Ford has finally brought the new Puma to South Africa, following months of speculation as to what the automaker would do to expand its dwindling passenger vehicle line-up.
The Blue Oval’s catalogue has shrunk considerably in the last few years as it pivoted towards its next generation of 4x4s like the Ranger and Everest, while its more affordable models like the Fiesta and EcoSport have all been discontinued.
As a result, the Puma is ostensibly the brand’s new entry-level vehicle with a starting price of R569,900, putting it in the country’s premium crossover segment.
This is what you can expect when buying the new Ford Puma in South Africa.
What you get
Providing power to the new Ford SUV is a 1.0-litre, turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine, which is capable of putting out 92kW and 170Nm.
This is transmitted to the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox, which helps the Puma achieve an average fuel usage of 5.3l/100km.
In terms of size, the crossover measures 4,186mm in length, 1,805mm in width, and 1,537mm in height, making it slightly shorter but wider than the EcoSport, with the largest benefit being a boot with 456 litres of storage.
The outside of the car is kitted out with light-sensing LED headlights with complementing daytime running lights, as well as a set of 17-inch alloy wheels wipers and automatic windscreen wipers that turn on when they detect moisture.
Other equipment includes a keyless start function, ambient cabin lighting, two USB ports, automatic climate control, a leather multifunction steering wheel, cloth upholstery, six speakers, a wireless charger, and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and FordPass Connect which lets users access services like satellite navigation and a vehicle locator.
The Ford also comes with assistance items including cruise control, hill assist, rear parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring, and lane-keep assist.
Each purchase includes a 4-year/120,000km warranty and a 4-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance plan.
If you still want more, it is possible to upgrade from the base Titanium model to the ST-Line Vignale flagship, though this will raise the price by R44,000 to reach R613,900.
Doing so will upgrade the suspension to a more sport-oriented setup, and add keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, a digital driver display, massage front seats, aluminium pedals, leather upholstery, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, and larger 18-inch alloy rims.
Keyword: Ford’s new Puma crossover – What you get for R570,000