Slightly Shambolic SMMT Reviews: 2024 Ford Puma 1.0 MHEV ST-Line X Automatic

[@barisyagmur3062]

You do not need to use touch screen for A/C controls, you can use voice commands to set the temperature also. When i purchased my 2023 Ford Focus the dealership also was not aware of voice commands. Sync4 has an integrated AI voice commander + if you connect your mobile (for example Android mobile) you can use google voice commands too. Voice Button is located on steering wheel. If you press it for 1 second Ford AI Voice will ask you what you need, if you keep pressing about 3 seconds Google Voice will ask you what you need.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I don't like using voice controls, I am afraid. I think the changes for the 2024 Puma are a big mistake for the majority of people who will be buying it.

[@pizzalover3]

Quite a nice styling exercise as far as dire modern crossovers go but it's a bit dear and the rear indicators flash quite small too. The screen is also far too big and we do prefer manual HVAC buttons on this channel! But thank you for the video, sir. The usual thorough tour!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes sir, not bad in terms of the styling, but some of the decisions on this facelifted car are completely baffling, aren't they?

[@gesanners1417]

I was about to order a brand new Puma ST Line ……until I saw your review. I’m very grateful to you for alerting the motoring public to these bloody ridiculous and downright dangerous changes Ford have made in the name of ‘progress’ 1.Relocating the windscreen wiper stalk to the left side of the wheel - why? It won’t trouble me but it will cause confusion to many. 2. Heating control buttons done away with in favour of smaller touch screen version on the new infotainment screen-why? 3.The most stupid change of all, dispensing with the driving mode button in favour of touch screen alternative which requires the driver to search the infotainment screen whilst driving! The mode button on my 2023 Puma is on the centre console ….I thought that was a stupid place to put it but this takes the biscuit. I constantly switch between ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ modes dependent on traffic conditions to minimise fuel consumption when possible but also to keep the engine responsive where traffic conditions dictate. How have Ford been allowed to make such idiotic changes, all of which are detrimental to road safety. Who within the motor industry is responsible for passing such nonsense ideas as fit for purpose!?

[@michaeloreilly657]

Cost cutting.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Well, we aim to please! I didn't realise that we were necessarily providing a Public Information Service on this channel, but if we are, then I am glad that someone appreciates it. I didn't like the changes for this 2024 facelift either, which is a shame, as the car fundamentally doesn't seem too bad at all. In Sport mode in particular, I am sure that it drives really well, I just couldn't find the mode selector for the majority of my time with the car.

[@cliftonian10]

Thanks for the video! Alas the 1.5 petrol manual ST has been discontinued following the facelift. Agree £33k seems pricy when a comparable Renault Captur Esprit Alpine is more like £29k. Puma is best in class for handling though. I expect the reason for the lack of right hand steering column stalk is either cost cutting or to do with a one size fits all dash to accommodate the Electric model coming soon. 🤷‍♂️

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, I was amazed at the price as tested, given that this is the least powerful engine... Apparently the situation with the wiper stalk is to bring it into line with the new models such as the Explorer, but it's still not a great idea! The car was nice to drive, but I did struggle to find the driving modes, now they are buried in the touchscreen... I did drive a 2022 Renault Captur on the channel last year, actually.

[@mattw8332]

Well there you go: never thought I would hear the latest Ford Puma be compared to a series 1 Austin Allegro. 😁 I'm not a fan of SUVs however I think Ford have done a nice job styling the Puma. Shame about the fate of the perennial Fiesta and Focus models.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

The Puma does actually look quite good, although I am not a fan of some of the changes they have brought in for the facelifted cars. Thank you again for watching and commenting, sir!

[@uhn100]

The car looks good Joseph I would wonder about the life expectancy of the turbo still it should be ok are these made in the UK or elsewhere best regards Andy Allen.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Yes, it's the same with all these small capacity turbo engines, really. Apparently, those made since 2019 are much better than the older "Ecoboom" units.

[@andyallen632]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting Good to know Joseph Ford and GM had some failing premiturly and were replaced under a recall scheme here Best regards Andy Allen.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It is only Ford that make the infamous "Ecoboom" engines, sir...

