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2020 Ford Puma (crossover)
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Carbuyer review of the 2021 Puma ST
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Paywall:
OPINION | Bringing the Puma to SA could help overhaul Ford's ageing line-up
www.news24.com
OPINION | Bringing the Puma to SA could help overhaul Ford's ageing line-up
OPINION | Bringing the Puma to SA could help overhaul Ford's ageing line-up | Life
Much has been said of Ford's apparent inability to launch new versions of existing models and introducing entirely new ones to the local portfolio - though the Puma SUV would signify a start.
www.news24.com
FiestaST
Honorary Master
The Ford Puma ST Gold Edition is a unique limited edition model designed by fans, for fans
• The Ford Puma ST Gold Edition will be produced in limited numbers; it will not be available in SA.
• It uses a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that makes 147kW and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.7-seconds.
• Almost 275 000 Ford fans cast their votes on social media, choosing things like body paint, decals, and deciding its name.
Ford fans cast almost 275 000 votes on the brand's Twitter and Instagram accounts, culminating in the creation of a once-off, special edition Puma SUV.
Known as the ST Gold Edition, the ten-day-long poll gave voters the freedom to choose things like colour combinations that include body paint, decals, brake calipers, and the name of the vehicle.
The model is powered by a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that makes 147kW, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.7-seconds.
Ford and their special editions
The special edition is available to order in limited numbers from later this year across European markets, though it won't be sold locally. According to Ford SA, the local introduction of the standard Puma is still under consideration.
Ford's local line-up boasts many special edition models, most notably with the Ranger and its FX4, Thunder, and the Everest Sport and EcoSport Black.
www.news24.com
• The Ford Puma ST Gold Edition will be produced in limited numbers; it will not be available in SA.
• It uses a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that makes 147kW and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.7-seconds.
• Almost 275 000 Ford fans cast their votes on social media, choosing things like body paint, decals, and deciding its name.
Ford fans cast almost 275 000 votes on the brand's Twitter and Instagram accounts, culminating in the creation of a once-off, special edition Puma SUV.
Known as the ST Gold Edition, the ten-day-long poll gave voters the freedom to choose things like colour combinations that include body paint, decals, brake calipers, and the name of the vehicle.
The model is powered by a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that makes 147kW, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.7-seconds.
Ford and their special editions
The special edition is available to order in limited numbers from later this year across European markets, though it won't be sold locally. According to Ford SA, the local introduction of the standard Puma is still under consideration.
Ford's local line-up boasts many special edition models, most notably with the Ranger and its FX4, Thunder, and the Everest Sport and EcoSport Black.
The Ford Puma ST Gold Edition is a unique limited edition model designed by fans, for fans | Life
Ford fans cast almost 275 000 votes on Twitter and Instagram that culminated in the creation of a one-off, special edition Puma SUV.
www.news24.com
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford Puma ST Mountune M260 2021 UK review
Should I buy one?
If you have your heart set on a Puma ST, then we would definitely recommend sending some of your hard-earned Mountune’s way. The extra power and, crucially, torque help address one of the standard car’s biggest weaknesses: the sense that the increase in mass over a Fiesta had blunted the standard engine’s bite. As a result, the Ford is now a seriously quick point-to-point machine and great fun to boot.
Yes, we’re still not sure where the Puma fits into the fast Ford framework (the Fiesta ST is cheaper and more entertaining, the Focus ST more usable and barely costs any more), but there’s no doubt it’s a quicker and more appealing car with Mountune’s modifications.
www.autocar.co.uk
Should I buy one?
If you have your heart set on a Puma ST, then we would definitely recommend sending some of your hard-earned Mountune’s way. The extra power and, crucially, torque help address one of the standard car’s biggest weaknesses: the sense that the increase in mass over a Fiesta had blunted the standard engine’s bite. As a result, the Ford is now a seriously quick point-to-point machine and great fun to boot.
