Ford is working on a mid-lifecycle update for the Puma, which is expected to coincide with the debut of a fully electric variant. A heavily camouflaged prototype of the small SUV was caught testing on public roads in Europe, with its bodykit, wheels, brakes, and dual exhaust pipes suggesting it is the performance-focused ST model with a combustion engine under the bonnet. The Ford Puma was reborn in 2019, entering the highly competitive B-SUV segment. Following the discontinuation of the mechanically-related Fiesta supermini, the facelifted Puma will serve as the new entry point in Ford’s lineup, becoming an even more important model for the brand.
The Puma ST prototype was fully covered in
camouflage wrap, trying to hide the small visual updates. Those appear to be
focused at the front end, including a slightly revised lower bumper area and
new LED graphics for the headlights. The Ford emblem will likely move inside
the grille, in a similar manner to the facelifted Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.
The profile appears to be unchanged, as with the rear end which could get
revised taillight graphics and minor changes on the trim. As with the current
Puma, the ST will share most of the bodywork with the ST-Line, with the
exception of the toned-up aero components. The EV will likely be distinguished
thanks to a few version-specific details, while it is not clear if Ford will
keep offering the standard bodykit of the Titanium trim.
The facelift might also bring interior
updates, as hinted at by the relocated climate vents on the prototype. The
current 8-inch free-standing infotainment touchscreen could be replaced by a
larger 12-inch unit featuring the latest software version and more connectivity
features, alongside a revised version of the 12.3-inch digital instrument
cluster, more sophisticated ADAS, and new options for the interior trim.
The powertrain lineup is expected to
include mild hybrid petrol and fully electric options. The turbocharged
1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost mHEV which currently produces 123 hp, 153 hp, or 168 hp in the auto-only
ST Powershift will most likely be carried over in the facelifted range. What we
don’t know is whether Ford will electrify the more powerful turbocharged
1.5-liter EcoBoost which makes 197 hp in the manual ST, as
the mill would need to be updated in order to comply with future emission
regulations. As for the zero-emission option, the Puma EV is expected to come
fitted with a single electric motor producing 134 hp and a
lithium-ion battery of unknown capacity, sourced from the mechanically-related
E-Transit Courier and E-Tourneo Courier.
The facelifted Ford Puma will be produced
in Craiova, Romania, starting in the second half of 2024. The official debut of
the model should be expected a bit earlier than that.
