Ford's New Puma SUV Debuts in South Africa
The new Puma SUV, recently launched in South Africa by Ford, follows its European success, targeting the growing compact crossover market. It features two versions - the sporty Titanium and the elegant ST-Line Vignale. It has a 1.0L EcoBoost engine (92kW, 170Nm), a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a front-wheel drive. The Puma stands out with five drive modes: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Sport, and Trail.
Ford's Puma combines a striking design with practicality, leveraging its B-car architecture for a unique SUV look. It has a distinctive wing-top headlamp placement and an aerodynamic profile, offering a comfortable driving experience and a spacious 456-litre luggage capacity. High-end features like a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, a premium sound system, and advanced driver assistance technologies are included, varying with the model.
The Puma is available in the dynamic Titanium and the sophisticated ST-Line Vignale, each catering to different customer preferences. Doreen Mashinini, Ford South Africa's Marketing General Manager, highlights the Puma as an urban compact SUV that blends sporty design with functional interiors and advanced technology, appealing to young, dynamic customers.
The design of the Puma emphasises its sporty and elegant character. It features a low roofline, balanced proportions, and emotional surfacing over a distinctly proportioned stance. The front design includes "canoe-shaped" headlamps and LED fog lamps. The ST-Line Vignale model has adaptive LED lights. The unique "floating" A-pillar enhances its silhouette.
The Titanium model sports 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents, while the ST-Line Vignale has 18-inch black wheels and a sports suspension. Both models offer a range of vibrant exterior colours and practical interior features like the Ford MegaBox for additional storage and an adjustable boot floor.
The Puma's award-winning 1.0L EcoBoost engine is recognised for balancing fuel efficiency and performance. It features cylinder deactivation for efficiency and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for dynamic driving. Five selectable drive modes adjust various settings to suit different driving conditions.
Safety features in the Puma include ABS, Electronic Brake Assist, Stability Control, and a Lane-Keeping System. Advanced driver assistance technologies and six airbags provide additional safety. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, BLIS with cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a rear camera.
The interior of the Puma is designed for comfort and luxury. The ST-Line Vignale features lumbar massage seats and a high-quality sound system, while the Titanium model offers a leather-trimmed steering wheel and wood-effect details. Both models provide a wireless charging pad and Ford's SYNC 3 system for easy smartphone integration.
Ford offers comprehensive Ford Protect, including a warranty, roadside assistance, and a corrosion warranty. Service and maintenance plans, as well as warranty and roadside assistance extensions, are available. Pricing starts at R569,900 for the Titanium and R613,900 for the ST-Line Vignale.
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ford Puma cost in South Africa?
The Ford Puma Titanium starts at R459,900, while the ST-Line Vignale variant will set you back R519,900, making it a competitive option in the compact SUV segment against rivals like the Nissan Juke and Hyundai Venue.
Q: Is the Ford Puma worth buying in South Africa?
The Ford Puma offers excellent value with its 92kW EcoBoost engine, seven-speed automatic transmission, and 456-litre boot space, but its front-wheel-drive setup and premium pricing might not suit all South African driving conditions and budgets.
Q: What are the main differences between Ford Puma Titanium and ST-Line Vignale?
The ST-Line Vignale gets 18-inch black alloy wheels, sports suspension, adaptive LED headlights, and more premium interior trim compared to the Titanium's 17-inch wheels and chrome accents, justifying the R60,000 price difference.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost?
Ford claims the Puma's 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine delivers around 5.4 litres per 100km in combined driving, making it one of the more economical choices in the compact SUV segment thanks to its lightweight construction and efficient three-cylinder turbo motor.
Should You Buy It?
The Ford Puma is a solid choice if you want European sophistication and don't mind paying premium prices for a compact SUV. At R459,900 for the Titanium, it offers excellent build quality, a punchy 92kW EcoBoost engine, and genuinely useful interior space including that clever MegaBox storage system. However, the front-wheel-drive setup and relatively high pricing mean you might be better served by the Hyundai Venue at R389,900 or waiting for more competitive pricing. If you love the design and can stretch to R519,900 for the ST-Line Vignale with its sports suspension and premium features, it's definitely worth considering, but most buyers will find better value elsewhere in this crowded segment.