Yes, we’re still not sure where the Puma fits into the fast Ford framework (the Fiesta ST is cheaper and more entertaining, the Focus ST more usable and barely costs any more), but there’s no doubt it’s a quicker and more appealing car with Mountune’s modifications.
Ford Puma ST review | Autocar
Can Ford transfer its ST recipe for fun, usable, affordable performance to an SUV?
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford reveals hybrid SUV rally car ahead of new WRC era
There are some big changes coming to the World Rally Championship in 2022, with new regulations requiring the fitment of a hybrid powertrain to supplement the current 1,6-litre turbopetrol engines, which must now run on sustainable fossil-free fuel.
Hyundai has already revealed its new WRC contender in prototype form, and this week Ford joined in the fun by pulling the covers off its new contender at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The first thing you’ll notice is that Ford’s WRC rally car no longer takes the form of a Fiesta. In fact, you can’t even call it a hatchback anymore. Indeed, the new Rally1 model is based around the Puma crossover SUV, which was launched in road-going form in 2019 (although we have yet to see it in South Africa).
www.carmag.co.za
There are some big changes coming to the World Rally Championship in 2022, with new regulations requiring the fitment of a hybrid powertrain to supplement the current 1,6-litre turbopetrol engines, which must now run on sustainable fossil-free fuel.
Hyundai has already revealed its new WRC contender in prototype form, and this week Ford joined in the fun by pulling the covers off its new contender at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The first thing you’ll notice is that Ford’s WRC rally car no longer takes the form of a Fiesta. In fact, you can’t even call it a hatchback anymore. Indeed, the new Rally1 model is based around the Puma crossover SUV, which was launched in road-going form in 2019 (although we have yet to see it in South Africa).
Ford reveals hybrid SUV rally car ahead of new WRC era
Hyundai has already revealed its new WRC contender in prototype form, and this week Ford joined in the fun by pulling the covers off its new contender at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
www.carmag.co.za
Last edited:
FiestaST
Honorary Master
CAR REVIEW
Ford Puma
WHAT'S THE VERDICT?
“Ford's previous form in crossovers is a bit spotty. Spoiler alert: this one's a good 'un”
If it had been launched a year earlier the Puma would have been the no-brainer choice in the class. But it's got some handy new rivals: second-generation Juke, Captur and 2008, plus the VW T-Cross.
Even so, it's an impressively rounded thing. Its combination of an interesting engine, strong cornering and dignified ride are hard to match in the class, and the interior is cleverly versatile as well as nicely furnished. The ST is a fun car to drive, with surprising ability - and generally, you can see why the Puma has been warmly received by the buying public.
https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/ford/puma
Ford Puma
WHAT'S THE VERDICT?
“Ford's previous form in crossovers is a bit spotty. Spoiler alert: this one's a good 'un”
If it had been launched a year earlier the Puma would have been the no-brainer choice in the class. But it's got some handy new rivals: second-generation Juke, Captur and 2008, plus the VW T-Cross.
Even so, it's an impressively rounded thing. Its combination of an interesting engine, strong cornering and dignified ride are hard to match in the class, and the interior is cleverly versatile as well as nicely furnished. The ST is a fun car to drive, with surprising ability - and generally, you can see why the Puma has been warmly received by the buying public.
https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/ford/puma
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Nearly new buying guide: Ford Puma
Want a crossover that’s as enjoyable as it is practical? Oliver Young has the answerIn the 1990s a small coupé, today a small SUV: the FordPuma is yet another sporty car revived as a much more utilitarian product. It’s not the first and, judging by the likes of the Ford Kuga and Mustang Mach-E, it won’t be the last.
Putting thoughts about its name to one side, the modern Puma is an outstanding crossover. Introduced in 2019 and based on the excellent Fiesta supermini, it offers a punchy yet frugal turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine with 123bhp or 153bhp.
Mild-hybrid technology (cheekily badged Hybrid) is applied to both variants of the three-pot, although at first it wasn’t standard on the lesser-powered one, so keep that in mind when hunting around. ThePuma ST arrived last year with the 197bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine from the Fiesta ST.
