Ford brings back the Puma as an SUV
Ford has unveiled the new Ford Puma – an SUV-inspired compact crossover that fuses stunning exterior design, best-in-class uncompromised load space, and sophisticated mild-hybrid powertrain technology.
The new Ford Puma introduces a new chapter in Ford’s design identity with styling cues including distinctive wing-top mounted headlamps and athletic, aerodynamic lines. Compact crossover proportions deliver a raised ride-height for a confidence-enhancing driving experience, and support class-leading uncompromised luggage capacity of 456 litres.
Powerful, responsive performance and optimised fuel efficiency is delivered for Puma customers using Ford’s EcoBoost Hybrid 48 volt technology. The mild-hybrid powertrain seamlessly integrates electric torque assistance with a low-friction, three-cylinder 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver up to 155hp.
“Our customers told us they want a compact vehicle with stand-out looks that also delivers solutions for everyday living. The result is our new Ford Puma – charismatic, practical and offering technologies from massage seats to mild-hybrid powertrains,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.
The new Puma joins Ford’s expanding line-up of SUV and SUV-inspired crossover models in Europe, including the Fiesta Active, Focus Active, EcoSport, Kuga, Edge, and the all-new Explorer Plug-In Hybrid.
SUVs now account for more than one in five Ford vehicles sold in Europe, and sales rose more than 19 per cent in 2018.
“From day one we envisioned a vehicle in this segment that was immediately recognisable – and as a result we’ve created a compact crossover unlike anything we’ve ever produced before,” said George Saridakis, director, Interior and Exterior Design, Ford of Europe.
“This stunning new look represents the next chapter in Ford’s design identity, while the overarching concept of ‘sexy sanctuary’ employs ingenious and elegant engineering solutions that – in combination with the highly expressive exterior – will delight and surprise customers, fulfilling their distinct needs and desires.”
Developed to meet and exceed customer requirements for practical luggage space, the Ford MegaBox provides a deep, versatile storage space that is capable of comfortably accommodating two golf bags in an upright position.
The storage solution offers a capacity of 80 litres in a space 763mm wide, 752mm long and 305mm deep, which can house unstable items up to approximately 115cm tall – such as houseplants – in an upright position.
Alternatively, with the lid down, the space can be used to conceal dirty sports equipment or muddy Wellington boots. The Ford MegaBox’s synthetic lining and drain plug in the bottom makes it easy to clean with water.
Puma customers will be among the first to benefit from Ford’s sophisticated mild-hybrid architecture – tailored to enhance fuel efficiency while complementing Ford’s fun to drive experience with more powerful and responsive performance.
EcoBoost Hybrid technology enhances Puma’s 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine with an 11.5 kW belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG). Replacing the standard alternator, the BISG enables recovery and storage of energy usually lost during braking and coasting to charge a 48 volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.
The BISG also acts as a motor, seamlessly integrating with the low-friction, three-cylinder engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries.
Offered in 125 PS and 155 PS variants, the intelligent, self-regulating mild-hybrid system continuously monitors how the vehicle is being used to determine when and how intensively to charge the battery for optimal benefit.
It also uses torque substitution, which deploys the electric motor functionality of the BISG to provide up to 50Nm of torque – reducing the amount of work required from the petrol engine for a fuel efficiency improvement of up to nine per cent, based on WLTP analysis. Torque substitution contributes to CO2 emissions from 124g/km and fuel efficiency from 5.4 l/100km for the 125hp variant, and CO2 emissions from 127g/km and fuel efficiency from 5.6 l/100km for the 155hp variant.