Ford's Puma arrived on the local motoring scene in November 2024 as a replacement to the Ford EcoSport. It makes perfect sense as a compact family SUV, but is it safe?
Before watching the video, let's take a look at standard safety features first, and then go onto the EuroNCAP crash test video to find out if it's got what it takes to bear the brunt of an impact so you and your loved ones are protected from harm.
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Standard safety features in the Puma
Both Pumas, the 1.0T Titanium (R570 400) and the Puma 1.0T ST-Line Vignale) R614 400), come very well equipped. Both models have the following as standard on their respective spec sheets:
- ABS
- EBD
- Hill-start assist
- Traction control
- Stability control
- Tyre pressure sensor
- Six airbags
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Navigation
- Child locks
- Isofix
- LED daytime running lamps
- High-beam assist
- Front fog LEDs
- Side indicators in mirror housings
- Rear park distance control
Apart from the features on the list above, the Puma also gets a variety of advanced technologies to help drivers stay safe in urban areas:
Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection can see people or cars on the road ahead who might cross in front of the car, even at night. If it detects a possible collision, it can warn the driver visually and audibly, and if necessary, prime the brakes to make them more sensitive so that they respond more quickly if you need to brake hard.
If there is an accident, Post-Collision Braking Technology reduces the effects of a possible second crash by applying moderate brake pressure automatically when the first crash is detected. Slowing down the car can keep occupants from sustaining injuries and prevent more damage to the car. Six airbags, including two front, two side, and two curtain airbags, protect the driver and passengers.
The Puma also gets a Thatcham-grade alarm system with immobiliser.
Related: Puma vs Nissan Qashwai vs VW Taigo
Optional safety features in the Ford Puma
Should you want Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go and Lane Centering you will need to pay extra. This ACC package also includes Evasive Steering Assist. Other options Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, Front parking sensors and a rear wide-angle camera, Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, and a Driver Impairment Monitor.
The EuroNCAP Crash & Safety Test of the Ford Puma (2022)
The Puma attained a 5-star rating from EuroNCAP when it was first tested in 2019 but was retested in 2022 with stricter criteria, where it obtained a 4-star rating.
The reason for this is that the Puma lacks some features that weren't necessary for five stars when it was first tested in 2019 but should now be standard in five-star EuroNCAP vehicles tested today.
One of these is a centre airbag between the front seats that keeps front passengers from colliding with each other in the case of side-impact crashes.
In South Africa, most cars on our roads are not equipped with this feature.
The entire Ford Puma video with full results can be viewed here.
Verdict
The Ford Puma is still considered a safe car despite the loss of one star.