Nearly new buying guide: Ford Puma | Autocar
Want a crossover that’s as enjoyable as it is practical? Oliver Young has the answer
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
LETTER | SA to lose Figo, EcoSport? Then bring back the Focus and new Puma - what Ford should do
• Ford has announced it will no longer build cars in India.
• This global decision could have a severe impact on the available line-up in SA.
• Wheels24 reader Muhammad Oumar shares a potential solution.
Ford has become the latest automaker to halt vehicle production in India, following General Motors in 2017, Harley-Davidson, and Toyota in 2020.
Earlier in September, Fin24 reported the automaker "will wind down an assembly plant in the western state of Gujarat by the fourth quarter, as well as vehicle and engine manufacturing plants in the southern city of Chennai by the second quarter of next year."
The report further stated: "Following the factory closures, Ford will import and sell some vehicles, including Mustang coupes, but the sale of models including the Figo, EcoSport and Endeavour will cease once existing inventory at dealers is sold."
The Ford Ranger bakkie is the brand's top-selling vehicle every month, but the EcoSport and Figo are its bestsellers in the passenger market, with more than 300-plus units sold on average.
Currently, South Africa gets its Ford EcoSport Ambiente model and Figo from India. So how will this affect the current line-up available here?
Ford South Africa says it is still currently assessing the situation and the way forward.
Wheels24 reader Muhammad Oumar raises some valid points and offers a solution to the dilemma, which might hit us a lot sooner than expected.
Oumar writes: "Recently Ford announced they would no longer produce cars in India. The Ford Figo and Ford EcoSport Ambiente are models that will be discontinued locally. The Trend and Titanium versions of the EcoSport are sourced from Romania.
Ford South Africa has not made its local strategy clear. All we know is that they will continue to produce the Ranger and Everest locally. The brand has neglected the passenger car market and has lost market share in South Africa. The company has now fallen behind Nissan, Hyundai and Suzuki. Previously Ford was the third best-selling brand in South Africa.
It is not sustainable for Ford to rely only on Ranger and Everest to bring in the numbers. These models have also fallen well behind the Hilux and Fortuner in terms of sales.
The company desperately needs to add more models to the local portfolio.
https://www.news24.com/wheels/opini...s-and-new-puma-what-ford-should-do-20210919-2
• Ford has announced it will no longer build cars in India.
• This global decision could have a severe impact on the available line-up in SA.
• Wheels24 reader Muhammad Oumar shares a potential solution.
Ford has become the latest automaker to halt vehicle production in India, following General Motors in 2017, Harley-Davidson, and Toyota in 2020.
Earlier in September, Fin24 reported the automaker "will wind down an assembly plant in the western state of Gujarat by the fourth quarter, as well as vehicle and engine manufacturing plants in the southern city of Chennai by the second quarter of next year."
The report further stated: "Following the factory closures, Ford will import and sell some vehicles, including Mustang coupes, but the sale of models including the Figo, EcoSport and Endeavour will cease once existing inventory at dealers is sold."
The Ford Ranger bakkie is the brand's top-selling vehicle every month, but the EcoSport and Figo are its bestsellers in the passenger market, with more than 300-plus units sold on average.
Currently, South Africa gets its Ford EcoSport Ambiente model and Figo from India. So how will this affect the current line-up available here?
Ford South Africa says it is still currently assessing the situation and the way forward.
Wheels24 reader Muhammad Oumar raises some valid points and offers a solution to the dilemma, which might hit us a lot sooner than expected.
Oumar writes: "Recently Ford announced they would no longer produce cars in India. The Ford Figo and Ford EcoSport Ambiente are models that will be discontinued locally. The Trend and Titanium versions of the EcoSport are sourced from Romania.
Ford South Africa has not made its local strategy clear. All we know is that they will continue to produce the Ranger and Everest locally. The brand has neglected the passenger car market and has lost market share in South Africa. The company has now fallen behind Nissan, Hyundai and Suzuki. Previously Ford was the third best-selling brand in South Africa.
