With the Ford Fiesta discontinued in 2023, that places extra strain on the Puma crossover to hold the torch of the defunct supermini. The hatchback on stilts is Ford’s best-selling passenger automotive in Europe. For 2024, it is getting a mid-cycle replace.
The subcompact crossover has barely modified on the skin, though Ford tells us these headlights with a claw-like signature now make use of matrix LED know-how. The discreetly up to date badge has transitioned to the entrance grille. We’re not noticing any modifications on the rear, however prospects can decide from six colours – together with the brand new Cactus Gray – and several other wheels various from 17 to 19 inches.
Open the doorways and you will be greeted by a projection of the Puma emblem on the bottom. The cabin is considerably completely different with the brand new Sync 4 infotainment put in. The dashboard accommodates a pair of screens whereas the middle air vents have been moved on the prime to make room for the 12.0-inch touchscreen. To its left, the 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster is now not totally built-in into the sprint.
Ford is simplifying the engine lineup for the reason that Puma is now not out there in Europe with a four-cylinder 1.5-liter diesel engine. In addition, the high-performance ST mannequin loses its turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine and six-speed guide gearbox. Going ahead, the sporty one will likely be out there with the smaller 1.0-liter unit and a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated transmission.
It’s a considerable downgrade contemplating the full-fat Puma ST used to have 197 horsepower and 320 Newton-meters (236 pound-feet) of torque. The neutered model – launched nearly a year ago – makes do with simply 168 hp and 248 Nm (183 lb-ft). The mild-hybrid engine allows a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) run in 7.4 seconds, or 0.7 seconds slower than the defunct model outfitted with the larger 1.5-liter engine. Flat out, it could do 130 mph (210 km/h).
The non-ST Puma fashions are additionally getting a turbo 1.0-liter engine with both 123 hp and 210 Nm (154 lb-ft) or 153 hp and 240 Nm (176 lb-ft). The lesser model of the three-pot may be had with a six-speed guide gearbox, through which case the dash is accomplished in 9.8 seconds. Opt for the seven-speed, dual-clutch automated and the run is accomplished in 9.6 seconds. The stronger variant of the tiny EcoBoost engine is auto-only and helps the trendy crossover attain 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.7 seconds.
As promised again in 2022, Ford may even be launching a completely electrical Puma Gen-E. It’s coming later this 12 months and may look nearly the identical because it’ll inherit the platform from the gasoline-fueled mannequin. The EV will likely be constructed alongside the common variants on the firm’s manufacturing unit in Craiova, Romania.