Ford Puma review: Why this compact SUV is still FUN to drive and safe | The Right Car

[@351tgv]

First off a disclaimer: I'm a FORD fan, that said my bias is not reflected in this post as I know knowing about the Puma from a driving experience just specs only. The 1L turbo petrol could have issues after 5 years or after approx. 120,000km, the design flaw is the 3rd cylinder chamber, it splits and as such warps the head and since it has a wet-cam belt (re: lubricated) and will need the special cam tool if you pull apart the head to reco the engine, apparently mechanics won't touch them as Ford don't carry major parts and instead say buy a while engine instead, and Ford simply installs a new engine if under warranty and if you don't have warranty? people have reported around $7,000 for a replacement engine. Ford of Europe vehicle which has been sold to most right hand drive markets get the Euro spec suspension which is FIRM, steering is well weighted and breaks are progressive feeling. Looks are subjective, that said to me it looks cross eyed., interior is typical Ford. The DCT is a wet clutch design, so what does that mean? when the engaging clutch slips it won't over-heat and as such you won't have that lurching / jerking feel at slow speeds, tha said YOU MUST GET THE FLUID CHANGED & SERVICE EVERY 60,000km, no if's no buts as the transmission sensor shuts down and will lock you out, this is a well know issue with all wet-clutch DCT that Ford have, it affect many focus and Mondeo turbo diesel cars over many years. Overall? a decent buy but be prepared, get it serviced every 10,000km instead of the recommended 15,000km, that baby turbo charger is doing a heap of work to BOOST the engine with (get this) an 11:1 compression ratio , change the coolant every 20,000km as again this engine runs super lean (as its Euro 6 emissions spec). Other than that buy it, it will impress and surprise all at the same time.

[@sharonevans7861]

I have had the base model for 3 years. Great car to drive. No problems at all. Average 6.5 it per 100. I recommend this car 100%

[@andrewvasta9511]

We own a 2021 ST Line with the Park Pack. Brilliant car. Using Sport Mode brings about 30% better performance. Highly recommend this car to anyone. Thanks for the video review!

[@therightcar]

Awesome feedback.

[@therightcar]

Awesome mate. Thanks for the feedback.

[@brobiv2452]

do you still enjoy the car? Do you not regret getting the higher end model for the leather seats and bose audio system?

[@iEnofadov]

I remember when these first came out, I was lucky enough to get behind the wheel of an ST Line and I was blown away at the performance and handling of such a compact SUV! It immediately put a smile on my face! At the time I was also pretty impressed with the interior as well, but I have to agree with you Matt, it's looking dated and an upgrade surely isn't that far away? Overall though, I have to agree with just about everything you've said! It is a little smaller when compared to some of the competition, Skoda Kamiq for one, but it's such a spirited little thing, that you could almost overlook this.

[@therightcar]

Thanks! Yeah, the fun factor is what got me. I think it makes a lot of sense for someone who wants a little funky fun car.

[@gregturner_awod]

Good value for what it is, and a nice car to drive. For me, I’ve started to break from petrol to EV, with a Model Three long range arriving in a few weeks. Thanks for another great review!

[@therightcar]

Thanks Greg - good luck with the transition to EV. Hopefully it’s a simple change for you!

[@gregturner_awod]

It’s something I’ve planned and thought about for quite some time. Charging infrastructure is improving, even regionally, so time for me make the change.

[@steveans]

Your presentation style is fantastic I have subscribed 😊

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate!

[@PurplePandaGuy88]

Personally the ST line v is the one I’d go with It has great kit and practicality, it is just a bit pricey but I think it’s worth it

[@therightcar]

Good one!

[@IIDEADZONE]

I agree, I was amazed how fun this car was to drive when I had one as a courtesy car. Nice review King Matt! 🤴

[@therightcar]

Thanks mate!!

[@YZJB]

Interesting you say it reminds you of driving a Mini… they share the same DCT! Good friends of mine had a Puma for a while. Great car! They now have an Escape because they wanted more room, but they miss the character of the Puma.

[@adi2082]

Drove one of these as a rental, the dual clutch makes parking more difficult then it should be. The rear suspension needs to be upgraded to something like a multilink as any bumps while going around corner really unsettles the car especially a problem in Australia with our horrible roads.

[@therightcar]

Ah well. Ford Australia just axed this petrol version from mid-2024.

[@barron204]

In NZ the only two models are hybrid and start at $37K. Also SYNC3 requires an update to work after June 24.

[@martinahorn4871]

Absolutely awesome car and a pleasure to drive - super turbo punchy engine for its size . Soon to be electric in Australia as they will no longer be importing petrol models . UK ‘a no 1 seller for last couple of years for a reason .

[@therightcar]

A real shame the petrol is done. It was a lovely thing.

[@mindfreeze0838]

Great review, however you left off the Suzuki Vitara(a car I hope you get to review soon), its a valid competitor to this in terms of size and it does the practical stuff a bit better, for one the interior is more hardwearing than the Ford, the rear is more livable,plus the Turbo version is fun to drive. In any event I like the boot, while its not the most practical in the class its pretty deep.