It is not sustainable for Ford to rely only on Ranger and Everest to bring in the numbers. These models have also fallen well behind the Hilux and Fortuner in terms of sales.
The company desperately needs to add more models to the local portfolio.
https://www.news24.com/wheels/opini...s-and-new-puma-what-ford-should-do-20210919-2
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford to revive more historic model names for new cars
European design chief says past nameplates such as Puma and Mustang can "emotionalise" new cars
Ford is poised to revive more historic model names in the coming years, having applied the Puma, Mustang and Kuga nameplates to its latest European-market SUVs.
Each of those three models takes its name from a lower-slung and more overtly sporting forebear (the Kuga being phonetically linked to the 1990s Cougar coupé and 1960s Mercury Cougar) and comments from the firm's European design chief suggest similar revivals are on the cards.
Speaking to Autocar recently, Murat Gueler explained that the design of previous-generation Fiestas did not influence the recent facelift of the current car, and that retro design – such as that employed for a variety of high-profile models, including the new Renault 5, Nissan Z and Lamborghini Countach – will not be a feature of any upcoming Ford models. Instead, Gueler explained, Ford is more likely to nod to its past successes by bringing back their names.
"The industry is in its craziest time ever since I joined 20 years ago, and I've never seen it so disruptive as it is now. There's a lot of stuff coming onto the market and consumers are bombarded with all kinds of products and information," he said.
"There's a lot of stuff coming from China which is very competitive, and the Koreans are already very competitive with beautiful designs and strong technology, so the question for manufacturers like Ford is 'how do you position yourself?'.
"I think we have the unique asset of having nameplates from the past that we can tap into to emotionalise our product and to tell stories no other brand can tell."
www.autocar.co.uk
European design chief says past nameplates such as Puma and Mustang can "emotionalise" new cars
Ford is poised to revive more historic model names in the coming years, having applied the Puma, Mustang and Kuga nameplates to its latest European-market SUVs.
Each of those three models takes its name from a lower-slung and more overtly sporting forebear (the Kuga being phonetically linked to the 1990s Cougar coupé and 1960s Mercury Cougar) and comments from the firm's European design chief suggest similar revivals are on the cards.
Speaking to Autocar recently, Murat Gueler explained that the design of previous-generation Fiestas did not influence the recent facelift of the current car, and that retro design – such as that employed for a variety of high-profile models, including the new Renault 5, Nissan Z and Lamborghini Countach – will not be a feature of any upcoming Ford models. Instead, Gueler explained, Ford is more likely to nod to its past successes by bringing back their names.
"The industry is in its craziest time ever since I joined 20 years ago, and I've never seen it so disruptive as it is now. There's a lot of stuff coming onto the market and consumers are bombarded with all kinds of products and information," he said.
"There's a lot of stuff coming from China which is very competitive, and the Koreans are already very competitive with beautiful designs and strong technology, so the question for manufacturers like Ford is 'how do you position yourself?'.
"I think we have the unique asset of having nameplates from the past that we can tap into to emotionalise our product and to tell stories no other brand can tell."
Ford to revive more historic model names for new cars | Autocar
European design chief says past nameplates such as Puma and Mustang can "emotionalise" new cars
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford wants to revive some historic badges for new car models
After the success of the Ford Puma, the American manufacturer is looking to revive some more iconic names from its archives. The brand states that this may also be a move to remain competitive as newer brands have started to see more success.
Speaking to Autocar, Ford Chief Designer of Europe, Murat Gueler states that the design of previous-generation Fiestas did not influence the recent facelift of the current car, and that retro design tribute models such as the Lamborghini Countach will not be a feature of any upcoming Ford models. Instead, the brand is more likely to nod to its past successes by bringing back select monikers.
“The industry is in its craziest time ever since I joined 20 years ago, and I’ve never seen it so disruptive as it is now. There’s a lot of stuff coming onto the market and consumers are bombarded with all kinds of products and information,” he said.
