It just screams fun: the new ford puma 2020 has the potential to really shake up the compact crossover segment. The small SUV on the platform of the ford fiesta has modern technologies on board and is more practical than any of its competitors, with new ideas that no other carmaker has yet offered. But the biggest unique selling point in the class is the engine with a special mild hybrid system. The ford puma ST-line X test shows what drivers can look forward to and what benefits the new powertrain has to offer. A detailed check of the interior is, of course, also provided.
With its expressive, athletic design, the new design the new ford puma 2020 the eye and leaves a lasting impression. The powerful, yet sympathetic front end is characterized by ford’s characteristic radiator grille. But that’s where the puma differs from the other ford SUVs: the designers positioned the headlights high up. The side view of the puma with its flat, curved roof section also sets attractive accents. The design of the rear end is also a successful eye-catcher: the sleek roof spoiler, the athletically sculpted bumper, the striking taillights and, last but not least, the rear diffuser provide a visually dynamic finish.
© photo: stuart price, ford
The ford puma ST-line X in particular makes a strong impression: a hot body kit with a sportier front apron, dynamically designed side sills with black high-gloss inserts and a striking rear apron make for a hot appearance. A sport suspension with specially tuned springs and shock absorbers is standard equipment, as are the matte black inserts on the high-gloss black radiator grille and the fog lights, which are also edged in high-gloss black. the "ST-line X" trim also includes attractive 18-inch gloss-turned alloy wheels with a matte black finish ex factory.
The sporty impression of the ford puma ST-line X underline in the interior the steering wheel is flattened at the bottom edge, aluminum for the gearshift lever and pedal caps, a black headliner and red decorative stitching, which provides a nice contrast to the standard leather/cloth upholstery of the seats, among other things. Another standard feature of the "ST-line X" package is a 575-watt sound system from bang& olufsen as well as a fully digital cockpit with a 12.3-inch or 31.2-centimeter instrument panel.
powertrain ford puma ST-line X: a powerful piece of work! Hybrid significantly boosts performance
It may be only a 1.0 liter smaller three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, the ford puma ecoboost hybrid drive. but this engine generates 155 HP and has an easy time of it with the SUV, which without a driver has a mere 1.weighs 205 kilograms. The conventional maximum torque from 190 nm already lies over a very wide range of 1.900 to 5.500 revs on. With overboost in "normal" mode" are already 220 nm at 3.000 rpm. But there’s more: the hybrid drive with its 11.5 kW/16 hp electric motor enhances acceleration performance. As soon as the gasoline engine delivers full power, maximum torque increases in the "normal" mode "sport" mode from 190 nm to 240 nm at 2.500 rpm. That’s a clear plus of 50 nm.
The figures don’t promise too much: one press of the accelerator pedal – and the puma sprints forward powerfully with a very spontaneous engine response. The turbo lag is eliminated. The puma also handles intermediate spurts and overtaking maneuvers with ease. For passionate drivers, it’s also worth revving up the three-cylinder, as the maximum output of 155 hp at 6.000 revs achieved. Combined with a 6-speed manual transmission, this ford puma hybrid achieves a maximum speed of 205 km/h and takes care of the 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds.
© photo: stuart price, ford
The three-cylinder hybrid feels like a bigger engine and is a performer like ford’s 1.5-liter powerplant, but more efficient. Pretty clever from ford: the mild hybrid system adds less weight to the car than a larger engine.
In addition, the ford puma 1.0 ecoboost hybrid is actually impressively economical when driven in a relaxed mode: the system constantly calculates when the electric motor can most usefully invest the stored energy in propulsion, even when driving calmly. With this strategy, the gasoline engine does not need to apply the torque supplied by the electric motor, which reduces fuel consumption. According to ford, this makes it possible to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.
