To complete the range of the Puma, already provided with petrol and light hybridization, Ford equips it with a 120 hp Diesel and an automatic transmission on a 125 hp petrol engine … non-hybrid.
The return of the Puma to the Ford sphere in 2020 was an immediate success. It owes it first to its style of small stocky SUV of 4.19 m, its well-balanced generous forms showing curved wings, its wide grille framed by stretched LED headlamps.
But, from its launch, the Puma also benefited from a light gasoline hybridization , which made it sympathetic to a public stunned by the all-out electric propaganda.
Electric assistance for starting
In fact, it is just an 11.5 kW or 15 hp starter-alternator and a 48V battery supporting a 3-cylinder turbo engine of 999 cm 3 combined in 125 and 155 hp.
The battery is recharged during deceleration and braking and then provides electric assistance when starting and accelerating in order to reduce fuel consumption.
A 120 hp Diesel
But there are still Diesel fans, especially companies and heavy-duty drivers who need to minimize the cost per kilometre and maximize range. So the Puma got a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter 120 hp associated with a 6-speed manual gearbox that should satisfy them. No hybridization for him which allows him to put a spare wheel in his trunk.
The automatic transmission is also gaining ground and gaining more and more followers since its modern technologies make it responsive to perfection. This is the case with the all-new DCT 7 transmission, with double clutch and dry sump, assembled by Getrag. However, it is only available on the 125 hp engine and without mHEV mild hybridization.
It reduces CO2 emissions from 137 g / km and displays an average consumption of 6.0 l / 100 km according to WLTP standards.
7 intelligent automatic gears
The greater number of gears compared to the manual gearbox allows a closer staging and optimizes the fuel efficiency of the engine. Thus, the Puma offers a more dynamic behaviour especially in the series of turns and small mountain roads where the first reports are very stressed.
On the other hand, the last ones remain too long, to obtain the best ratios with the passage of the Mines. It is also regrettable that it is impossible to resume gears manually and the driver has to trust the automatic management of the gearbox, especially when he needs to downshift to have engine braking or energetic pick-ups.
Hoping for a DCT 7 for all
Fortunately, the Puma has just been enriched with an ST-Line V finish with a more sporty character, with paddles integral with the steering wheel for control of reports and a sport-tuned suspension, among others. This finish which comes to cap the Puma range is available from € 28,900 and offers full Led headlights, a leather-finished dashboard, specific upholstery, the keyless opening and starting system, rims as standard. 18-inch alloy and a spoiler on the rear window. On the other hand, more height-adjustable massaging front seats with lumbar support.
Finally, it is also a pity that the DCT 7 box is not available for the moment on Diesel and 155 hp petrol, nor on mHEV hybrid versions. The price of Diesel starts at 24,700 €, that of 125 hp petrol DCT 7 starts at 25,100 €. As a reminder, those of the 125 and 155 hp hybrids are at 23,100 € and 24,100 €.