“There’s a lot of stuff coming from China which is very competitive, and the Koreans are already very competitive with beautiful designs and strong technology, so the question for manufacturers like Ford is ‘how do you position yourself?,
www.carmag.co.za
After the success of the Ford Puma, the American manufacturer is looking to revive some more iconic names from its archives. The brand states that this may also be a move to remain competitive as newer brands have started to see more success.
Speaking to Autocar, Ford Chief Designer of Europe, Murat Gueler states that the design of previous-generation Fiestas did not influence the recent facelift of the current car, and that retro design tribute models such as the Lamborghini Countach will not be a feature of any upcoming Ford models. Instead, the brand is more likely to nod to its past successes by bringing back select monikers.
“The industry is in its craziest time ever since I joined 20 years ago, and I’ve never seen it so disruptive as it is now. There’s a lot of stuff coming onto the market and consumers are bombarded with all kinds of products and information,” he said.
“There’s a lot of stuff coming from China which is very competitive, and the Koreans are already very competitive with beautiful designs and strong technology, so the question for manufacturers like Ford is ‘how do you position yourself?,
Ford wants to revive some historic badges for new car models
After the success of the Ford Puma, the American manufacturer is looking to revive some more iconic names from its archives. The brand states that this may also be a move to remain competitive as newer brands have started to see more success.
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mountune Puma ST M260 review: modified crossover tested
How much will all of this cost me?
Well, you can pick’n’mix the bits you want and leave out anything you don’t fancy, but the standard m260 remap is only £675 (the m235 is £575) and the recommended additional engine upgrades come to around £1,000. Seems like good value for this much extra performance.
At the time of writing Mountune has sold out of its OZ wheels, but there’s little doubt that they have quite a large impact on steering feel and the ride. The exhaust and lowering springs haven’t been priced up yet.
If you’re not a fan of the standard Puma ST it’s unlikely that these upgrades will convince you (not to worry though, you can now get the m260 upgrade for the Fiesta ST) but if you’ve already bought one or are considering the larger fast Ford – Mountune’s upgrades undeniably take it to the next level. It’s cracking fun to drive, and that’s all that matters with a hot hatch right? No matter how tall it may be…
www.topgear.com
How much will all of this cost me?
Well, you can pick’n’mix the bits you want and leave out anything you don’t fancy, but the standard m260 remap is only £675 (the m235 is £575) and the recommended additional engine upgrades come to around £1,000. Seems like good value for this much extra performance.
At the time of writing Mountune has sold out of its OZ wheels, but there’s little doubt that they have quite a large impact on steering feel and the ride. The exhaust and lowering springs haven’t been priced up yet.
If you’re not a fan of the standard Puma ST it’s unlikely that these upgrades will convince you (not to worry though, you can now get the m260 upgrade for the Fiesta ST) but if you’ve already bought one or are considering the larger fast Ford – Mountune’s upgrades undeniably take it to the next level. It’s cracking fun to drive, and that’s all that matters with a hot hatch right? No matter how tall it may be…
Mountune Puma ST M260 review: modified crossover tested Reviews 2023 | Top Gear
What have we here then? You knew it was coming, didn’t you. Mountune has been modifying (and racing) fast Fords for over four decades, so there was no chance it’d miss out on the Puma ST. Yes it’s a compact SUV, but the standard ST-on-stilts still manages to be a proper performance car. The...
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Subaru XV vs Ford Puma small SUV comparison review - CarsGuide
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford Puma ST hybrid prototype spotted at the Nurburgring
Hot crossover looks to be in line for electrical assistance, potentially taking its total output north of 200bhp
Ford looks to be testing a hybrid version of its hot Puma ST at the Nürburgring, which means a more efficient yet more potent powertrain option could be on the cards.
The car was spotted with ST-Line badging but sported several of the design features bespoke to the full-fat ST, including its unique alloy wheels, bumpers and red brake calipers.