This is the average fuel consumption of the 155 hp ford puma 1.0 ecoboost hybrid according to the new, realistic WLTP consumption with only 5.6 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 127 g/km. Another advantage: the hybrid puma does not need to be plugged in, because the braking system automatically recharges the battery during coasting and braking (recuperation).
ford puma 2020 driving modes: five settings and a nice gimmick
As standard, the ford puma a driving mode switch, to adapt the driving characteristics to individual needs as well as to weather and road conditions. The following are available five settings "normal," "eco," "sport," "slippery" and "unpaved roads". Depending on the selected driving program, the system adjusts the accelerator pedal curve, the steering weighting, the stability control and the traction control, among other things, accordingly. In "sport" mode, for example, the puma becomes noticeably sharper, responds more directly to throttle commands and has a higher weighting of the steering.
© photo: stuart price, ford
nice gimmick: in "sport" mode, the digital cockpit shows vehicles ahead as ford mustang. otherwise, depending on the mode, it may be a ford mondeo or a pickup like the ford ranger, among others.
Driving dynamics ford puma ST-line X: not many mini-crossovers offer this agility
Surprisingly powerful ford puma 2020 on winding roads. A high-rise body like that of an SUV often inhibits cornering fun. But the engineers managed to tune the puma so well that its precise, spontaneously responsive steering allows it to be steered precisely and light-footedly through curves. The chassis of the ford puma ST-line X, the makers tuned it to be somewhat firm but by no means uncomfortable. the puma knows how to absorb road bumps well. In addition, the puma builds up decent grip on the front and rear axles and has considerable driving stability. Not many small crossovers offer this level of agility.
interior ford puma ST-line X: very spacious for a small SUV
The well-crafted interior of the ford puma 2020 knows how to convince with its modern design, decent materials and its infotainment system. Unlike the VW T-cross, the puma has a dashboard with a pleasantly soft-touch surface. The space available is also very generous for a small SUV: people up to 2.00 meters tall can sit comfortably on the comfortable front seats, while passengers 1.85 meters tall can sit comfortably on the rear seats, with the legroom being particularly noticeable.
There are plenty of practical compartments for small souvenirs. Among other things, the large door compartments that hold 1.5-liter bottles in the front and 1.0-liter bottles in the rear are worthy of special mention. the glove compartment also has plenty of volume.
© photo: stuart price, ford
Infotainment ford puma 2020: fully digital, superbly networked and brilliant sound
The 12.3-inch or 31.2-centimeter screen fully digital cockpit impresses with ford puma 2020 with its sharp, comprehensively customizable graphics and easy-to-use. Further accents are set by the ford SYNC 3" infotainment system, which can be intuitively controlled via an 8-inch or 20.32-centimeter touchscreen with an elegant glass surface. connect a smartphone to be able to use selected apps via the vehicle’s screen "apple carplay" and "android auto". audio, navigation and climate control functions can also be entered by the driver using voice commands.
The "fordpass connect" modem transforms the SUV into a mobile WLAN hotspot for up to 10 devices simultaneously. For powering smartphones, the ford puma has an inductive charging cradle at the front and two usb ports. music files streamed by the occupant via "fordpass connect" are transformed by the ford puma ST-line X standard premium sound system from bang& olufsen into a brilliant sound experience. The system has an output power of 575 watts and a total of 10 speakers, including a subwoofer for rich bass.
With real-time traffic data for the navigation system the "fordpass connect" system also makes it easier to plan a stress-free trip. via the "fordpass app", "fordpass connect" gives access to a vehicle location system that makes it easier to find the car, even in large and confusing parking lots. In addition, you can check the fuel level, the alarm system, the oil level and much more. Unlocking and locking the vehicle is also possible remotely.
Ford co-pilot360: for comfort and safety comprehensive assistance systems
Among the advanced technologies of the new ford puma counts for extra safety and comfort a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems. The makers group the systems under the heading "ford co-pilot 360" together.
© photo: stuart price, ford
Just a few examples: the rear view camera the ford puma has a "split-view" technology, that transmits a 180-degree image to the car’s monitor. The in-car screen makes it easy to see pedestrians, cyclists and other objects behind your car when you back up. If there is a threat of a collision or cross traffic and the driver does not react, the blind spot assistant with cross-traffic alert turns the puma on and off. If pedestrians are on or directly next to the road and could cross the route of the puma, the pre-collision assist to avoid collisions or reduce their consequences.
