Ford kicks off Puma sales in Ireland

Ford has put the new Puma compact crossover on sale in Ireland, and it will be available with just one engine choice — a 125hp 1.0 litre mild-hybrid version of the three-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

Puma customers will be among the first to benefit from Ford’s 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 11.5kW 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, integrating with the engine and using the stored energy to provide torque assistance during normal driving and acceleration, as well as running the vehicle’s electrical ancillaries.

“Our 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine has already proven that fuel efficiency and performance can go hand-in-hand. Our EcoBoost Hybrid technology takes that to the next level,” said Roelant de Waard, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.

“We believe customers are going to love the smooth and urgent power delivery of our EcoBoost Hybrid powertrains just as much as they’ll enjoy less-frequent trips to the fuel pumps.”

A 125 PS 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine delivers from 131g/km CO2 emissions and 5.7 l/100km fuel efficiency WLTP (from 103g/km and 4.5 l/100km NEDC) and later this year will be available with a new seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission that offers seamless gear changes for optimised refinement and fuel efficiency.

Puma’s 1.0 litre EcoBoost and EcoBoost Hybrid powertrains also feature Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivation system for a three-cylinder engine, which automatically switches off one the engine’s cylinders when full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising. The system can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds.

A 1.5 diesel variant will be added later in the year, and there are rumours of a sporty, high-performance, variant too.

Puma’s styling belies unprecedented compact crossover practicality, supported by rear stowage solutions that offer practical solutions to everyday storage problems.

Puma delivers best-in-class uncompromised load space and rear luggage space of 456 litres. A flexible load compartment can comfortably accommodate a box 112cm long, 97cm wide and 43cm high with the second row of Seats folded flat.

Developed to meet and exceed customer requirements for practical luggage space, the Ford MegaBox provides a deep, versatile storage space with a capacity of 80 litres. Measuring 764mm wide, 753mm long and 306mm deep, the storage solution 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 utilises 12 ultrasonic sensors, three radars and two cameras positioned around the car to deliver a suite of Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies that enhance protection, driving and parking, and are designed to make the driving experience more comfortable, less demanding and safer.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centring will help the vehicle maintain a comfortable driving distance from vehicles ahead.

The system also helps reduce stress during long road trips by keeping the vehicle centred in its lane and can adjust the vehicle speed to within legal limits by monitoring the roadside and overhead gantries for speed signs. This is in addition to using information from the on-board navigation system.

New Local Hazard Information functionality – enabled by the FordPass Connect on-board modem – can inform drivers of a hazardous situation on the road ahead, even if the incident is not visible due to a bend in the road or other vehicles.

Local Hazard Information notifications are delivered independent of sat-nav – sourced from local authorities, emergency services, and driving data from other vehicles connected to the cloud.

Notifications of hazards including road works, broken down vehicles, animals, pedestrians and objects in the carriageway and even hazardous driving conditions are delivered to the vehicle over-the-air, giving drivers advanced warning of developing situations beyond their field of vision.

In Ireland, the new Puma will be offered in three series: Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X.

Specifications for the Puma Titanium includes 17 inch machined alloy wheels; LED projector headlamps with auto high beam; pre-collision assist; eight inch Sync with Navigation and FordPass Connect modem; keyless start; electronic a/c; massage driver and passenger seats; ambient lighting; wireless charging; cruise control with adjustable speed limiter and rear spoiler.

Specifications for Puma ST-Line adds ST-Line sports body kit, large rear spoiler, LED fog lamps with cornering feature, ST-Line sports exhaust, 12.3 inch digital cluster, dark sports headliner, flat-bottom steering wheel, alloy pedal and gear knob.

Specs for ST-Line X adds 18 inch matt black alloy wheels, Sync Gen 3 eight inch touchscreen with navigation and B&O Play sound system, partial leather sports trim, privacy glass and shark fin antenna.