The yellow sticker on the rear windscreen indicates a hybrid element in the powertrain. There was no charging flap on display, ruling out the possibility of a plug-in powertrain. That means the model undergoing tests was either a full-hybrid or mild-hybrid set-up. The latter is more likely, given the Puma is not offered with the 2.0-litre engine common to all full-hybrid Ford models.
www.autocar.co.uk
Hot crossover looks to be in line for electrical assistance, potentially taking its total output north of 200bhp
Ford looks to be testing a hybrid version of its hot Puma ST at the Nürburgring, which means a more efficient yet more potent powertrain option could be on the cards.
The car was spotted with ST-Line badging but sported several of the design features bespoke to the full-fat ST, including its unique alloy wheels, bumpers and red brake calipers.
The yellow sticker on the rear windscreen indicates a hybrid element in the powertrain. There was no charging flap on display, ruling out the possibility of a plug-in powertrain. That means the model undergoing tests was either a full-hybrid or mild-hybrid set-up. The latter is more likely, given the Puma is not offered with the 2.0-litre engine common to all full-hybrid Ford models.
Ford Puma ST Powershift is brand's first hot hybrid | Autocar
Sporting compact crossover swaps 1.5-litre petrol engine for electrified 1.0-litre unit and goes automatic-only
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Anna on Roads review of the Puma ST
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FAST CROSSOVERS: FORD PUMA ST VS CUPRA FORMENTOR VS HYUNDAI KONA N
Want a fast crossover to spice up ferrying the kids around town? These three should have you covered
The Hyundai Kona N will probably not win any other magazine’s group test. But it wins Top Gear’s, because sometimes stuffing a really powerful engine into a car that really should not have a really powerful engine is enough. The fact that Hyundai is quite obviously guffawing behind its corporate hand with this one just makes us like it even more. It’s a hugely flawed cartoon of a car that somehow, against all the odds, works. Objectively, it’s a bit rubbish. Subjectively, it just makes you laugh. And in a sector that doesn’t make sense anyway, that’s all you need.
Want a fast crossover to spice up ferrying the kids around town? These three should have you covered
The Hyundai Kona N will probably not win any other magazine’s group test. But it wins Top Gear’s, because sometimes stuffing a really powerful engine into a car that really should not have a really powerful engine is enough. The fact that Hyundai is quite obviously guffawing behind its corporate hand with this one just makes us like it even more. It’s a hugely flawed cartoon of a car that somehow, against all the odds, works. Objectively, it’s a bit rubbish. Subjectively, it just makes you laugh. And in a sector that doesn’t make sense anyway, that’s all you need.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford Puma Rally1 stars in film for one millionth car built in Craiova
M-Sport's electrified WRC 2022 car gets some practice in as Romania plant hits milestone
Ford’s new Puma Rally 1 WRC car has starred in a stunt sequence to celebrate the one millionth car rolling off the production line at the firm’s Craiova factory in Romania.
Filmed at the plant itself, with appearances from the standard Ford Puma – which is currently built there – and several plant employees, the film (below) shows the M-Sport team’s hybridised racer driven in anger by WRC driver Adrien Fourmaux, ahead of its competition debut in Monte Carlo on 20 January.
The Craiova facility entered operation in 2009, and has produced the Transit Connect, B-Max MPV, Ecosport and Puma over the last 12 years. The millionth car was a Puma ST-Line in Desert Island Blue.
The new Puma WRC car was revealed earlier this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by Ford's Cumbria-based M-Sport rally team. It is built to the new WRC technical regulation that will be introduced for next year. The rules retain the current 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines, but add a spec 134bhp hybrid electric motor, powered by a 3.9kWh battery. The cars will also run on sustainable fossil-free fuel.
M-Sport has run the Fiesta WRC since 2011, when it was Ford’s global WRC team. Although it has been a privateer squad since 2012, it has maintained close ties with Ford, which is keen to showcase the performance credentials of both the Puma crossover and its hybrid technology.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...y1-stars-film-one-millionth-car-built-craiova
M-Sport's electrified WRC 2022 car gets some practice in as Romania plant hits milestone
Ford’s new Puma Rally 1 WRC car has starred in a stunt sequence to celebrate the one millionth car rolling off the production line at the firm’s Craiova factory in Romania.
