Ford is reinventing the Puma as a new compact crossover which will launch later this year.
The Puma was a compact coupe produced in Europe from September 1997 to July 2002. It was a weird quirky and charming little coupe which is becoming rarer on the roads in Britain.
Some fans of the vehicle may be disappointed with the decision the firm’s choice to transform the car from a unique little coupe into yet another crossover.
Crossovers and SUVs are burgeoning markets across the UK and Europe as carmakers look to capitalise on demand from motorists.
The Puma joins the Fiesta Active, Focus Active, EcoSport, Kuga, Edge, and the all-new Explorer Plug-In Hybrid in the firm’s lineup.
Ford revealed a veiled look a the Puma which looks like a tall, swollen and more muscular Fiesta.
It has distinctive wing-top mounted headlamps, raised ride-height and according to Ford ‘class-leading uncompromised luggage capacity of 456-litres.’
It will go on sale at the end of the year and will be produced at Ford’s Craiova Assembly Plant, Romania.
“Innovatively engineered and seductively styled, we think Puma is going to really resonate with compact-car customers in Europe,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.
“If you want a car that can turn heads on Friday night, and swallow your flat-pack furniture with ease on Saturday afternoon, then you’ve found it.
“We’ve gone to every length to give customers the flexibility they want, with progressive and evocative styling, so that they can drive the best-looking car they’ve ever owned.”
Powering the car will be a choice of powertrains but most notably a hybrid.
Ford EcoBoost Hybrid technology will optimise Puma fuel-efficiency and contribute to the performance up to 155PS.
It will combine a three-cylinder 1.0‑litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a 48‑volt lithium-ion air-cooled battery pack.
The engine will charge the battery by power generated when braking and coasting to charge.
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