Ford’s new small crossover will be named the Puma.
The moniker has thus made a comeback in the brand’s portfolio after a 17-year
hiatus. Unlike the previous Puma, which was a small coupe built between 1997
and 2002, the new one is described as an “SUV-inspired crossover” with emphasis
on versatility. The automaker says it has “best-in-class luggage capacity and
flexibility”, and a 456-liter boot capacity.
Teased for the first time, the Fiesta-based
crossover has distinctive styling cues with wing-top mounted headlights,
aerodynamic lines and raised ride-height. Ford has went for an urban-like
approach, as the model shown in the two official pictures has no plastic
cladding. The new Ford Puma is reportedly going to be marketed alongside the
existing EcoSport as a sportier alternative rather that outright replacing it.
The 2020 Puma will use a mild-hybrid powertrain,
combining the 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with a 48-volt
belt-driven integrated starter/generator and delivering up to 155 PS.
Ford will kick off production of the new Puma at the
Craiova plant, in Romania, in the coming months. The facility has received
investments of almost € 1.5 billion since 2008. Sales of the car
will commence at the end of the year, with Ford expected to make a full reveal
in the summer.
