The Ford Puma is the UK’s best-selling car, and now it’ll suit non-petrol drivers too.
This is the Ford Puma Gen-E, a fully electric version of Ford’s sporty small SUV. It promises a decent driving range and fun driving dynamics.
The Puma Gen-E slingshots into a growing small EV market, going up against rivals such as the Peugeot e-2008, Renault Megane E-Tech, Jeep Avenger, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV3.
Available to order now, the Puma Gen-E starts from £29,995. Two trim levels are available – Select and Premium – with the latter starting from £2,000 more.
Select and Premium seem to be the equivalent of ST-Line and ST-Line X in the petrol Puma lineup. The former kicks things off with 17-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, LED headlights, a heated windscreen, a rear-view camera and cruise control. Premium upgrades the wheels and headlights, plus adds an electric tailgate, keyless entry and extra features for the infotainment system.
You also get a relatively small 43kWh battery, for a claimed range of 233 miles. That would’ve been impressive a couple of years ago, but several rivals are getting on for 300 miles – and more. The Kia EV3 offers up to 375 miles for £36,000. Still, stay within city limits and use the car’s regenerative braking, and Ford says you’ll achieve up to 325 miles from the e-Puma. And 233 miles in mixed driving (expect 180 in the real world) should still be enough for many buyers.
The compact battery means fast charging. Plug in to a 100kW public charger and you can go from 10-80% charge in just 23 minutes.
Power is supplied by a 166hp electric motor, enabling a nippy 0-62mph time of eight seconds. The Puma Gen-E is only about 150kg heavier than a petrol equivalent, so the driving experience of the two cars should be fairly similar. In fact, Ford says the Gen-E has a quicker steering response than the standard car, making it feel more like the Puma ST.
The design is familiar, albeit with a new blanked-off grille and a black moustache trim piece – exactly like the bigger Mustang Mach-E. The Electric Yellow colour in our pictures is exclusive to the EV.
A redesigned centre console brings practicality benefits up front, and there’s more luggage space too. Ford has managed to make the Puma’s MegaBox underboot storage area even bigger (now called a GigaBox, apparently), so the total boot capacity stands at an impressive 574 litres – more than most family-size SUVs. Additionally, there’s a 43-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet that’s a handy size for a charging cable.
Pounce on a pre-loved Puma
Can’t wait for the Puma Gen-E? Shop used Ford Puma cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Ford Puma review.