Parking is just as easy with the ford puma: the active park assist finds parking spaces that lie lengthwise or crosswise to the direction of travel and steers the new ford puma safely into and – from parking spaces in the lengthwise direction – out of them again.
The range is rounded off by numerous other assistance systems, such as a evasive driving assistant, which helps the driver avoid an obstacle at city and highway speeds by providing active steering assistance to prevent a serious accident. A wrong-way driver warning function also recognizes when the driver has overlooked the no-entry signs and is obviously trying to enter the highway in the wrong direction as a "ghost driver.
Ford goes one step further and delivers thanks to connected cloud systems online local driving instructions, which, for example, occur behind a bend and can therefore be perceived neither by the driver nor by the assistance systems. This is made possible by access to data from the company HERE, which is contributed by local authorities, rescue services and other traffic participants connected to the cloud. This includes indications of accidents, road works and broken down vehicles, but also driving by pedestrians and animals, as well as critical road conditions outside the visibility zone.
© photo: stuart price, ford
trunk ford puma 2020: more practical than any competitor with the megabox
As compact as the dimensions of the ford puma 2020 the makers of the trunk an impressive feat: not only does the puma offer plenty of space on all seats, the load compartment – despite the battery for the hybrid system – is huge for this segment, accommodates bulky items and also has clever extra features.
If desired, the puma’s tailgate can be opened by a simple foot movement, making it much easier to load and unload with full arms and hands. Also positive: the loading step is at a comfortable height and the loading edge to the inside is flat. With rear seat backrests folded up, torque is as follows trunk capacity of the hybrid version 401 liters and the continuous width one meter. The total trunk volume of the ford puma ST-line X is, including megabox, remarkable 1.161 liters. Without hybrid system, the luggage compartment holds 55 liters more.
When the backrests of the second row of seats are folded down, a flat loading floor is created. Even boxes and cartons measuring 112 x 97 x 45 centimeters can easily be accommodated in the puma. If the three-stage adjustable cargo floor is not needed, it can be stowed in a holder behind the backrests.
That still wasn’t enough for ford, and the makers developed the so-called megabox. This is a flexibly usable underfloor compartment with a volume of up to 80 liters. Even larger plants or two upright golf bags can fit side by side in the puma’s trunk.
© photo: stuart price, ford
And that’s not all: the completely plastic-lined megabox has a water drainage system so that, for example, dirty sports equipment or dirty shoes can be transported in it. Afterwards, the megabox is simply sprayed clean with a water hose. If, on the other hand, you want to offer drinks in a cool way in the summer, fill the megabox with ice and place the bottles on top – water cannot overflow because it runs downwards.
ford puma 2020 – conclusion:
The new ford puma 2020 exceeds high expectations. no other crossover in this segment currently offers such a successful combination of convincing drive, driving pleasure and handling. The puma also proves to be the most practical car in its class.
Technical data ford puma 1.0 ecoboost hybrid ST-line X (155 hp):
Length x width x height: 4.207 x 1.805 x 1.565 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 1.930)
wheelbase: 2.588 meters
drive type: front wheel drive
displacement three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine: 999 cm³
power petrol engine: 114 kw/155 hp at 6.000 rpm
gasoline engine torque (constant): 170 nm at 1.900 – 5.500 rpm
gasoline engine torque (overboost in normal mode): 220 nm at 3.000 rpm
gasoline engine torque (sport mode): 240 nm at 2.500 rpm
power electric motor: 11.5 kw/16 hp
transmission type: 6-speed manual transmission
top speed: 205 km/h
acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.0 seconds
empty weight: 1.280 kilograms with driver (75 kg)
average fuel consumption (WLTP): 5.6 l/100 km
average fuel consumption (NEDC): 4.4 l/100 km
average CO2 emission (WLTP): 127 g/km
average CO2 emissions (NEDC): 99 g/km
emission standard: euro-6d-TEMP
trunk capacity: 401 – 1.161 liters
price: from 28.400 EUR