[@danielmaglione6376]

Great suv video. Could you please do a video on the VW T-Cross as I am looking to buy one.

[@therightcar]

Thanks! I wasn’t planning on doing one on the current version, as there is a facelift coming next year. Let me see if I can!

[@nigelandrews5617]

I have the ST Line x Vignale, 1.5 auto gearbox in Agate Black. Overall, very pleased with the car. On a good trip in Eco mode I can get 65mpg! Minus point, quality of paint isn't very good! Would I buy another, yes I would and would consider upgrading to the Kuga. Thanks for the good review😀👍

[@therightcar]

Thank you for your comments!

[@nigelandrews5617]

@@therightcar 👍

[@brobiv2452]

do you still enjoy the car? Do you not regret getting the higher end model for the leather seats and bose audio system?

[@nigelandrews5617]

@@brobiv2452 no regrets 👍

[@TheHayabusa09]

Very informative review Matt. I remember reading that the next-gen to arrive in OZ would feature an additional (smallish) mild-hybrid function..Any further news on that?

[@shelbyd3406]

I miss the transition sound you use to include between clips!

[@therightcar]

Haha you’re the only one!

[@gavinreid2741]

I test drove an ST never know there was a basic model . I actually prefer the traditional dsplay of the basic.

[@therightcar]

Fair enough!

[@GlowingTube]

A good looking small SUV with sharp dynamics, punchy performance, good dynamics and a very practical boot. Would I buy one? The answer is a NO due to the dual clutch transmission, poor rear legroom, cheap looking interior, the 1L engine's reputation for being a hand grenade and Ford's track record of throwing customers under the bus when things go wrong.

[@therightcar]

Fair enough mate. Everyone has their preferences.

[@stendecstretcher5678]

Spot on. I wouldn’t buy any Ford let alone this one. I hear the new Ranger is problematic too.

[@GlowingTube]

@@stendecstretcher5678 I agree… as much as I like the Puma I know I’d just be buying trouble and the vehicle will probably be junked relatively young. Just google the massive issues with the Ford 1L triple turbo engine… it’s really bad.

[@kennethprocak5176]

@@GlowingTubeall size ecoboost engines are problematic, don’t just pick on the little fella.

[@teal5989]

Can you review the mazda cx3 akari?

[@pauld6556]

If it wasn’t for Ranger and Everest, Ford would be dead here in Australia. Most shopping the small SUV market will completely over look this.

[@therightcar]

Some truth in that. Thank goodness there’s an F-150 coming! Haha

[@351tgv]

Somehow I don't think Ford Australia really cares, if you look at their international operations only Europe and some parts of Asia do they really put an effort into non SUV/Truck and even then they are scaling down the petrol options and looking towards their WV link for electric. As long as Range, Everest and Mustang sell ford Australia will continue to be here and transit is like the icing on that particular cake.

[@egl3369]

This car now starts at $35,512 😯

[@buncha5651]

Can't stand road noise.

[@lukuscannon9697]

I definitely would pass on the the Volkswagen only because when they're out of warranty they are very expensive to get anything fixed not a fan of the outside look all the interior look of the Toyota but that is only my opinion

[@therightcar]

Fair enough.

[@robertceroli3512]

built in Romania there not exactly known for producing quality vehicles

[@AD45]

Well, considering lots of brands got their factories all over the world, at least it is not produced in Bangladesh

[@shadowjohn2266]

you forgot to mention that the puma and escape are not being made anymore

[@JF-di1nr]

That statement is just not true. Escape is not coming to Australia anymore but still being made in other markets. No change to Puma.

[@jensei76]

Do you have a source for this?

[@shadowjohn2266]

@@JF-di1nr you are right they are both not coming to australia

[@shadowjohn2266]

@@jensei76 ford

[@351tgv]

- BZZZZT wrong, Escape is still being made but no longer for DR complaint specification re: Australia, the last boat load from the factory are due to leave in November, the current production run order books are still technically open but will be very hard to get anything without the additional options packs. Some more info: the order books close September 30, after that its what ever is in stock at dealerships and what is on the boat from this last production run, and even then its around 600 left. The internal stock levels show at least 400 at dealerships around Australia in various specs and pack levels/colours. As for PUMA, its touch and go if we get the MY24 Euro spec, the Romanian factory is still making RHD versions but the factory is not taking orders, as for how many are at dealerships backlots? Ford likes to have at least 500 which can be deployed to dealerships at random times. As for future of PUMA? electrifiction, same goes for Escape where its already a mild.hynrid/phev in other markets. Ford made a fundamental cluster F up by NOT having the Focus and Escape Hybrid versions here to take on the Rav4 Hybrid, seriously the PHEV should never of been brought here.

[@geoffnoyes520]

Swearing in his first sentence to review a car,?l won't be back.

[@therightcar]

Bye!

[@justice4g]

ford's interior styling has always been so borrrring

[@therightcar]

Predictable is okay. Boring is not.

[@cass2303]

Yuck yuck yuck