We put the Ford Puma to the test — the car sitting at the top of Italy's best-selling hybrids chart. Its strengths: efficiency, fuel consumption and driving pleasure.
Anyone who remembers the model of the same name from the nineties will be in for a surprise. Of that Puma — a small coupé with sporting pretensions — nothing remains but the name. Everything else is entirely new. Starting with the bodywork, which has taken on the shape of a modern compact crossover, one of the most sought-after car segments on the market. Add to that a great deal of efficiency and technology. The Ford Puma, in the EcoBoost Hybrid version in particular, is the most virtuous in the range, with a mild hybrid system that is capable, among other things, of "putting to sleep" one of the 3 cylinders of the petrol engine when it isn't needed. In short: efficiency, low fuel consumption, an enjoyable driving experience and an exterior design that won widespread approval from the outset — these are the defining characteristics, and the same ones that have already won over many Italians. So much so that the Ford Puma has earned the title of best-selling hybrid in the first six months of 2020. Before we get to our thoughts and the in-depth review, a video gives you a summary of the Ford Puma Hybrid in context — urban settings and weekend trips in nature, two situations that neatly capture its versatile, crossover-typical character.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/0HMwUuN7lAg
We tested the most powerful hybrid version, the one with 155 horsepower, in the ST-Line X sports trim. And this is where the first surprise of the Ford Puma Hybrid arrives. You don't expect an engine of such small displacement (1.0 cc turbo, 3 cylinders) to be this enjoyable. Paired with a second electric motor powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery, even though the mild hybrid represents "only" the entry step into hybrid technology, it delivers very interesting efficiency levels in terms of fuel consumption; the declared 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres translates in real-world use to a more realistic 5.5 litres — still an excellent result. On top of this comes an almost sporty driving experience, with the option to choose from five programmes that prioritise either efficiency and fuel economy or performance, the effect of which is very noticeable. The gearbox is currently a 6-speed manual, but a 7-speed automatic will soon be available too — undoubtedly the better choice for those who prefer greater comfort and a more relaxed driving experience. Among the curiosities of the Ford Puma is a hidden compartment beneath the boot floor: washable, fitted with a drain, and spacious enough to store muddy items such as trekking boots after a mountain outing. Beyond efficiency, the Ford Puma also delivers a great deal in terms of safety — both active, thanks to its numerous driver assistance technologies, and passive, the latter rated at 5 stars by Euro NCAP, the highest accolade.
Space, clever solutions such as hands-free electric tailgate opening (a simple foot movement is all it takes), compact dimensions (it measures 4 metres 18 in length) that suit city driving too — and for those nervous about manoeuvring, there is also an automated parking system that first helps you identify a suitable space (simply activate the indicator on the side where you want to park) and then, without any use of the hands, autonomously carries out the necessary manoeuvres. All of this, as mentioned, backed by mild hybrid technology, which, while not enabling fully electric driving, makes it possible to recover and store energy during deceleration or downhill stretches through an electric motor/generator and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. Once stored, that energy is used by the system to "assist" the petrol engine, particularly during acceleration — an effect that is very clearly perceptible when driving the Puma, which feels particularly smooth to drive. The same hybrid system powers the start&stop function, which switches off the engine not only when stationary at traffic lights but also during deceleration. Furthermore, according to Ford's estimates, this system enables a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 9 per cent.
Among the solutions offered by the Puma's EcoBoost Hybrid system is what is known as cylinder deactivation technology. The driver notices nothing, yet it happens every time full power is not required: the system automatically shuts down one of the cylinders to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Why does the driver notice nothing? The shutdown — over which the driver has no control whatsoever — takes place in 14 milliseconds, approximately 20 times faster than the blink of an eye. What the driver can control, on the other hand, is the driving style, by choosing from five modes. Ford calls them Drive modes; in practice it is a small button near the gearstick that lets you select the driving style best suited to the situation. Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Trail are the options, whose purpose is self-explanatory. The difference is very noticeable when driving the Puma, not least because the system acts not only on performance but also on the accelerator and steering — or on traction control if you select the Trail programme, designed for off-road surfaces. The graphical interface of this system is also very pleasing: ranging from the green of the Eco option to the "glacial" effect of the Slippery programme, it shows the driver the selected mode in the instrument cluster.
Long wheelbase (that is, the distance between the front and rear wheels), raised roof and seating position, yet compact external dimensions. That is how you achieve a good interior space without taking up too much road footprint. The Ford Puma, while echoing certain SUV shapes, does not share the characteristics of many SUVs. On the outside it has the dimensions of a compact car. On the inside, some versions offer removable, washable seat covers designed with families and pet lovers in mind. Heated seats and steering wheel are available. Even the windscreen heats up thanks to an internal element — a solution that, in cold climates, allows the glass to defrost in considerably less time. Practical touches include wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, a central touchscreen display and a wi-fi hotspot for up to 10 devices. For music lovers, the Bang&Olufsen audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer is impressive.
This ST-Line X version is the sportiest, both inside and out. The space is surprising: a large, modular boot and a reclining rear seat row allow bulky items to be transported with ease. For dog owners, handy features include the fabric rear parcel shelf, which is easier to remove and stow, the easy-to-clean upholstery and the ability to adjust the height of the load floor (made with recycled paper and water-based adhesive). The load space is generous, especially relative to the car's external footprint.
Ever heard of Adas? Standing for Advanced driver assistance systems, the acronym refers to all those driving assistance systems that help keep occupants safe in the car. In Ford, these are the technologies that make up the Co-pilot system on board the Puma. Three radar units, two cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors monitor the road and everything happening around us, flagging hazards and preventing collisions. They range from adaptive cruise control to a system that "reads" road signs, through to one that keeps the car in its lane. These are the same innovations that our Mobility Revolution rating identifies as dedicated to driving peace of mind, of which safety is a significant component. Indeed, in the Ford Puma you feel protected. The navigation system alerts you to roadworks or accidents (not always with pinpoint accuracy, but this depends on local information systems, which in Italy are not always up to date…), the rear camera warns of the presence of pedestrians and cyclists, and the Blind Spot system eliminates the blind spot of the door mirrors. In urban areas, the Puma identifies pedestrians about to cross in advance and alerts the driver. In short, radar, cameras and sensors see and act — often better than a human. A form of support we will be able to rely on increasingly in the future, with the goal of safer mobility.