Review: Ford Puma

Ford’s approach of taking a petrol-powered best-seller and plumbing in an electric drivetrain might seem like a shortcut, but the resulting Puma Gen-E is surprisingly free of compromise.

The blue oval initially launched the upscaled crossover-style replacement for its Fiesta back in 2020, with the Gen-E entering showrooms some four years later.

Visually, it is marked out by the plastic cowling over its front grille and white ‘Puma’ branding on its boot.

But the Puma Gen-E’s familiarity to those used to the petrol-powered car might be among its biggest strengths.

Now eligible for the UK government’s EV grant, the Premium version of the Gen-E tested here is priced at £29,995; less than similarly specified versions of the petrol alternative.

That places it in the midst of key rivals like the cheaper Renault 4 and slightly more costly Jeep Avenger and Kia EV3.

Despite weighing 200kg more than a petrol-powered Puma, the Gen-E handles with a poise and agility that few in the class can match.

Accelerator and brake feel that is progressive and predictable mates nicely to a firm suspension set-up that make for a fun drive.

A dash to 62mph takes a not-too-shabby eight seconds and, driven carefully, Ford claims the Gen-E will cover 226 miles between charges. When the Puma launched, I was surprised that it did not offer a greater interior space advantage over the Fiesta. The same is true now. Rear seat accommodation is significantly less than that in a Kia EV3 and the seat backs are fairly vertical.

Remarkably, however, Ford’s EV makeover has boosted storage space.

The Gen-E’s boot is 67 litres more than the petrol version, at an impressive 523 litres.

This is partly thanks to the “Megabox” void beneath the boot’s floor. Furthermore, there is a 43-litre “frunk” under the bonnet.

There is a familiar Ford feel to the cabin. The space serves up dark plastics, exuding sound build quality and a logical layout, but lacking tactility or appeal of a Kia EV3 or Renault 4.

A 12.3-inch touchscreen features handy shortcut tabs for the climate control settings, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. All Gen-E’s also feature a wireless smartphone charger on the centre console.

Among the highlights of the Premium trim version tested are an impressive 10-speaker B&O sound system, Matrix LED adaptive headlights, reversing cameras and a powered boot lid.

Overall, while there are more spacious and comfortable small EVs out there, the Puma Gen-E stays true to its Ford DNA.

As such, it is a fun and affordable hatchback at its heart that would, no doubt, prove a very easy car to live with. Ford Puma Gen-E Premium Price: £29,995 (inc. EV grant) Engine: 53kWh battery Power: 166bhp Torque: 290Nm Transmission: single-speed automatic Top Speed: 99mph 0-62mph: 8 seconds Range: 226 miles (WLTP combined)

CO2 emissions: 0g/km