Thanks, James. The Puma is actually about 9cm shorter than the CX-3, which has a long nose. The Ford is 4.19m in length, while the Mazda is 4.28m long.
Great review. I haven’t picked up my ST LINE V yet. Next few days. I loved the look of the bigger 18in wheels. What are the Cons of bigger wheels? Rougher ride at the expense of economy? I don’t have reliable data.
Great informative review - as usual. I must admit, I do like the striking colour of the Puma that you did have on review. Surprisingly though it has less torque than my Skoda Kamiq.
@Joe Z we are very happy with our Kamiq, so far. Appointments like dual zone climate air, virtual cockpit and powered tailgate is surprising given that it is a base model.
@Joe Z we originally went into the dealer interested in a run out Octavia. On the day we were fortunately able to drive them back to back. The Octavia is a very different car in size class , engine and not to mention price ( 27k drive away) driving it first , I didn’t think that a 1ltr, 3 cylinder would complete, but it does. Price wise for the Kamiq we secured ours with 5 years servicing for 30k . Performance wise we live near the M1 in Sydney and the Kamiq sits on the 110limit very easily with ample left for overtaking and hills are dispatched without issue. On par with the Hyundai i30 2ltr that we traded in. The DSG is pretty good - only a few times it’s been caught napping, but it’s easy to get used to.
We are in the unfortunate position of having to update 2 ageing SUVs as our family has grown up and we don't need the large vehicles. These reviews are terrific. The market is kind of overwhelming at the moment and these summaries look at exactly the right things for a typical owner. Great work! Quite pricey here in NZ , but that applies to Fords in general. $37,990 for the ST-Line shown.
hello, brother should i buy a Yaris Cross Hybrid Front or this Fuma You review , I Am looking for this range for good long, function, engine family live with thanks Brother 💓
Nice review Tom. No powered or heated seats? I don’t think this is ,fully luxury’. I can’t see it as competition for the CX-3 Akari really unless the price is right. My wife saw this and thought of changing hers, but will not give up her luxury!
Of course! But yeah, the Puma’s advantages are a bit more space, a calmer ride and it is considerably quieter in the cabin at speed. Downsides: everything dynamic when you compare it to something as epic as FiST. That said, they both drive well!
Great review Tom - best looking and most dynamic in this segment and I even like the base spec as doesn’t look too stripped out yet same engine across the range. DCT box a surprise but does the job in terms of economy - would be nice to see Ford Australia release a Fiesta Vignale here alongside maybe an ST line as I’d buy one of these before a Puma as this SUV thing just doesn’t thrill me but then I’m not in the majority who see this as the future for no sane reason :) inmho
A bit of discussion in the comments regarding Ford’s DCT transmission issue in the Focus... to be fair the Focus also had major faults with the heater core, steering rack, and door seals. A lot of one time only Ford owners as a result of their handling of these faults (and their blame the customer response).
Back end is a win, front has had the Sportage treatment & I don’t love it. Just the perception from me but seemed a little rugged in the cabin with bumps & road noise? Good to see more inclusions & quality entering the market in smaller packages!
We recently measured the Puma's braking performance and found it could only manage a 42.07m stop from 100-0km/h, which is a pretty long distance for such a small and light SUV. That compares to say, 39.29m for a CX-3.
You're right about the price. $45K for fully loaded top of the range. You must be joking! Better value would be a VW T Cross. Oh and great review as always TB!
Look, I actually don't hate this one... My money would still go to a Fiesta but this looks pretty nice! Seems like Ford don't have such a quality differential between this and the Fiesta unlike Toyota with the Yaris and Yaris Cross?
Another great review! But General Motors is literally dying! Toyota just released the yaris crossover which will sell like hot cakes with its hybrid technology. The 2nd hand value will be sad for the puma. Don’t get me wrong ford makes really fun cars. But reliability has been a problem. I used to be ford owner. Thanks again Tom! Appreciate the review!
Looks like the review was done on 2 separate days , nonetheless, a great review Tom! Quite a nice looking light suv, certainly the body curves makes it look sleek and sporty than the boxy VW T Cross or the polarizing Toyota CHR. And it’s German make. 1.0 turbo DSG is a nice fit for a car of this size and it seems pretty punchy.
