• 10 months ago
The small crossover gets a facelift that brings SYNC4 and a simplified engine lineup.

This puts more pressure on the Puma crossover to carry the torch of the now-defunct supermini. The hatchback on stilts is the Blue Oval's best-selling passenger car in Europe. It's getting a mid-cycle update for 2024.

The subcompact crossover's exterior hasn't changed much, although Ford says the headlights with the claw-like signature now use matrix LED technology. The carefully updated badge has been moved to the front grille. We don't notice any changes at the rear, where automakers usually give new graphics to the taillights when it's time to give a car a facelift. Customers can choose from six colors, including the new Cactus Grey, and a variety of wheel sets ranging in size from 17 to 19 inches.

When you open the doors, you will immediately be greeted with the Puma logo projected onto the ground. The cabin is significantly different since the SYNC4 infotainment system is installed. The dashboard features a dual screen, while the center air vents have been moved to the top to make room for the 12-inch touchscreen. On the left side, the 12.8-inch digital instrument panel is no longer fully integrated into the dashboard as it protrudes a bit.

Ford is simplifying its engine lineup as the Puma is no longer available in Europe with the four-cylinder 1.5-litre diesel engine. Additionally, the high-performance ST model has lost its turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine and six-speed manual transmission. In the future, the sporty model will be offered with a smaller 1.0-liter unit and a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

That's a significant drop, considering the full-fat Puma ST used to have 197 horsepower and 320 Newton-meters (236 pound-feet) of torque. The neutered version, released about a year ago, makes do with just 168 hp and 248 Nm (183 lb-ft). The mild-hybrid engine enables acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.4 seconds, or 0.7 seconds slower than the older version equipped with the larger 1.5-liter engine. Obviously, it can reach speeds of up to 130 mph (210 km/h).

Non-ST Puma models will also have a 1.0-liter turbo engine producing 123 hp and 210 Nm (154 lb-ft) or 153 hp and 240 Nm (176 lb-ft). The smaller version of the three-pot can be had with a six-speed manual transmission, and in this case the sprint is completed in 9.8 seconds. When you choose the seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, the drive is completed in 9.6 seconds. The more powerful version of the tiny EcoBoost engine is automatic only and helps the stylish crossover reach 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds.

Ford will also launch the fully electric Puma Gen-E as promised in 2022. It will arrive later this year and is expected to look almost the same as it will take over the platform from the petrol model. The EV will be produced alongside regular versions at the company's factory in Craiova, Romania.

Source: https://www.motor1.com/news/707674/2024-ford-puma

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