FORD

Brand presents Puma, the biggest brother of EcoSport

In March 2019, we presented our readers with photos of what we believed to be the successor to EcoSport. One that should use the brand's new modular platform, called C2. Neither this nor that. After all, the Ford Puma, revealed on Wednesday (26) by the manufacturer, will be sold in Europe alongside the EcoSport, as a bigger option than it. And it will not have the platform revealed by the fourth-generation Focus in April 2018, but rather the same as the youngest, called B. Probably for the sake of cost.
In any case, the Puma could be manufactured in Brazil quite easily. Camaçari is the only Ford factory in the country after the possible sale or closure of the São Bernardo do Campo unit. In Europe, the Puma will be manufactured in Craiova, Romania, which does not happen to produce the EcoSport for the European market. Platform B for the Puma received changes, especially in the inter-axles and the longer gauges. Curiously, Ford avoided disclosing the dimensions of the new model. We only know that it is smaller than a fourth-generation Focus, which is 4.38 m long, and larger than the Fiesta seventh generation, 4.04 m. The company spent its Latin basically with the trunk and with the equipment of the model, that you will know more in depth to follow with our exclusive photos.
Puma not by chance
Search for Ford Puma and you'll see a small, Fiesta-based sports car that was very successful in Europe in the early 2000s. And the crossover looks for inspiration in exactly that model, as shown by its body lines and headlights. With a maximum of 155 hp, even with the 1-liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine, it's possible that the model really is fun to drive. There is also a choice of 125 hp.

LEDs
Both foglamps and lanterns feature LED elements. Ford did not specify what the main headlights would look like, but it showed that they carry DRLs with a rather distinctive signature, consisting of two lines framing the parts.
Sport lantern
At the rear, the sporty style of the new crossover is enhanced by the design of the lanterns, which invade the trunk lid.
Versatility
The tailgate of the new crossover has 456 liters, according to Ford, but it's not just space that makes it noteworthy. The versatility in its use is what counts the most.
At first glance, the trunk may look shallow, but it is only because of the lower lid, made of recycled paper and glue, but with a structure that, according to the manufacturer, makes it extremely sturdy. Three levels
But it's the last level that really shows how much Puma can be versatile. Note that the lower cover is supported on the backrest of the second row of seats. And reveals a square box that would serve to carry long objects, up to 1.15 m high. Like a potted plant or golf clubs. The box has 80 liters of capacity, 763 mm wide, 752 mm long and 305 mm deep. It stays in place of the steppe box and can even be washed with running water, which can be drained through a hole covered by a lid. Like a drain.
Digital panel. Family interior
What the new Puma brings inside is a fully digital 12.3-inch panel that would be fully configurable. Everything else, including the SYNC 3 multimedia hub, floating and compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, are quite familiar.
Digital Pleasure
Here, in an enlarged version, one can see a stylized puma. Which reminds a lot of the horse lines that the Mustang emblem boasts. Another sporty reference, but Ford stands out mainly the electronic nannies of the model.
The Puma will have adaptive speed controller, shutdown of one of the three engine cylinders, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, 180º rear camera, electric trunk opening with foot movement, parking attendant, track assist, walkway recognition, and, most importantly, local hazard warning, or Local Hazard Warning, which anticipates problems with the route through alerts from Here, a company mapping of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. 48V Hybrid
One explanation for the 155-horsepower EcoBoost engine is the use of a 48V belt-driven alternator (called BISG), which helps the model to accelerate with more vigor. With the electric motor acting, the EcoBoost can have its compression ratio reduced and receive a larger turbo. All because the electric motor compensates for the "turbo lag", that is, the delay in the typical throttle response of turbocharged engines, especially those of larger turbines, which take longer to fill.
In addition to the EcoBoost, the Puma will have EcoBlue turbodiesel engines and an automated dual clutch and 7-speed transmission in addition to the 6-speed manual. Autocar