Top 3 things you need to know about the Ford Puma

The Ford Puma arrived locally late in 2023. Although you might think it replaces the Ford EcoSport because of its raised ground clearance and crossover configuration, Ford says it replaces and serves customers who traditionally purchased Ford Fiesta models. But what other interesting facts about the Ford Puma are there? 

Before we get into the details, remember that if you are searching for new or used Ford Puma models on AutoTrader, you can also sell your car quickly and easily on our website here, to get a deposit ready for your next vehicle purchase. 

Related: Is the Ford Puma a petrol or a diesel?

1. Ford Puma trims

The Ford Puma is available in two trims, but even the "entry-level" Titanium guise comes fitted with good levels of safety and comfort equipment and by no means is the exterior design offensive to the eye. However, for those who prefer more aggressive styling on the exterior with sportier bumpers, a more pronounced rear spoiler on the hands-free tailgate, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels, the ST-Line Vignale trim might be the one to get.

Other appointments that will justify your choice on the ST-Line Vignale are a digital instrument cluster for the driver, a more powerful 10-speaker sound system, keyless entry and start, dual panoramic sunroof and premium leather upholstery with massaging seats up front. 

2. Ford Puma performance

The Ford Puma might not have whiplash-inducing acceleration or a record-breaking top speed, but it is also not slow or underpowered. The Titanium and ST-Line Vignale variants come with a 1.0-litre turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine sending 92 kW and 170 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

While capable of easily overtaking on a national route and comfortably maintaining the national speed limit without straining the engine, it is also quite frugal, with a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 5.3 L / 100km. 

3. Ford Puma driver assistance systems

Standard safety equipment on both the Titanium and ST-Line Vignale derivatives is ABS brakes, Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Auto High Beam headlight activation, and a Lane-Keeping System which incorporates Lane-Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning.

Furthermore, customers can expect Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Post-Collision Braking technology, which will apply brakes automatically after a collision to mitigate second impacts. Protecting the occupants are a total of six airbags, which is positioned as dual front, side and curtain airbags.

But spend a few more rands to specify the optional Driver Assistance Pack, and you will get access to Adaptive Cruise Control, which is capable of coming to a complete stop and then setting off again as traffic moves along. This technology also includes Lane Centring, which helps the Puma stay centred between the lines.

This Assistance package will also install Evasive Steering Assist, which the radar and cameras, detect slower vehicles and provide steering support to the driver to avoid a collision. In addition to this, the Puma gains a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert. This will help the driver in mitigating collisions at highway speeds, changing lanes, as well as avoiding oncoming vehicles in a parking lot. 

While rear parking sensors and a 180-degree view reverse camera are standard across the range, with this optional package, owners will gain front parking sensors which work with the radar to also allow for the included Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking. Last but not least, there is a Driver Impairment Monitor that monitors the driver through its inputs and then, with visual and audible alerts on the instrument cluster, will recommend a rest stop if necessary.