The 2022 Ford Puma ST-Line V is a automotive that reverses the idiom, and embodies “a sheep in wolf’s clothes”. Tremendous curvaceous, with an aggressive stance, this kitty’s meow is unquestionably worse than its chew.
That includes, LED lighting, chrome inserts, attractive 18-inch multi spoke alloys, topped off with a big sporty entrance grille and rear spoiler, the Puma is one attractive intimidator. That continues inside with ambient LED lighting, and a few carbon ‘type’ highlights.
Sensico synthetic leather-based wrapped inside bits, together with the seats, shifter, wheel and handbrake, all characteristic, together with some Steel Gray sports activities stitching to enrich the general feel and appear. They’re not high-end, however you aren’t paying epic pricing both.
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The entrance seats boggle the thoughts although, with each driver and passenger introduced with 4-way handbook adjustment, plus lumbar help; no seat air flow, or heaters. And but, there’s therapeutic massage performance for each seats. It’s odd.
Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with voice-activated controls is readily available, and whereas the default 8.0-inch color touchscreen isn’t overly stimulating, it does have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Applink, Bluetooth, and DAB+ digital radio.
There’s additionally satellite tv for pc navigation with a site visitors message channel, two USB ports, wi-fi telephone charging, and a FordPass Join embedded modem, which helps you to do some cool automated trickery.
FordPass Join means that you can use your smartphone to seek out your automotive, lock and unlock doorways, examine the automobile standing, see reside site visitors, and begin the engine remotely to warmth or cool the cabin to the final identified setting.
In a nod to its Euro origins, there’s additionally a Bang & Olufsen Play 10-speaker sound system, full with subwoofer. The 12-inch digital instrument cluster places some opponents to disgrace too, with a tidy format and fascinating graphics.
We discovered the drive mode graphics notably pleasing. For basic every day driver duties and a few gentle weekend exploration, the Puma ticks the passable field, with this front-wheel drive cutie powered by a 1.0-litre petrol EcoBoost engine.
That unit produces 92kW of energy and 170Nm of torque, delivered to you through a seven-speed twin clutch auto. Ford claims 5.3-litres/100km from the 42-litre tank, however our week of stringent testing delivered 6.8-7.2-litres/100km – nonetheless not unhealthy.
The Puma has 5 selectable drive modes (Eco, Regular, Sport, Slipper and Path) and a pair of flappy paddles. The modifications in efficiency and dealing with are delicate, nevertheless, you do discover the slight distinction in the way in which it interprets your pedal and steering requests.
Until you’ve got Dr Emmett Brown within the passenger seat excitingly encouraging you to hit “88 miles per hour”, the Puma has greater than sufficient energy for many customers. It might probably really feel sluggish by way of responsiveness should you love a little bit of heavy throttle motion.
On the highway, the experience is easy and comfy because of sports activities suspension. Steering and dealing with although can really feel sluggish and heavy at instances, making multi-level carparks an attention-grabbing train.
Acceleration in any mode can really feel gradual. You aren’t going to really feel g-force pulls, however it is going to ultimately get there. Consequently, the Puma begins to really feel much less like a ferocious feline and extra like a tiny kitten utilizing all its would possibly to play tough.
However, what the Puma lacks in energy, it makes up in inclusions. Adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help with lane departure warning, hill launch and hill maintain help, site visitors signal recognition and tyre stress monitoring all characteristic.
We have been disenchanted there isn’t any 360-degree encompass view out there, however the equipped rear-view setup does provide readability, together with a 180-degree cut up view. It’s bought a 5-star ANCAP security ranking too.
General, this little terrier of an SUV is a quiet achiever, with little to no cabin noise and an exhaust be aware that’s non-existent. Vertically blessed second row passengers could really feel challenged for leg room if the motive force and entrance passenger are tall too.
Rear passengers additionally solely get door storage and netted entrance seat again storage. There’s no centre arm relaxation (however there’s a small centre storage pocket), and no rear vents or USB ports both.
There may be an computerized tailgate, which gives you entry to an honest 410-litre boot area, which might be elevated to 1,170-litres, in 2-seater mode. Head room is first rate, and the set up and removing of kid seats is supported by ISOFIX mounts.
The 2022 Ford Puma ST-Line V is the vary topping variant, and priced from $40,042 drive away. Our take a look at automobile was draped in Gray Matter, or you’ll be able to select from any of the opposite 9 colors, together with Frozen White and Desert Island Blue.
There’s a bunch of non-compulsory add-ons, with the standout being the panoramic roof package deal, which we’d extremely suggest. Ford presents a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee, and should you’re eager, you’ll be able to be taught extra on the Ford Australia web site.
As at all times, we suggest procuring round for a great deal or you’ll be able to take a look at PriceMyCar for one of the best worth. In case you want finance, hit up our pals at CreditOne.
Our take a look at automobile was supplied by Ford Australia. To search out out extra concerning the 2022 Ford Puma ST-Line V, contact your native Ford dealership.
