You can no longer buy a Fiesta on the right side of the Atlantic Ocean either, as Ford recently sounded the death knell for it. However, its spirit lives on in the Puma, a subcompact crossover based on the same platform as the seventh-gen supermini.
The Blue Oval has been making the Puma, which is completely unrelated to the eponymous small coupe discontinued in 2002, since 2019. Assembly takes place at the company's factory in Craiova, Romania, and since anything with a decent price tag attached to it that has a more-than-sufficient ground clearance sells today in good numbers, it has been properly received by the European audience.
As a matter of fact, the Puma turned out to be a wise investment for Ford, which is now readying its successor. But it won't be a new generation, as what they have in store for it is a mid-cycle refresh. The model will feature revised exterior styling at both ends, some minor enhancements in the cabin, and likely upgraded powertrains, with a battery-electric derivative said to join the internal combustion versions.
Design at a Glance
Ford's facelifted Puma will get new lighting units up front, which may look similar to those of the outgoing car, but they will at least sport new graphics. Featuring a different pattern, the grille should be just as big as before, and the lower section of the bumper will be new. This will include different lines for the central intake, redesigned side vents, and probably a slightly chunkier integrated apron.
Photo: Kolesa
We would’ve dedicated at least one paragraph to the profile if it were a new generation. However, it soldiers on with no changes, bar likely several added wheel options. Everything looks familiar at the back, too, though we can see that the pattern of the taillights is different. The reflectors can be found in the same place, and the bumper has undergone some mild revisions. The tailgate should still be decorated with the Puma lettering below the Blue Oval logo.
More Important Updates in the Cabin
We have yet to take a clear look inside the facelifted Ford Puma, but it appears that the brand's designers paid more attention to it than they did to the exterior. Thus, it seems that the climate vents were relocated, and a new steering wheel will likely be introduced. We believe some minor enhancements could be made to the center console, but overall, it will look basically the same.
As for the two main screens, the digital cluster and the infotainment system, they might be replaced altogether by new units, which should feature new software. The infotainment system could measure 12 inches in diagonal this time around, replacing the old 8-inch unit, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster could boast some revisions of its own. We also expect new interior trim options, which would draw a clearer line between the two iterations of the subcompact crossover and likely more advanced driving assistance systems.
Photo: Kolesa
Revised Oily Bits and an EV Option?
The Ford Puma is based on the same construction as the last-gen Fiesta, and it comes with several gasoline engines, some of which were partially electrified. The 1.0-liter mild-hybrid three-pots will likely return, making 123 hp (125 ps/92 kW) and 153 hp (155 ps/114 kW), and the same units when it comes to the sportiest flavor of all, the Puma ST.
In the current iteration, you are looking at a 1.0-liter three-banger making 168 hp (170 ps/125 kW), mated to a seven-speed auto 'box, and the 1.5-liter three-pot found on the dead Fiesta ST, which is rated at 197 hp (200 ps/147 kW) and comes with a six-speed manual transmission. Chances are these units will carry over with minimal to no updates, but we wouldn't be surprised if they gain a few extra horses, either. Also, all versions of the Puma are front-wheel drive, and that won't change.
The biggest news power-wise, however, comes in the form of a recent report, which claims the Puma will be joined by a battery-electric sibling sometime next year. If the information is correct, then it will be put together alongside the ICE variants. It is believed to retain the construction of the models fed by dead dinosaurs, and it should do around 400 km (~250 miles) on a full charge in optimal conditions.
Conclusions
While the ICE-powered facelifted Ford Puma is expected to be a few months away from debuting, the EV will probably be introduced sometime next year. If you must ask, the current Puma is not being marketed in North America, and that isn't about to change when it comes to the mid-cycle refresh. The most affordable crossover sold by the Blue Oval in the United States is the bigger Escape, which has an MSRP of $29,345. Meanwhile, the current Puma will set buyers back at least €27,400 (equal to $28,870) in Germany.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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