I reckon all car reviews should be done in Alstonville-Wollongbar-Ballina area. You will have plenty of time to feel your car because no matter how empty the road is no one drives above 43km/hr on all single lane (which is 90%) roads. You can also try out the acceleration once 2 lanes start and at roundabouts and traffic lights because that is when those slow drivers show their prowess so you could not get past.
Small compacity 3cyl t doesn't get excited or sounds like fun in a heavy SUV .should have drop the 1.5 t used in the focas then it would have been a fun engaging drive .As is i suspect it will be in Toms words a dismal failure
@@marius1794 It was just a reply to Tom saying that the Puma is German-built. No negative connotation. And regarding the French-engineered Dacia, obviously a very basic car with very basic technology will be more reliable than a more complex all-digital luxury car. Again, no negativity, they are great little cars for the price.
Thanks for the review. I was looking foward to this car but that rear seat looked very pokey and your eye was level with the roof and not the window. Total poo that we get the lesser powered motor. Hard pass.
Yeah, aside from the generous boot I wouldn’t call it hugely practical. All I will say is that given how light it is, even the low power tune has some good pep - I didn’t feel like it needed much more go. That said, more is more - I understand, and the ST would be appreciated, too!
The failure to build out a compelling SUV strategy is definitely a concerning sign. You would have to imagine they’re putting big bets on getting Puma and new Escape right. Endura which just got flicked was a bad fit for Australia. I reckon Explorer could do well.
This dude is my favourite car reviewer.
You nailed it, Ashley Ewen. This is the viewpoint I get before all others.
Another fantastic review by the Chasing Cars team.
I have been recommending his reviews to all my friends, wouldn’t choose a car before watching.
I really appreciate that, MD.
Thanks for the review. Reckon you'll be doing the new Escape soon?
Sure will be, Brendan.
Very interested in that AWD ST-Line! Looking forward to it.
Terrific review Tom, I've been hoping you'd do a review on this baby. Love the style of it as well. Would you say it's bigger than the Mazda CX3?
Thanks, James. The Puma is actually about 9cm shorter than the CX-3, which has a long nose. The Ford is 4.19m in length, while the Mazda is 4.28m long.
@@chasingcars thanks for letting me know, I'm actually a little surprised as it looks like it would be a little bigger.
Great review. I haven’t picked up my ST LINE V yet. Next few days. I loved the look of the bigger 18in wheels. What are the Cons of bigger wheels? Rougher ride at the expense of economy? I don’t have reliable data.
Rougher ride is the main issue. Economy differences are minimal.
Great informative review - as usual. I must admit, I do like the striking colour of the Puma that you did have on review. Surprisingly though it has less torque than my Skoda Kamiq.
@Joe Z we are very happy with our Kamiq, so far. Appointments like dual zone climate air, virtual cockpit and powered tailgate is surprising given that it is a base model.
@Joe Z we originally went into the dealer interested in a run out Octavia. On the day we were fortunately able to drive them back to back. The Octavia is a very different car in size class , engine and not to mention price ( 27k drive away) driving it first , I didn’t think that a 1ltr, 3 cylinder would complete, but it does. Price wise for the Kamiq we secured ours with 5 years servicing for 30k . Performance wise we live near the M1 in Sydney and the Kamiq sits on the 110limit very easily with ample left for overtaking and hills are dispatched without issue. On par with the Hyundai i30 2ltr that we traded in.
The DSG is pretty good - only a few times it’s been caught napping, but it’s easy to get used to.
I love how the back looks! 👌👌
So if I was to buy one which model do you recommend
So would chasing cars rate this small SUV better or worse than the CX3 Mazda? Just curious
Another great review! Go Tom!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wondering, would it be under power during cruising and overthinking in Freeways?
What a nice looking car. ST-Line V in Grey Matter is next level goodness
Pretty tidy spec!
