Photo: SB-Medien
A test prototype for Ford's hot new Puma crossover was just spotted testing at the Nurburgring track in Germany. This model will join the European lineup and compete with sportier offerings such as the VW T-Roc, Mazda CX-3, and Hyundai Kona.
We felt that kind of introduction was necessary because, unlike the widely recognizable Focus, the Puma is not a household name. It used to be, though.
Between 1997 and 2003, it was part of Ford's feline family, a sports coupe underpinned by the Fiesta, but wrapped in curves and featuring a muscular stance. Of course, the Blue Oval could never justify making another 2+2 model, so it revived the nameplate as a sports crossover.
We have limited information about the new model, though it's enough to get a general idea of what to expect. The new Puma will enter production at Ford's factory in Romania next year. And while that initially implied it would replace the EcoSport, later reports suggested it would stay on as a budget model, a bit like VW has both the T-Roc and T-Cross.
The Puma will be sportier and better built than the EcoSport, but we still expect some parts sharing, especially things like buttons, switches, gauges, and dials. But the sports model is sure to have more interesting powertrains. In the exterior styling department, the Puma is perfectly described as a "Fiesta SUV," borrowing things like the swept roof and sporty octagonal grille design that dates back all the way to Evos concept.
Ford has mentioned a 48V mild-hybrid version of the 1.0 EcoBoost, adding a belt-driven starter-generator to the award-winning 3-cylinder turbo unit. There will also be a 155 HP setup, though it's not clear if we're talking about the same thing. It's only 15 HP more than they currently offer, but 52 HP per cylinder sounds like a stretch.
Instead, we believe the top Puma will be motivated by the 1.5 EcoBoost from the Focus family. But the prototype we have here seems to be the first-ever Puma ST, based on the shape and placement of the exhaust system. It should be powered by the same 200 HP 3-cylinder turbo as the Fiesta ST, trading weight for more style and comfort.
Between 1997 and 2003, it was part of Ford's feline family, a sports coupe underpinned by the Fiesta, but wrapped in curves and featuring a muscular stance. Of course, the Blue Oval could never justify making another 2+2 model, so it revived the nameplate as a sports crossover.
We have limited information about the new model, though it's enough to get a general idea of what to expect. The new Puma will enter production at Ford's factory in Romania next year. And while that initially implied it would replace the EcoSport, later reports suggested it would stay on as a budget model, a bit like VW has both the T-Roc and T-Cross.
The Puma will be sportier and better built than the EcoSport, but we still expect some parts sharing, especially things like buttons, switches, gauges, and dials. But the sports model is sure to have more interesting powertrains. In the exterior styling department, the Puma is perfectly described as a "Fiesta SUV," borrowing things like the swept roof and sporty octagonal grille design that dates back all the way to Evos concept.
Ford has mentioned a 48V mild-hybrid version of the 1.0 EcoBoost, adding a belt-driven starter-generator to the award-winning 3-cylinder turbo unit. There will also be a 155 HP setup, though it's not clear if we're talking about the same thing. It's only 15 HP more than they currently offer, but 52 HP per cylinder sounds like a stretch.
Instead, we believe the top Puma will be motivated by the 1.5 EcoBoost from the Focus family. But the prototype we have here seems to be the first-ever Puma ST, based on the shape and placement of the exhaust system. It should be powered by the same 200 HP 3-cylinder turbo as the Fiesta ST, trading weight for more style and comfort.
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