Filmed at the plant itself, with appearances from the standard Ford Puma – which is currently built there – and several plant employees, the film (below) shows the M-Sport team’s hybridised racer driven in anger by WRC driver Adrien Fourmaux, ahead of its competition debut in Monte Carlo on 20 January.
The Craiova facility entered operation in 2009, and has produced the Transit Connect, B-Max MPV, Ecosport and Puma over the last 12 years. The millionth car was a Puma ST-Line in Desert Island Blue.
The new Puma WRC car was revealed earlier this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by Ford's Cumbria-based M-Sport rally team. It is built to the new WRC technical regulation that will be introduced for next year. The rules retain the current 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines, but add a spec 134bhp hybrid electric motor, powered by a 3.9kWh battery. The cars will also run on sustainable fossil-free fuel.
M-Sport has run the Fiesta WRC since 2011, when it was Ford’s global WRC team. Although it has been a privateer squad since 2012, it has maintained close ties with Ford, which is keen to showcase the performance credentials of both the Puma crossover and its hybrid technology.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...y1-stars-film-one-millionth-car-built-craiova
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Video: watch the new Ford Puma rally car in FULL SEND
The M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 will make its WRC debut next month. Time to get some practice in
We’re just over a month away from seeing the World Rally Championship begin its new hybrid era in Monte Carlo, which means teams should be putting the finishing touches on their replacements for the now retired 1.6 turbo beasts. Sad times.
Meanwhile over in Romania, Ford’s Craiova plant has cause for celebration having just hit its 1,000,000th car milestone. How to combine these two things? Correct: with a spectacular drifting extravaganza.
As seen in the video above, Ford’s staff can be seen getting ready to mark their achievement with a champagne-, balloon- and cake-filled party, only for an overnight ‘electrical storm’ to bring the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 (and all of the factory’s machinery) to life.
At that exact moment the team’s rally driver Adrien Fourmaux happens to be passing through, and he sets about using the plant as his own personal test track in a manner that would make Ken Block doff his helmet.
Much leaping, sliding and drifting later, Ford’s employees - led by president of Ford Romania Jo Payne - return the next morning to discover their preparations are in tatters. Spoiler alert: the cake doesn’t survive.
“I’m thrilled that the 2022 World Rally Car will be the Puma Rally1 and to have had the vehicle visit Craiova to be able to mark this milestone day with such a special film was extra special”, said Payne. “It was a great pleasure to be part of this project and to welcome the M-Sport team and Adrien Fourmaux to Craiova while transforming our plant for a couple of days into a true movie set.”
www.topgear.com
The M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 will make its WRC debut next month. Time to get some practice in
We’re just over a month away from seeing the World Rally Championship begin its new hybrid era in Monte Carlo, which means teams should be putting the finishing touches on their replacements for the now retired 1.6 turbo beasts. Sad times.
Meanwhile over in Romania, Ford’s Craiova plant has cause for celebration having just hit its 1,000,000th car milestone. How to combine these two things? Correct: with a spectacular drifting extravaganza.
As seen in the video above, Ford’s staff can be seen getting ready to mark their achievement with a champagne-, balloon- and cake-filled party, only for an overnight ‘electrical storm’ to bring the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 (and all of the factory’s machinery) to life.
At that exact moment the team’s rally driver Adrien Fourmaux happens to be passing through, and he sets about using the plant as his own personal test track in a manner that would make Ken Block doff his helmet.
Much leaping, sliding and drifting later, Ford’s employees - led by president of Ford Romania Jo Payne - return the next morning to discover their preparations are in tatters. Spoiler alert: the cake doesn’t survive.
