FORD Puma

The entry-level Ford Puma has become the king in the world of B-SUVs. It is meant to be loved by those who, 20 years ago, were teenagers and loved that little sport-coupe car from Ford. Except that, this time, the Puma is a crossover built in Eastern Europe after a 1.8 billion dollars investment, not a compact sports car built in Germany. Like the old Puma, which introduced a new design language (new-edge design), the new Puma starts a new generation of Ford electrified vehicles. It features a 48-volt architecture and it is a mild-hybrid with underfloor batteries. The new Ford Puma will have only one engine: the 1.0-liter EcoBoost with three cylinders and three power versions, starting with a 125 hp (same as the original Puma) and ending with a 155 hp version. Except for the base model, all the other trim levels will have a mild-hybrid function. The small, 4.2m (13.7 ft) crossover Puma is able to carry 456 liters (16 cu-ft) of luggage. But don't expect something extraordinary from the available passenger space. Five people will fit inside, but not for the longest drive of your life. Those who will share the backseat are not going to be very happy after a 2-hour drive. The new Puma also introduces the newest Ford infotainment system, SYNC 3. The system allows users to keep their phone in the wireless charging point, while they can browse or listen to music uninterrupted. If it had been launched a year earlier the Puma would have been the no-brainer choice in the class. But it’s got some handy new rivals: second-generation Juke, Captur and 2008, plus the VW T-Cross. Even so, it’s an impressively rounded thing. Its combination of an interesting engine, strong cornering and dignified ride are hard to match in the class, and the interior is cleverly versatile as well as nicely furnished. The Puma is a distinguished newcomer in an undistinguished class, and ticks the usual boxes with a flourish each time. Ford’s crossover is the most fun to drive, extremely eye-catching and packing a really sweet powertrain if you stump up for a mild-hybrid. To me, a small-SUV is a contradiction in terms: either enjoy the superior agility and frugality of a supermini, or upgrade to a bigger SUV if you need genuine spaciousness and versatility. Simply put, the Puma is as good as it gets in the world of B-SUVs.