We are in the unfortunate position of having to update 2 ageing SUVs as our family has grown up and we don't need the large vehicles. These reviews are terrific. The market is kind of overwhelming at the moment and these summaries look at exactly the right things for a typical owner. Great work!
Quite pricey here in NZ , but that applies to Fords in general. $37,990 for the ST-Line shown.
I'm glad you're getting a lot from our reviews. Happy to help.
That's only the list price you'll get it cheaper
hello, brother should i buy a Yaris Cross Hybrid Front or this Fuma You review , I Am looking for this range for good long, function, engine family live with thanks Brother 💓
I love your review dude 💕.
Your reviews are on point 🙌🏽
Nice review Tom. No powered or heated seats? I don’t think this is ,fully luxury’. I can’t see it as competition for the CX-3 Akari really unless the price is right. My wife saw this and thought of changing hers, but will not give up her luxury!
My BEST reviewer.
WELL Done Tom Baker!
Is it better than the Juke?
Do you think you'd be better off in a Fiesta ST? Or does the Puma have some advantages over the Fiesta?
Of course! But yeah, the Puma’s advantages are a bit more space, a calmer ride and it is considerably quieter in the cabin at speed. Downsides: everything dynamic when you compare it to something as epic as FiST. That said, they both drive well!
Great review, well done.
Great review Tom - best looking and most dynamic in this segment and I even like the base spec as doesn’t look too stripped out yet same engine across the range. DCT box a surprise but does the job in terms of economy - would be nice to see Ford Australia release a Fiesta Vignale here alongside maybe an ST line as I’d buy one of these before a Puma as this SUV thing just doesn’t thrill me but then I’m not in the majority who see this as the future for no sane reason :) inmho
Nice car. Actually it's not build in Germany, but in Craiova, Romania ;)
Great reciew Tom this or a Kamiq?
Kamiq makes more sense price-wise but smart buyers will test drive both! Puma rides a touch better.
Also - to your username - Kamiq comes in manual...
You may not get the diesel or the ST versions in Australia, but here in Europe we don't get yet the automatic transmision :/
A bit of discussion in the comments regarding Ford’s DCT transmission issue in the Focus... to be fair the Focus also had major faults with the heater core, steering rack, and door seals. A lot of one time only Ford owners as a result of their handling of these faults (and their blame the customer response).
Back end is a win, front has had the Sportage treatment & I don’t love it. Just the perception from me but seemed a little rugged in the cabin with bumps & road noise? Good to see more inclusions & quality entering the market in smaller packages!
Wheels complained about the brakes. Did you experience the same?
We recently measured the Puma's braking performance and found it could only manage a 42.07m stop from 100-0km/h, which is a pretty long distance for such a small and light SUV. That compares to say, 39.29m for a CX-3.
@@chasingcars Their feedback was more that it was super grabby. On-off.
A low audio rumble while you were talking in the car that disappeared when you were not in it, Tom.
You're right about the price. $45K for fully loaded top of the range. You must be joking! Better value would be a VW T Cross. Oh and great review as always TB!
Good review again thanks.
So I guess this would be comparable to a Mazda CX3?
Yes. Plus the new Toyota Yaris Cross.
@@chasingcars Thanks. I just found your review on that thanks.
@@chasingcars I personally would go for the Focus Active - better value for money and more practicle size.
As would I, Bruce!
It reminds me of the Renault Captur. Interesting to see what the next gen CX3 looks like, it needs to evolve!
How many kilometers before the Turbo and dual clutch auto need expensive major work?
Given it’s a new Magna sourced gearbox it’s hard to say. Would require a crystal ball!
Thanks for another excellent review.
My pleasure!
Front = Micra?
Look, I actually don't hate this one... My money would still go to a Fiesta but this looks pretty nice! Seems like Ford don't have such a quality differential between this and the Fiesta unlike Toyota with the Yaris and Yaris Cross?
Another great review! But General Motors is literally dying! Toyota just released the yaris crossover which will sell like hot cakes with its hybrid technology. The 2nd hand value will be sad for the puma. Don’t get me wrong ford makes really fun cars. But reliability has been a problem. I used to be ford owner. Thanks again Tom! Appreciate the review!
