The Ford Puma name could be making a comeback,
although not on a small coupe like the one made in Germany from 1997 until
2002, but an SUV. Ford has applied for a couple of trademarks for that moniker in
Australia and New Zealand. Discovered by GoAuto at the Global Brand Database,
they refer to a wide range of models, including pickup trucks, SUVs and
four-wheel drive vehicles.
So, what’s the Blue Oval’s upcoming product that
lacks an official name and fits the description? One possible answer is the
Baby Bronco, a small SUV whose official unveiling date remains unknown, with
some claiming that it will debut in 2019 or 2020 and others saying that it will
hit the market sometime before 2023.
Despite having a boxy look, the Baby Bronco won’t be
a true off-roader. In fact, it’s believed to share underpinnings with the
latest Focus. The platform is very versatile and supports all-wheel drive, and
will also underpin the next-gen Escape/Kuga, which will probably share some
engines with the upcoming small SUV.
While the Baby Bronco could be called the Puma in
Australia and New Zealand, the vehicle might get a different name when it
launches in the United States. In fact, two names appear, Maverick and
Timberline, both registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, are
though to be the most likely candidates for Ford’s rival to the likes of the
Jeep Renegade.
