It's already one of our favourite cars of the year, but Ford isn't letting the new Puma rest on its laurels and is introducing new options and a top-spec model.
ST sportiness and Vignale luxury
That top-spec model is something of a mouthful, and tries to draw together two otherwise separate arms of Ford's trim setup - it's the (deep breath) Puma ST-Line X Vignale. Now, normally, ST-Line is Ford's sporty model trim, while Vignale is all about leather-lined luxury, but Ford has clearly decided to put those two hands together.
Leather and exclusive alloys
Basically, it takes a Puma ST-Line X and adds exclusive 18-inch alloys, a satin aluminium upper grille and surround, ebony lower grille, and body-coloured lower rear bumper. Standard specification includes signature LED headlights, Windsor leather seats, wrapped instrument cluster, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and Ford KeyFree system.
"Customers have told us that they want a range of options to help find a combination of style, equipment, performance and efficiency that's just right for them. That's something we committed to delivering with Puma, and with a new Puma ST coming later this year, we're not finished yet" Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. Yeah, thanks Roelant - just give us the ST and we'll be happy...
Automatic option
As well as the new top-spec model, Ford will now be offering the Puma with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Attached to the 125hp 1.0-litre engine, the new engine-gearbox combo records fuel economy of 6.1 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 138g/km, both on the WLTP emissions and economy test.
The Puma is built in Ford's factory in Craiova, Romania, where the company has invested €1.5 billion since 2008.