Midlife makeover for Ford Puma

IT might be new to South Africa, but the Ford Puma has been around for more than four years in Europe.

First revealed in mid-2019, the compact “boutique” crossover has been given a midlife makeover.

There are a few subtle changes on the outside, including new headlights, optionally available with Matrix LED technology with predictive dynamic bending light.

But the big changes occur on the inside where we see a fresh dashboard design.

The air vents have been moved to the upper dashboard, above a much larger touchscreen that now incorporates Ford’s Sync 4 software with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay.

The touchscreen’s size has grown from eight to 12 inches and now also boasts 5G connectivity and built-in Alexa, which you can ask questions such as “What is on my calendar today?” or “How is my commute home?”

Drivers will also get to enjoy a redesigned and slightly larger digital instrument cluster, which grows in size from 12.3 to 12.8 inches.

The driver assist gizmos have been given an overhaul too.

For instance, the adaptive cruise control with stop & go now incorporates lane centring, as well as predictive speed assist, which can adjust the cruising speed for curves on the road, as well as roundabouts.

In addition to an enhanced blind spot information system, the Puma also gains a 360-degree surround view camera system, as well as reverse brake assist and rear cross traffic braking.

In Europe, the Puma is offered with a 1-litre turbopetrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Depending on the model, buyers can choose between 92kW and 114kW output levels, and there is also a sporty ST model that pushes the envelope to 125kW. Ford South Africa is yet to announce when the updated Puma will reach local shores.

Sold as something of an upmarket niche model priced from R569 900 to R613 000, the current version is yet to achieve three-figure monthly sales in South Africa.

However, the upcoming China-sourced Ford Territory, a much larger vehicle that is stickered from R610 000, should become Ford’s mainstream seller in that price band.  — IOL Motoring