So soon after the launch of the Ford Puma in Mzansi, a facelift version has been unveiled globally featuring Hybrid technology across the range with a sports car-style cockpit, intuitive large screens and 5G connectivity.
Not much has changed on the design front, something which will please Mzansi customers who have to contend with the current generation. The lights feature a fresh design and distinctive light signature. The LED Daytime Running Lights feature a new design whilst there will now be an option for an Optional Dynamic Matrix LED technology. This technology uses Predictive Dynamic Bending Light to monitor the road ahead and shine light into corners to help drivers see more clearly. The lower front bumper design gets changes with the chrome line on the side air intakes replaced by a colour coded design.
There are new design alloys across the range that add more design flair on the side. Not much change is noticeable from the rear.
The interior sees the most significant change with a new sports car-style cockpit wraps around the occupants with screens mounted high and angled towards the driver, while physical buttons are at a minimum for a calm environment. Where on the current model there is a 4G-FordPass Connect with SYNC 3, the new model gets 5G connectivity (SYNC 4) to take charge of their day – whether to avoid unexpected traffic jams on the school run or ask Alexa Built-in to add coffee to the shopping list. Current model gets an 8-inch infotainment screen but the new Puma comes with a 12-inch Touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also the optional 10‑speaker B&O audio system.
Style and comfort are improved with a new sliding armrest and a sporty, two-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom, like in a race car. New Puma makes driving easier. Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centring accelerates and brakes smoothly to feel more natural, and can use Predictive Speed Assist to adjust cruising speed for curves in the road, roundabouts, and when entering or leaving highways. In the city, a 360-degree surround-view camera system can display a bird’s eye view, to help avoid scrapes when parking.
New Puma has the practicality of a big car. An 80-litre MegaBox in the boot floor is big enough to swallow the contents of a small supermarket shopping trolley. Two sets of golfclubs can stand upright in the boot, and even with five people onboard there’s more than 450 litres of space for luggage, shopping or a dog cage.
The new Puma models are powered by Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine that uses 48‑volt mild hybrid electric power to help save fuel or boost performance to up to 115kW delivered as standard through a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic gearbox that’s available to Puma variants.