[@frazzleface753]

Not a bad car, sir, but I lament the fact that it seems absolutely everything simply must be converted into an SUV. It can't surely just be because 'that's what the market wants'. It feels like a lack of imagination and risk-taking. But it is the country's best selling car, so I'm at a loss to explain it. Thank you, Mr. Lloyd!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Been discussing this subject with quite a few people. Ford's current marketing does seem to be a bit strange to me, but maybe in hindsight it will become clearer.

[@richardhowlett7398]

Thanks Mr Lloyd for the review . I must admit I hadn’t realised just how catastrophically awful this car is . Any car with touchscreens should have an NCAP rating of zero , the amount of time you were looking where to prod the screen while driving is alarming , in busy traffic the consequences could be catastrophic, the same for any driver . No wonder the general standard of driving is so bad . The cars only redeeming feature is the manual handbrake. There is no new car , at any price , I would consider buying. Sorry for the rant !

[@mattw8332]

Agreed

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

I think the pre-facelift ones are a bit different, I would have to check for sure. It is a nice car to drive, but I wasn't necessarily a fan of some of the changes they have made for this 2024 model.

[@joaoreis1079]

I have that model and I don’t spend much time looking at the screen . I’d you find it distracting you can put it in a relaxing mode that only displays the clock. I don’t understand why people keep ranting about infotainment systems : either you get used to them or you don’t buy new cars … I find the car really nice to drive and comfortable with the 17 inch rims and automatic gearbox . It’s not perfect , far from it, but I have it as a company car and for the price I could only get a VW T-Cross but it would be short in equipment and power, same as Seat Arona or the VW Taigo. These small B Crossovers have a better value for renting in my country so, little to chose from, and the Puma is by far the best drivers car of the bunch . Annoyances ? Yes , the mild hybrid system doesn’t always work , some rattling on the passenger door with a few kilometers. But honestly , it’s an OK car, from a modest segment and I honestly find it a very bad idea to go for versions like the one on the video where you spent a lot of money in extras on a cheap car…

[@seancooke7332]

I will hold my hand up and admit that I hated the idea of a Puma SUV and I lost respect for Ford for forcing it upon us. However, the shape and the package has grown on me, especially the Pearlescent White. Very expensive though. What I would really consider is a 2019 Ford Kuga Vignale which can be had for £17000.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

It must be pointed out that this particular car had about £4,000 worth of options on it, so they are a bit cheaper than this as standard, but the prices do seem to be creeping up. Like you, sir, I think the design of the car is perfectly fine, and the boot in particular is very practical, but I am not necessarily a fan of the changes for the 2024 facelift....

[@alaricbragg7843]

Hi from New Zealand, Joseph! I have not been able to view a video of yours because of intense work lately, sorry. However I was drawn to this video because I actually met a client who told me a tale of woe owning a Puma which was dead in her driveway. TWO gearbox changes! Faulty reversing camera! Local Ford dealer citing her high kilometers (She was a farm worker.) to not justify giving her a replacement car. Apparently her Puma is made in the Ukraine - Great! Built in a warzone! Is it just me or does that steering wheel look like that of an Allegro?

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

The Pumas are made in Romania, not Ukraine. If you watch the video, sir, you will see that I have already made the connection between the Series I Allegro's Quartic wheel and the one in the Puma...

[@alaricbragg7843]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting Sorry Joseph I was watching it after a 200km trip...In a Honda Civic that has reached 256,869 kilometers and running like clockwork after a cam belt and water pump replacement. The Puma owner was impressed by such tales of my Honda's endurance...

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

A golden age for Honda, sir...

[@alaricbragg7843]

@@lloydvehicleconsulting Well the Puma owner was making do with a 2000s Mazda 6...

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Very different sort of car.

[@TommyRogic18]

Oh Sir, what is with this elephant buttock flat grey colour that seemingly so many think looks good? One yearns for the day when British Racing Green and Rosso Alfa make a comeback.

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Don't know, sir, but I think that you can still get Fords in a nice dark green colour, as they had a Kuga in that shade next to the Puma I tested when I was at the SMMT Test Day.