Practical experience Ford Puma: owners about ‘the new Fiesta’

‘Steering is a pleasure again in this car’

Practical experience Ford Puma: owners about ‘the new Fiesta’

Last year we said goodbye to the Ford Fiesta. Many car enthusiasts expressed shame at the loss of this 47-year-old name, and to them it seemed as if Ford was saying goodbye to compact models forever. Although the Puma crossover is slightly larger, it actually operates in the same segment. Is it a good alternative to the Fiesta, or is it secretly even better? Owners share their experiences.

The current Ford Puma came onto the market in 2019 and reintroduced a name from the past. After all, the name Puma was previously linked to a Fiesta derivative, although it was previously a sporty coupe. The Fiesta ties are also close with the current Puma, because the current one shares its platform – not to be confused with the chassis – with the recently phased out seventh generation Fiesta. The Puma is almost 15 centimeters longer, 7.1 centimeters wider and 6.7 centimeters higher. The wheelbase grew by 9.5 centimeters compared to the Fiesta. The Puma is larger, but certainly not a gigantic SUV.

Ford Puma ST-Line Vignale

Space and ease of use

Enthusiasts may be sad about the passing of the Fiesta, but in practice owners sometimes encountered the limitations. For example, they repeatedly indicated in their reviews that the space in the back left much to be desired. With the Puma, the space available is more appreciated, although the Fiesta genes are also reflected here. “In terms of space, it is actually an ideal car for couples or singletons,” says a Belgian Puma driver. “There is little space in the back seat, but there is plenty of space in terms of luggage. I already have everything in the well-known Megabox and then you just end up with an empty trunk.”

A Puma ST driver, who previously drove a Fiesta ST, experiences the same thing. “The interior design is no different from that of the Fiesta, except that a few things are made of nicer materials and they look better. In terms of interior space, the Puma wins, especially the trunk is larger and much more practical than that in the Fiesta. You can adjust the bottom and there is a very deep container underneath.”

Ford Puma

Seating comfort

So the space on board is okay, but what about a Puma? “Nice seats with a lot of support, although the seat is a bit too short, otherwise easily adjustable,” summarizes a Puma ST-Line 1.0 EcoBoost driver. He still has some comments on the matters surrounding the chairs. “The armrest on the door is a bit too low to comfortably rest on, but the door/window edge is too narrow for that. The center armrest is also just too short and not adjustable.” He agrees with this professional driver: “The car is equipped with sturdy, well-fitting and supportive seats! On such rides you will really appreciate the harder ST-Line suspension in combination with these seats.”

Ford Puma

It seems as if all Pumas are designed as ST-Line with ditto seats, we read nothing about the seating comfort of the standard ones. The driver of a real Puma ST has seats that are even sportier. “The sports seats really grab you as a driver (or front passenger). Everyone who gets into the front of my car for the first time almost immediately makes a comment about it.” That is not only advantageous. “Due to the high edges along the side, getting in requires some dexterity and for people with a fairly sturdy build it does not seem to me to be the most comfortable choice in the car world. But… I can’t live without it anymore.”

Ford Puma

Driving the Puma

The Ford Fiesta is known for its sharp handling. The following owners describe how the Puma fares. “A Puma drives more like a Fiesta than a Focus,” says a 1.0 EcoBoost driver. “Very light-footed car with very smooth handling. The limits of the car are far. The car is simply fast, more than enough for the Dutch roads and also with the intermediate acceleration when entering the highway you quickly reach 100-120 km/h. The car is very quiet, even at higher speeds.” There also appears to be a disadvantage. “With the ST-Line, the suspension is on the stiff side, which is especially noticeable on German highways with moderate asphalt.”

Another ST-Line rider is shorter. “Steering is again a joy in this car and I find it remarkably strong in fast corners. He hardly ever leans over.” This also applies to the next owner. “In terms of steering, road holding and cornering behavior, this Puma is really the top. The DNA of the Focus and Fiesta is clearly present here.” He even goes a step further. “The 155 hp engine, this chassis and the adjustment make you long for the next ride every time.”

Ford Puma ST

The Ford Puma ST, just as spectacular as the Fiesta ST.

There is of course a superlative in the form of the Puma ST. Can it compete with the lower Fiesta ST? “In terms of chassis, steering and handling, the answer is a resounding yes,” says the owner of an approximately 200 hp Puma. He explains: “The Puma is a 100% copy of the Fiesta when it comes to this area. Very direct steering, slightly nervous handling and remarkably good comfort. Roundabouts don’t seem to exist for the Puma, you can go over them so quickly.” A downside of the nervous behavior: “When driving fast, always have two hands on the wheel, because the car is quite sensitive to ruts.”

Ford Puma ST-Line Vignale

A Ford Puma with the opulent Vignale interior.

Maintenance, malfunctions and irritations

The Puma ST has not been on the market for very long, so the real quality cannot yet prove itself. For now, it means that most drivers experience a problem-free car. One 1.0 EcoBoost driver reports creaking noises from the steering column. The steering column was then replaced. Initially without lasting results, although the driver says that the creaking later disappeared on its own. Another incident concerns a leak in the bulkhead, which caused one driver to have a water ballet in the interior.

A complaint that drivers of a ‘normal’ Puma do not describe, but two ST drivers do: creaks and rattles in the interior. The problem of the next ST driver went much further than a rattle, whose panoramic roof shattered while driving. “Was it a stone? No, there was no impact and I didn’t drive under a bridge. Was the roof open? No. Was it closed incorrectly? No, I definitely noticed that. Temperatures, a shock, loud music… No, no, no.” The true cause remains unknown.

Ford Puma

Is the Puma a worthy successor to the Fiesta? It certainly seems that way, if we can believe the above owners. Not only drivers of an average Puma are pleased with the model, even critical ST drivers are very enthusiastic – despite a few incidents. The Puma may have a less historically loaded name than the Fiesta, but it does the honors well.

– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl

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