somewhat bulbous shape. For those who appreciate a bit of uniqueness in their cars, the Puma stands out with its distinctive styling cues.

• Exterior: The front fascia is dominated by a wide grille and sleek, aggressive LED headlights, giving the Puma an assertive road presence. Its compact dimensions make it perfect for city driving, but the high ground clearance and crossover body style give it that SUV look and feel.
• Wheels: The Titanium comes with 17-inch wheels, while the sportier ST-Line Vignale steps it up with 18-inch wheels.
• Panoramic Sunroof: Available on the ST-Line Vignale, this feature elevates the cabin experience, making it feel airy and open.

The Ford Puma might not be everyone’s cup of tea design-wise, but it certainly is eye-catching. Whether you find it quirky or just odd will depend entirely on your personal tastes.

Interior Features: Technology Meets Comfort

Ford hasn’t skimped on features in the Puma, offering a range of tech and comfort options that make the interior a pleasant place to be.

• Infotainment System: Both variants come with an 8-inch touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 3 system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system is intuitive and easy to use, although some might find the screen size a little underwhelming for a car at this price point.
• Safety Systems: Lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control come standard. These features make driving both safer and more convenient, especially in city traffic where constant braking and accelerating can become tiresome.
• Driver Display: The Titanium variant features a mix of analog dials and a small digital screen, while the ST-Line Vignale boasts a full digital driver display. The digital dash not only looks cool but also adds to the premium feel of the ST-Line Vignale.
• B&O Sound System: Music lovers will appreciate the 10-speaker B&O audio system available in the ST-Line Vignale. It delivers crisp sound quality and enhances the overall cabin experience.

While the Titanium variant offers a decent array of features, the ST-Line Vignale truly shines with added premium touches like ambient lighting, sportier seats with massage functions, and a panoramic sunroof.

Performance: EcoBoost Power and Handling

The Ford Puma comes with Ford’s well-known 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, which produces 92 kW and 170 Nm of torque. Although these numbers might not seem mind-blowing, the lightweight body of the Puma ensures that it doesn’t feel sluggish in day-to-day driving. For urban commuting and occasional highway driving, this powertrain should suffice.

• Turbocharged Engine: The turbo ensures that the car feels punchy in city driving. However, on steeper inclines or when overtaking at high speeds, the Puma can feel a little underpowered. This lack of torque becomes noticeable, especially if you’re coming from a car with a larger engine.
• 7-Speed Automatic Transmission: The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, shifting gears seamlessly in most driving conditions. Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or cruising on the highway, the Puma performs with agility and ease.
• Fuel Economy: While Ford claims 5.3 L/100 km, real-world tests show around 6.8 L/100 km. While not class-leading, these figures are respectable for a turbocharged engine in this segment.

Driving Dynamics

The Puma’s suspension strikes a balance between comfort and sportiness. Even the ST-Line Vignale, which has a firmer, sportier setup, doesn’t feel overly stiff or uncomfortable. Steering is responsive, and the compact size makes it easy to maneuver through tight city streets. For those looking for a car that’s fun to drive without being too harsh, the Puma delivers.

However, it’s worth noting that the throttle response can be a bit too sensitive at times, especially when pulling away from a standstill. This might take some getting used to, but it’s not a dealbreaker by any means.

Practicality: Rear Space and Cargo Room

One area where the Puma may let down potential buyers is its rear seat space. While the front seats offer plenty of comfort, the rear seats are a bit cramped, especially if taller passengers are sitting in the front.

• Rear Legroom: For adults, the back seats can feel tight, especially with the front seats in a comfortable driving position. There’s also no center armrest or rear air vents, which might be a letdown for some.
• Boot Space: On the other hand, the boot is quite practical for a car of this size. Ford offers innovative features like a height-adjustable load floor and underfloor storage. If you opt for the ST-Line Vignale, you’ll also get a powered tailgate, which adds to the convenience.

Is the Ford Puma Worth Its Price?

When it comes to pricing, the Ford Puma sits on the higher end of the compact SUV spectrum in South Africa. Starting at R571,000 for the Titanium and going up to R615,000 for the ST-Line Vignale, it’s certainly not a cheap option.

What Do You Get for the Money?

• Titanium Variant: Offers a lot of safety and convenience features that are becoming standard in this segment. It’s a well-rounded vehicle for someone looking for a compact crossover with a decent list of features but doesn’t want to break the bank.
• ST-Line Vignale Variant: If you’re after the premium experience with sportier touches, a digital driver display, a panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded sound system, then the ST-Line Vignale is the way to go.

However, at this price point, buyers may be tempted to look at more established brands like Hyundai or Kia, whose compact SUVs often come in at a lower price with similar or even better features. Additionally, the competitive pricing of second-hand vehicles or even cheaper Asian models makes the Puma a tough sell for budget-conscious buyers.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Ford Puma?

The Ford Puma is a well-rounded compact crossover that ticks many boxes. It’s fun to drive, packed with features, and offers quirky styling that stands out from the crowd. However, the price tag may deter potential buyers, especially those who are focused on value for money.

Pros:

• Modern, quirky design
• Loaded with safety and tech features
• Efficient, punchy turbocharged engine
• Smooth and responsive transmission

Cons:

• High price tag for the South African market
• Cramped rear seats
• Sensitive throttle response
• Tough competition from more affordable brands

Ultimately, the Ford Puma is a great choice for someone who wants a compact SUV with a premium feel, but it’s worth taking it for a test drive to see if it justifies the price for you.