Ford South Africa, you really should consider bringing this to our shores...
Does the Puma have the same engine as the Focus?
No
No mention of the new Nissan Juke?
Were not getting this here in ZAR
Great review by the way
Much appreciated!
Very weird that there's a mix of red and white stitching..
4:44 until he said this is an SUV only did I realise it's not a hatchback. Every viewing angle of this car screams hatchback.
Well, yeah. It’s an SUV in name only, but that’s how it is in this class now.
Looks like the review was done on 2 separate days , nonetheless, a great review Tom!
Quite a nice looking light suv, certainly the body curves makes it look sleek and sporty than the boxy VW T Cross or the polarizing Toyota CHR. And it’s German make.
1.0 turbo DSG is a nice fit for a car of this size and it seems pretty punchy.
Premium unleaded though. You can get a Hybrid RAV4 for not much more.
The car is not built in Germany.
Ford built a factory in Romania to build the puma.
Craiova is amazing!
I reckon all car reviews should be done in Alstonville-Wollongbar-Ballina area. You will have plenty of time to feel your car because no matter how empty the road is no one drives above 43km/hr on all single lane (which is 90%) roads. You can also try out the acceleration once 2 lanes start and at roundabouts and traffic lights because that is when those slow drivers show their prowess so you could not get past.
Many reviewers of this car forget to lift the floor of the trunk and find a surprise
There is some space there, but Australia gets a space saver spare rather than the huge box
Small compacity 3cyl t doesn't get excited or sounds like fun in a heavy SUV .should have drop the 1.5 t used in the focas then it would have been a fun engaging drive .As is i suspect it will be in Toms words a dismal failure
Tom’s words describing a completely different car....
Good review!!! Third
Thanks, Kaeden!
Well, engineered in Germany, but built in Romania.
What’s with the but?! Last time I checked the romanian Dacia scored better than germans main car brands in terms of reliability.
@@marius1794 It was just a reply to Tom saying that the Puma is German-built. No negative connotation. And regarding the French-engineered Dacia, obviously a very basic car with very basic technology will be more reliable than a more complex all-digital luxury car. Again, no negativity, they are great little cars for the price.
@@chele089 all right, I admit i took that the wrong way an I apologise. 🙏👍🏻👍🏻
Slip of the tongue, Michi. Romanian-built - you are quite right.
Thanks for the review. I was looking foward to this car but that rear seat looked very pokey and your eye was level with the roof and not the window. Total poo that we get the lesser powered motor. Hard pass.
Yeah, aside from the generous boot I wouldn’t call it hugely practical. All I will say is that given how light it is, even the low power tune has some good pep - I didn’t feel like it needed much more go. That said, more is more - I understand, and the ST would be appreciated, too!
Looks good but I always buy Japanese ……..far more reliable than European cars.
Second
Not bad, Ezekiel!
There's no price for second best!
Wow looks great! Nope
Good review!!! Third first to like my own comment
Lol, thanks!
Looks so dated on the inside tbh
yeah, looks like one generation behind
Ford is dead with its dual clutch transmission😂
It’s not a Ford gearbox this time around.
Still a Ford vehicle though! Lol 😂
Crap Ford reliability
First!
On the ball!
3 cylinder hahaa
Turbo three is par for the course for this segment now. Yaris Cross doesn’t even get a turbo!
Do I spot the indicator stalk on the correct side? (Right hand)
Yep, Ford have converted the indicator for Australia.
Why don't we get the grunty version?
I think it's because Ford know they're going to pull out of Au...
When Ranger and Mustang are this popular I doubt they’re leaving
@@chasingcars The Ranger is the only one they're making money on. They are in trouble.
The failure to build out a compelling SUV strategy is definitely a concerning sign. You would have to imagine they’re putting big bets on getting Puma and new Escape right. Endura which just got flicked was a bad fit for Australia. I reckon Explorer could do well.
@@chasingcars I believe that the combustible porcupine is here to regurgitate cadogan's line about Ford's future in Australia
By your logic, why then are they only bringing the MOST powerful engine of the Escape here, the polar opposite to this scenario??