Ford set to unleash Puma to SA Line-up

Image: Supplied

Ford Set to Add Vibrant and Dynamic Puma to SA Line-up 

Ford is set to launch the exciting Puma in South Africa in October 2023, introducing its vibrant SUV-inspired compact crossover to local customers. The Puma fuses an unmissable silhouette, uncompromised load space and interior comfort, along with Ford’s multiple award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

The Ford Puma has become a firm favourite in the compact SUV segment in Europe thanks to its charismatic styling cues, including distinctive wing-top-mounted headlamps and athletic, aerodynamic lines. Under the skin, the compact crossover proportions deliver a raised ride height for a confidence-enhancing driving experience, while supporting an uncompromised luggage capacity of 456 litres.

This is complemented by an extensive range of high-end features. These include a large fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, premium B&O sound system, lumbar massage seats, powered tailgate, sport suspension, Selectable Drive Modes and advanced driver assistance technologies (depending on model).

The Puma will be available with two distinctive personalities, comprising the sporty Puma Titanium and the stylish range-topping Puma ST-Line Vignale, reflecting individual customers’ preferences.

“The Ford Puma is a sophisticated urban compact SUV that combines a sporty design matched to exceptional interior functionality and unsurpassed connected technology to meet the demands of dynamic young individuals and professionals,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.

 

Evocative

Stylish, sporty, and seductive, the new Ford Puma relies on Ford’s B-car architecture, using an optimised wheelbase and track to deliver head-turning SUV proportions. Puma features a low, sloping roofline for a dramatic, instantly recognisable silhouette, and bucks the trend for wedge-style crossover side profiles with a flatter beltline to deliver balanced proportions. Ford’s design team created highly emotional surfacing over the distinctively proportioned stance of the vehicle and, alongside the engineering team, delivered uncompromised style, access and load-space.

LED

Sensual surfacing continues along the sides of the Puma, with pronounced wheel arches amplifying the sporty character. The expressive front-end features intricately designed “canoe-shaped” headlamps that sit high on the wings, while the LED fog lamps are positioned directly below, integrated into the front air curtain inlets that guide airflow across the front wheels. Extending forward to the instantly recognisable front grille, the LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights give Puma a bold, aerodynamic front design and an approachable face. On the ST-Line Vignale, adaptive LED lights are standard which optimise visibility when cornering.

Titanium

The Puma range starts off with the Titanium, which features unique black-machined 17-inch alloy wheels, and chrome elements for the grille, side skirts and fog lamps. The rear diffuser and skid plate are finished in metallic grey, and the window surrounds in high gloss black. Inside, Puma Titanium is offered with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, wood-effect appliques for the cluster bezel and instrument panel, and distinctive fabric inserts for the door interiors.

 

Award-winning powertrain technology

“Our 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has already proven that fuel efficiency and performance can go hand-in-hand. As a three-time International Engine of the Year, and five-time winner of the sub-1-litre category, it’s a superb package that is perfectly suited to the Puma,” Mashinini says.

The 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is common to both derivatives of the Puma. It produces 92kW of power at 6 000 r/min matched to 170Nm of torque across a broad range from 1 500 to 4 500 r/min.

FordPass

FordPass Connect on-board modem technology allows a range of convenient features via the FordPass mobile app, including Vehicle Locator; Vehicle Status (that checks fuel levels, alarm status, oil life and more); remote Door Lock Unlock; and Remote Start.

The ST-Line Vignale is equipped with a high-end B&O sound system that has been dynamically tuned to ensure a premium audio experience.

 

More details on the much awaited Puma to follow after launch on 30 November 2023, including pricing etc..