You might remember the original Ford Puma as a Fiesta-based coupe from the 1990s. Well, now the name is back, but it returns to a motoring landscape in which coupes are out of fashion and SUVs are in. The new Puma is therefore a Fiesta-based small SUV, with which Ford hopes to do a better job taking on the likes of the Seat Arona and Renault Captur than it has with its existing competitor in this segment, the Ecosport, although that model does remain on sale. Since the current Fiesta is a brilliant and bestselling supermini, the omens are good for the Puma to be a success. 

Boxing clever

As you can see from the pictures, the segment shift doesn't mean the Puma is no longer concerned with style, although you can make your own mind up about how aesthetically successful the swooping body is. What we can probably all agree on, however, is that it is no good giving an SUV a sleek design if it comes at the expense of practicality. It is to the Puma's advantage then that, while it is based on the same platform as the Fiesta, the newcomer is not just taller, but wider and longer as well - indeed it stretches 146mm further than the Fiesta from end to end.

One of the advantages of this is a bigger boot, which is further aided by what Ford calls the 'Megabox', an area underneath the main boot floor that can be integrated into the main space for taller items, and also incorporates a drainage hole should the boot need rinsing out. It takes the boot to a large-for-the-segment 456 litres with non-hybrid powertrains, although the battery needed for mild hybrids like the one tested here brings it down to 401 litres. The luggage bay also features further neat touches such as a parcel shelf incorporated into the tailgate, and false floor supports that can be pushed flush with the sides of the boot (the false floor itself can be stored flush against the back of the rear seats).  

The spaciousness is a bit less evident further forward. Space in the back is OK but nothing special, and while headroom in the front is fine without the optional panoramic roof, with it specced tall drivers might find it a bit tight.

The interior trim on the ST Line X grade tested here has an appealing sporty appearance, but there is more hard plastic than you might expect from the current range-topper, although a more luxurious ST Line X Vignale should follow eventually (better-specced First Edition versions of the Titanium and ST Line X grades are also initially available).

The Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8in touchscreen is familiar from the Fiesta, but ST Line and ST Line X Pumas also get a 12.3in driver information display, which has only previously been seen in larger Fords.

Born to be mild

As mentioned above, the car tested here is a mild hybrid, another significant aspect of the new Puma range. Two 1.0-litre mild hybrid petrols are available - a 125hp version and a 155hp - along with a non-hybrid 1.0-litre, 125hp petrol. A diesel will arrive in a few months, as will a seven-speed automatic gearbox - a slick-shifting six-speed manual is the only transmission option for now.