Ford has introduced a new high-end trim for the Puma that is called Vivid Ruby Edition. Ιτ is distinguished by the special duo-tone treatment on the exterior, and comes packed with features as the new flagship of the non-ST Puma range, with pricing to match. The highlight of the new trim model is the Vivid Ruby color for the exterior. According to Ford, it’s an evolution of the Hot Magenta and appears as a dark red at night, with the “sparkling ruby tones” becoming more apparent under sunlight.
The Vivid Ruby exterior is combined with
contrasting black trimmings – unlike on the ST Line where they’re body-colored.
Alternatively, Ford offers the option of a white-painted roof. Finally, the
Puma Vivid Ruby Edition comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels with either
black or white details depending on the color of the roof. Inside, the seats
have white and ruby stitching on the Partial Premium Sensico upholstery as are
the only colorful tones in a black-themed cabin. There’s plenty of standard kit
ranging from the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 8-inch
touchscreen to a premium B&O audio system, heated steering wheel, power
tailgate and more.
Under the bonnet, there is a choice
between the mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine producing
either 123 hp or 153 hp. Power is forwarded
to the front wheels through a six-speed manual, or a seven-speed DCT automatic.
Just like the ST Line models, the Vivid Ruby Edition comes standard with sport
suspension.
The Ford Puma Vivid Ruby Edition is
already available in the UK market, priced between £ 29,770 (US$ 36,189) and
£ 32,300 (US$ 39,264) depending on the engine/gearbox configuration. Surprisingly,
Ford priced it very close to the significantly more powerful Puma ST
performance flagship, which retails at £ 31,045 (US$ 37,909) or £ 32,350 (US$ 39,502)
when fitted with the Performance Pack. In other words, the Vivid Ruby Edition
with 123 hp and an automatic gearbox is £ 525 (US$ 641) more
expensive than the Puma ST with 197 hp and a six-speed
manual.
We don’t know if Ford will bring this new
trim to Europe but it sounds likely. Note that the automaker has confirmed a
fully electric variant of the Puma for 2024 which could coincide with a
facelift for the ICE-powered models.