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ONEn absolutely electrical MG sports car Made in China; one Lamborghini Huracan with roof rack; a large pink Lotus SUV. Sure, within the pursuit of journalism and different issues that make good copy, I’ve been having fun with some esoteric machines in current weeks.
Now, although, it is the ever-present Ford Cougarthe best-selling mannequin in Britain for some years and not too long ago the topic of some exterior and inside revisions. Almost 50,000 new automobile patrons opted for this Fiesta-sized hatch/SUV crossover; Did they make a mistake?
Not as such, no. There are only a few issues I discovered actively disagreeable concerning the Puma, and just one that mattered a lot: that is what it was prefer to drive.
My instance was outfitted, like all Pumas, with a one-liter three-cylinder delicate hybrid energy unit (153 hp), with a seven-speed transmission, and, for me, it was not such a contented mixture.
You may select driving mode settings for the Puma, they usually give the automobile very completely different characters. “Eco” mode did not actually play to the automobile’s strengths, as a result of progress, fast sufficient on paper, did not really feel all that pressing, and the buzzy engine felt a bit of unrefined, to be trustworthy.
The automated transmission was additionally often hesitant and even a bit of abrupt when it needed to “get up” and transfer ahead, as if the Puma was in a nasty temper.
THE SPECIFICATION
Ford Puma ST-Line X
Value: £35,750 (as examined; vary £26,350)
Engine Capability: 1.0l petrol, 3 cylinders, 7sp automated
Energy (PS): 155
Most velocity (mph): 124
0-60 (seconds): 8.7
Gas financial system (mpg): 47.9
CO2 emissions (WLTP, g/km): 133
Push the button for “Sport” mode and the Puma dealt with rather more enthusiastically and was rather more enjoyable to drive, though by no means precisely thrilling. It is not a lot completely different from a few of its fundamental rivals in that regard, however from what I bear in mind, the Skoda Kamiq It is a bit of extra enjoyable, in addition to extra spacious and, for my part, smarter.
The Puma is not unhealthy to drive, like I mentioned, and affords wonderful fuel economyHowever it lags behind a minimum of one in all its opponents with regards to driver enchantment.
I believe the six-speed handbook would possibly, paradoxically, be a smoother possibility. The 48-volt delicate hybrid system helps a bit of with financial system – however is marginal in comparison with a “full” hybrid. Toyota Prius-style.
The opposite sudden draw back was the revised 12-inch touchscreen, which is far bigger and barely decrease than its predecessor. On the optimistic facet, it’s fairly intuitive to make use of, moderately responsive and goes in opposition to the pattern of producers abandoning the built-in browser.
The air-con controls had been additionally fairly accessible by way of the display, though in fact you’ll be able to’t beat some easy-to-use dials. It seemed very grey and bland, and maybe a bit of too practical, particularly within the context of the Ford’s gloomy cabin end. Once more, there’s nothing right here you’d wish to object to, nevertheless it lacks a sure attraction.
Smaller Peugeots do interiors higher as of late, whereas Nissan Juke It’s one for many who take pleasure in avant-garde; and the VW T-Roc and Arona Seat they’re additionally elegant options. THE Lexus LBX It is the luxurious alternative on this section – advisable in case your funds is adequate.
Apart from that, there’s loads to reward the Ford Puma for. They saved the magic “megabox” boot, a big sub-trunk that sits below the reasonably shallow common baggage area, and is mostly very versatile – considerably making up for the deficit in comparison with the Kamiq. If you should frequently change rubber bushes, the Puma has no equal.
I additionally appreciated the voice management system, top-of-the-line I’ve encountered, and the seats are very comfy on a protracted journey. The styling is actually distinctive and, with a small “facelift” to the grille and headlights, it seems to be moderately modern, on condition that it was launched in 2019 – pre-pandemic!
Personally, I discover him a bit of stocky on the edges, regardless of the sharp strains, and the face is simply too “bug-eyed” to be thought-about enticing, however the British public appears to have realized to like him.
The alloy wheels, 18-inches in “absolute black and machined end” in my instance, elevate the Puma in some ways – they give the impression of being trendy.
The sunshine steering can also be very welcome, and the journey and dealing with are greater than acceptable – it is this lack of engine refinement that lets it down a bit.
For the sake of completeness, I must also add that it receives 4 out of 5 stars for security in the usual NCAP check; However you do get a very good suite of “driver help” security options.
A good newer Puma will quickly be with us a battery-powered all-electric Ford Puma Gen-E and which ought to as a result of innate qualities of the brand new know-how be even quicker and rather more refined than the previous fossil fuel-powered issues. As an added bonus, the powertrain will likely be manufactured on the Halewood manufacturing facility in Merseyside. That ought to be sufficient to make the Ford Puma Britain’s best-seller once more. Troublesome present, nevertheless, sustaining first place within the gross sales charts.
