New 2024 Ford Puma brings raft of revisions but ditches fan-favourite model

The UK’s best-selling car gets a midlife sprucing, including styling tweaks and smarter tech. Unfortunately, we’re more interested in what’s absent from the range.

Some might resent Ford’s popular Puma for being the crossover that killed the beloved Fiesta. However, the public voted with their feet, and clearly the Puma’s blend of loftier ride height and cutesy but rugged styling, won the day – the Fiesta-based crossover racked up the largest tally in the UK’s 2023 sales charts.  

But, as anyone who dabbles in the stock market knows, past performance is no guarantee of future success. And that’s especially true in a sector that’s filled to the brim with credible rivals – Nissan’s Juke and VW’s Taigo included. So, to help the Puma keep its spot at the top, Ford has gone over the model with a fine-tooth comb. Although, one of the blue oval’s alterations might leave you scratching your head in confusion.

We’ll get the bad news out the way first: the revered Puma ST has had its claws clipped. In a peculiar move, Ford has opted to drop the feral 197-bhp wildcat Puma in favour of its slightly softer, cuddlier, tabby cat Powershift brother. Now, in an automatic only guise, the Puma ST must make do with a smaller and less powerful 1.0-litre 168-bhp triple.  

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. If you must have a manual, the entry level 124-bhp car features a good ‘ol 6-speed box with a left pedal. Plus, all models benefit from a restyled front end, featuring the latest iteration of the corporate grille and smart LED headlights.

Inside, a vast 12-inch touchscreen dominates. Running on the brand’s latest Sync 4 system, Ford confirms a doubling in processer speeds compared to outgoing setup — just like VW with the new Golf 8.5. There’s also a curious new oblong-shaped steering wheel (an unusual addition for a run-of-the-mill car), but the designers should be commended for daring to be different.  

One trend we certainly can get behind, is that of rapidly advancing car safety systems. In that regard, the latest Puma has been endowed with an impressive suite including a cruise control that automatically slows for junctions and bends, and a bird’s eye view camera system for parking on busy streets.  

If you’re not fussed for an all-out performance machine, the latest Puma update starts from £25,790 and should prove a welcome upgrade over the existing model. Ford has also promised the reveal of the new all-electric Gen-E — which will presumably appeal to Gen-Z — later in the year.  

Is the facelifted Puma everything you hoped for, or will you be holding out for the EV version? 

Hero image credit:  Ford