By Kelly Fisher
When did compact crossovers become the new hot hatch? It seems like yesterday we were fawning over the Fiesta ST, but now we’re fawning over compact crossovers and seeing more of these on the road than ever before. Adding to the volume of compact corssovers is Ford’s Puma. This is the first time in a while that the Blue Oval is giving us an all-new passenger car instead of just slapping some fancy stickers on their existing range.
So, what’s the deal with this Puma?
Well, it’s essentially a Fiesta on stilts, much like how a VW T-Roc is a jacked-up Golf. But don’t let that fool you. Ford’s positioning the Puma as a premium offering, a far cry from the budget-friendly EcoSport, which is the vehicle that everyone is saying this replaces. It’s got decent looks to back it up, but admittedly the price tag might make you wince. We’re talking north of R610,000 for the fancy ST-Line Vignale model. Throw in some options, and you’re dancing dangerously close to bigger SUV territory.
Under the bonnet, it’s business as usual
Pop the bonnet, and you’ll find Ford’s trusty 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. In this guise, it’s good for 92 kW and 170 Nm – not earth-shattering, but peppy enough for the school run and weekend getaways. The 7-speed auto keeps things ticking along nicely.
It’s got party tricks up its sleeve
Inside, it’s a mixed bag. The rear seats are a bit tight – if you have gangly teenagers like we do, they might grumble on long trips. But the boot? That’s where the Puma shines. Ford’s cooked up this clever “Megabox” – a rubberized tub perfect for muddy boots or that wetsuit you impulse-bought when you decided to take on surfing as a new hobby. It’s the kind of practical thinking that makes you wonder why other manufacturers didn’t think of it first.
On the road, it’s more warm hatch than high-rider.
Here’s where the Puma really surprised me. Despite its elevated stance, this cat can dance. The steering’s sharp, the body control is tight, and it corners with enthusiasm. It’s genuinely fun to drive, which isn’t something I often say about crossovers.
Tech-wise, it’s a bit of a mixed grill.
The Puma comes loaded with gadgets, especially in the ST-Line Vignale trim. But the infotainment system feels a bit last-season compared to some rivals. It’s like showing up to a party in last year’s fashions – not a deal-breaker, but you might feel a tad self-conscious.
Verdict
The Ford Puma is a charmer. It’s got style (in its own quirky way), it’s practical, and it’s more fun to drive than it has any right to be. If you’ve got the cash, the sticker price doesn’t throw you off, and want something that stands out from the crossover crowd, the Puma’s worth a look.