With Ford discontinuing the ever-popular EcoSport in South Africa, the local arm of the Blue Oval brand had a gap to fill in its compact-SUV portfolio. The crossover to do it? The Puma. Available in two flavours, each sporting the firm’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, this model has now officially launched in SA. But what can you expect of this derivative? We highlight everything you need to know about the Puma, including each trim line’s specifications and how much they cost.
Let’s start with the exterior. Titanium grade — priced from R569 900 — features several exterior chrome accents; 17-inch alloy wheels, finished in black; and gloss black window surrounds. The flagship ST-Line Vignale variant — priced from R613 900 — is equipped with a model-specific grille, complete with matte-black trim elements; a roof-mounted rear spoiler; and black 18-inch alloys. What’s more, the range-topping derivative gains sports suspension. Checking the option box next to the ST-Line Styling Pack adds an opening panoramic sunroof, black constrast roof, and electric adjustment for the front passenger’s pew.
And what about the interior? An infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android auto is present. In addition to its 8.0-inch central touchscreen, the ST-Line Vignale gains a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The top-spec also features a Bang & Olufson sound system.
As mentioned, the Puma is equipped with Ford’s 1.0-litre turbocharged triple. The petrol unit produces 92 kW and 170 Nm, which is transferred to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
“The Ford Puma is a sophisticated urban compact SUV that combines a sporty design matched to exceptional interior functionality and unsurpassed connected technology to meet the demands of dynamic young individuals and professionals,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.
“As a new addition to our local line-up, the Puma builds on Ford’s reputation for producing trend-setting sports utility vehicles. It will capitalize on the rapidly growing and very competitive SUV segment, and the compact crossover category in particular, which has become immensely popular,” Mashinini says. “The Puma has been a huge success in Europe, and we are delighted that this model is now available to our South African customers.”
