Ford has confirmed the local introduction of a two-derivative range for the compact crossover Puma that will run on the 1,0-litre EcoBoost engine and come kitted with a number of high-end features.
Popular in the compact SUV segment in Europe, Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa, says: “The Ford Puma is a sophisticated urban compact SUV that combines a sporty design matched to exceptional interior functionality and unsurpassed connected technology to meet the demands of dynamic young individuals and professionals.
Reputation
“As a new addition to our local line-up, the Puma builds on Ford’s reputation for producing trend-setting sports utility vehicles. It will capitalise on the rapidly growing and very competitive SUV segment, and the compact crossover category in particular, which has become immensely popular.”
Despite the compact crossover proportions it has a luggage capacity of 456 litres and local versions will see a large fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, premium B&O sound system, lumbar massage seats, powered tailgate, sport suspension, Selectable Drive Modes and advanced driver assistance technologies (depending on model), fitted as standard.
The Puma will be available with two distinctive personalities, comprising the sporty Puma Titanium and the range-topping Puma ST-Line Vignale.
Chrome Elements
The Titanium features black-machined 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome elements for the grille, side skirts and fog lamps. The rear diffuser and skid plate are finished in metallic grey and the window surrounds in high gloss black.
Inside is offered a leather-trimmed steering wheel, wood-effect appliques for the cluster bezel and instrument panel, and distinctive fabric inserts for the door interiors.
The sporty Puma ST-Line Vignale is offered with black 18-inch machined alloy wheels and a sports suspension. At the front, the ST-Line grille features matt black elements and a high-gloss surround, high-gloss foglamp surrounds and a larger, functional roof-spoiler.
“Throughout the development process, the goal of the Puma design and engineering team was to deliver an unprecedented degree of practicality in a compact and efficient package,” says Mashinini. “Puma’s unique Ford MegaBox and parcel shelf are examples of the innovative thinking that helped deliver flexibility without compromising on style, making it perfectly suited to the busy lifestyles of urban owners.
Efficiency and Performance
“Our 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has already proven fuel efficiency and performance can go hand-in-hand. As a three-time International Engine of the Year, and five-time winner of the sub-1-litre category, it’s a superb package that is perfectly suited to the Puma.”
The EcoBoost engine produces 92 kW of power at 6 000 r/min matched to 170 Nm of torque across a broad range from 1 500 r/min to 4 500 r/min.
This engine incorporates Ford’s cylinder deactivation system, which automatically switches off one of the cylinders when full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising. The system can disengage or re-engage the cylinder in 14 milliseconds and auto Start-Stop is standard to further reduce running costs.
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the driver has access to five Selectable Drive Modes to suit the conditions, comprising Normal for everyday driving, Eco which optimises fuel economy, Slippery for low-traction surfaces, Trail for more challenging terrain and Sport.
Active safety features include anti-lock braking, Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Launch Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Auto High Beam headlight activation and the Lane-Keeping System
Devices can remain connected via Bluetooth to Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system while using wireless charging, allowing Puma drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple voice commands.
The system provides embedded satellite navigation and delivers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility via the USB connection. It is supported by an eight-inch central touchscreen that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures.
Convenient Features
FordPass Connect on-board modem technology allows a range of convenient features via the FordPass mobile app, including Vehicle Locator; Vehicle Status (that checks fuel levels, alarm status, oil life and more); remote Door Lock Unlock; and Remote Start.
Pricing (includes VAT):
- Puma Titanium R569 900
- Puma ST-Line Vignale R613 900
Included as standard is Ford Protect comprising a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.
Customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 135 000 km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000 km, while the Roadside Assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.
Colin Windell – proudly CHANGECARS
