- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
2019 Ford Puma SUV. 2nd generation
The Ford Puma has been produced by Ford since 1997 and is intended for sale in Europe. Its two generations are completely different cars: the first is a coupe, the second is an SUV. Starting in 2019, the second generation Ford Puma SUV can be purchased on the Israeli market.
In January 2020, What Car? magazine (UK) named the Puma SUV ‘The Car of the Year 2020’. The newcomer topped many big-name competitors, including the Tesla Model 3. The model was tested by Euro NCAP. It received a five-star overall safety rating, with both adult and child protection rated at 94% and 84%, whereas the safety of pedestrians was rated at 77%.
Exterior
The new Ford Puma looks good. It is clear that the expensive model versions (which are supplied to Israel) are the most eye-catching ones. They have LED headlights and taillights, body-colored plastic trims, an expressive spoiler on the fifth door and large 18- or 19-inch wheels. The front face features a huge black radiator grille, large aerodynamic headlights, which are unusual for today’s cars and a convex bumper. It resembles to the first Puma: dynamic body lines, an inclined windshield, big fenders, wheels at the corners of the body.
The second generation, launched in early 2019, has been reborn as an SUV based on the Ford Global B-car platform. The vehicle is produced in Romania. It is 4,186 mm long, 1,805 mm wide and 1,536 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,588 mm. Its ground clearance ranges from 164 to 166 mm.
Interior
The driver will appreciate a large 12.3-inch screen, a digital dashboard (optional), a Ford SYNC 3 multimedia system with an 8-inch screen, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay interfaces. The list of optional equipment includes the B&O premium sound system with 10 speakers.
The trunk of this little vehicle holds a whopping 456 liters, of which 80 liters belong to a compartment under the floor. It is called ‘MegaBox’ and has a plastic bottom with a drainage hole so that the compartment can be washed with a hose, making it suitable for transporting dirty items. A luggage rack is attached to the fifth door of the car, while the door itself can be equipped with an electric drive (cost option).
Powertrains and chassis
The 2019/2020 Ford Puma intended for Israel is equipped with a 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 125 hp and a 7-speed DSG. As for the dynamic characteristics, the vehicle accelerates to 100 km/h in10.2 seconds, developing the top speed of 187 km/h.
The Puma’s suspension is the same as that of the Fiesta, but modified. Thus, it features a stiffer beam of the rear semi-independent suspension, different springs with shock absorbers, as well as reinforced attachment points for the levers. There is the MacPherson strut independent suspension on the front axle.
Equipment and trim levels
An enormous amount of attention was given to the safety of the 2020/2021 Ford Puma. The compact SUV can be equipped with the CoPilot 360 electronic package, which includes two cameras, three radars and twelve ultrasonic sensors. The model has adaptive cruise control, which is also able to keep the car in its lane. As for the new assistants, there is the Wrong Way Alert system, which recognizes restrictive signs and sounds an alarm if the driver directs its vehicle to a restricted area. Plus, the SUV has a parking assistant, a tire pressure sensor, an emergency braking assistance system, and a collision avoidance system with pedestrian recognition.
All of the above components are standard for the Israeli versions. In Israel, there are three trim levels: Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X. The latter comes with a sunroof and a rain sensor, 18-inch wheel rims (other versions offer 17-inch wheels), as well as wireless charging and leather-trimmed seats in the passenger compartment.
