Why we're running it:To find out if the class-leading crossover is as good to live with as it is to drive
Sluggish screen becoming a chore - 14 October 2020
Two niggles have blotted the Puma's near-flawless usability record. First, the slight lethargy of the touchscreen is beginning to grate, because this can distract while I'm changing audio sources and sat-nav destinations. Second, the flimsy load cover is in the way more often than not and has to be stowed on the back seat when not in use. I'd prefer a retractable, solid parcel shelf.
Ford aims to take the crossover class by storm as it revives the Puma name
The only real sign of an eco boost is on our car's bootlid - 23 September 2020
In its first two months on the fleet, our Puma has been subjected to two flat moves, See: Diagnostic Tool. a succession of arduous motorway jaunts, beach trips, dog walks and a fair few miles on London's unforgiving side streets, which we reckon is the sort of busy lifestyle this model will lead in the hands of many of its owners.
Our Puma has covered a lot of miles, granted, but it has spent much more time at the petrol pump than I would have hoped for. In fact, it was only when a neighbour approached me recently, gestured at the ‘hybrid' motif emblazoned on the Puma's bootlid and asked me "where have you been plugging it in?" that I had cause to question the car's eco credentials. Given that mild-hybrid technology such as that employed here is now so commonplace as to rarely be advertised, can the Puma really sell itself as being more environmentally friendly than its contemporaries?
We can't ignore the fact that the Puma is an SUV, and its raised ride height and high-sided cabin were never going to let it replicate the frugality of its Fiesta sibling, but an average of 45.8mpg has left me wanting more, it must be said. That's including some 600 miles on the motorway, most of which were covered in Eco mode, and some very judicious use of the throttle on my congested local streets, so it's a shame I haven't been able to grin smugly at Prius drivers in traffic.
That said, the Puma's Eco Coach function is almost like a video game in how addictive it's becoming. There's a certain pleasure to be had in attaining a 100% score in acceleration, speed, braking and shifting (so I'm told; it's a feat I've yet to achieve), but I wonder if jazzier graphics and better signposting would be more likely to incentivise owners to take it slowly. Currently, the programme is buried in the righthand side of the gauge cluster and can't be viewed at the same time as overall MPG or trip data.
An easy way to boost your score, I've found, is by taking every available opportunity to use the Puma's regenerative deceleration function. A drawback, most notably in urban environments, is the resultant lurchiness of stop-start driving, which several passengers have said is rather uncomfortable. It's especially fierce in Eco mode, so I've been leaving that for the out-of-town trips.
On the subject of driving modes, let's end on a high note: Sport is, for me, where this car is leagues ahead of itsVolkswagen T-Cross
andNissan Jukerivals. The artificially enhanced engine note and lairy red dials we could go without, but the snappier throttle response, heftier steering and more noticeable turbo inputs make the last few miles of any journey something to look forward to (maybe that's where all my petrol is going...).
Whereas hot crossover SUVs likethe T-Roc RandCupra Atecacompensate for their raised stature with meatier rubber and firmer suspension, however, the non performance-oriented Puma feels hamstrung in the corners by its skinny tyres, small wheels and stilt-like struts.
Roll isn't as catastrophic as you might think, given our ST-Line car's handling-focused suspension tune, but the natural human instinct to remain upright forces me to back off earlier before corners than I might in something a bit lower down. It will be interesting to see howthe upcoming Puma STcopes dynamically with a substantial boost in power over the standard car.
Electric bootlidA welcome touch of luxury at this price point and, crucially, always useful.
Narrow rear seatsAdult p...

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