“I’m thrilled that the 2022 World Rally Car will be the Puma Rally1 and to have had the vehicle visit Craiova to be able to mark this milestone day with such a special film was extra special”, said Payne. “It was a great pleasure to be part of this project and to welcome the M-Sport team and Adrien Fourmaux to Craiova while transforming our plant for a couple of days into a true movie set.”
Video: watch the new Ford Puma rally car in FULL SEND
The M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 will make its WRC debut next month. Time to get some practice in
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ford hints at Puma ST hybrid for 2022 in official video
Subtle teaser previews electrification of the ST brand, which is set to kick off with hot hybrid crossover
Ford is believed to be working on a hybrid version of its hot Puma ST crossover, and a subtle clue in an official video could serve as official confirmation that it's inbound.
A recent video filmed to celebrate the millionth car leaving Ford's Craiova, Romania factory – where the Puma and Puma ST are built – showed the firm's new Puma hybrid rally car driving at speed around the site. In one scene, it accelerates past a closed door marked ST, and with sparks and blue lights showing through a window - suggesting work on an electrified performance model is advancing.
Given the Ecosport is the only other car Ford builds in Craiova, an electrified Puma ST is the most likely possibility.
Earlier this year, Ford appeared to be testing a hybrid version of the Puma ST at the Nürburgring. The car was spotted with ST-Line badging but sported several of the design features bespoke to the full-fat ST, including its unique alloy wheels, bumpers and red brake calipers.
The yellow sticker on the rear windscreen indicated a hybrid element in the powertrain. There was no charging flap on display, ruling out the possibility of a plug-in powertrain. That means the model undergoing tests was either a full-hybrid or mild-hybrid set-up. The latter is more likely, given the Puma is not offered with the 2.0-litre engine common to all full-hybrid Ford models.
The standard Puma is currently sold with a mild-hybridised 1.0-litre Ecoboost triple producing 123bhp, but the Puma ST is not yet available with an electrified powertrain.
The model currently offers 197bhp, so a move to hybrid power would be likely to push the model over the 200bhp barrier while delivering improved economy figures.
www.autocar.co.uk
Subtle teaser previews electrification of the ST brand, which is set to kick off with hot hybrid crossover
Ford is believed to be working on a hybrid version of its hot Puma ST crossover, and a subtle clue in an official video could serve as official confirmation that it's inbound.
A recent video filmed to celebrate the millionth car leaving Ford's Craiova, Romania factory – where the Puma and Puma ST are built – showed the firm's new Puma hybrid rally car driving at speed around the site. In one scene, it accelerates past a closed door marked ST, and with sparks and blue lights showing through a window - suggesting work on an electrified performance model is advancing.
Given the Ecosport is the only other car Ford builds in Craiova, an electrified Puma ST is the most likely possibility.
Earlier this year, Ford appeared to be testing a hybrid version of the Puma ST at the Nürburgring. The car was spotted with ST-Line badging but sported several of the design features bespoke to the full-fat ST, including its unique alloy wheels, bumpers and red brake calipers.
The yellow sticker on the rear windscreen indicated a hybrid element in the powertrain. There was no charging flap on display, ruling out the possibility of a plug-in powertrain. That means the model undergoing tests was either a full-hybrid or mild-hybrid set-up. The latter is more likely, given the Puma is not offered with the 2.0-litre engine common to all full-hybrid Ford models.
The standard Puma is currently sold with a mild-hybridised 1.0-litre Ecoboost triple producing 123bhp, but the Puma ST is not yet available with an electrified powertrain.
The model currently offers 197bhp, so a move to hybrid power would be likely to push the model over the 200bhp barrier while delivering improved economy figures.
Ford Puma ST Powershift is brand's first hot hybrid | Autocar
Sporting compact crossover swaps 1.5-litre petrol engine for electrified 1.0-litre unit and goes automatic-only
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
HOW MUCH 'LIFESTYLE' CAN YOU SQUEEZE INTO A FORD PUMA?
A day with Ford's lifestyle crossover should do it
www.topgear.com
A day with Ford's lifestyle crossover should do it