Ford Puma ST-line Ecoboost Hybrid – long-term review

As keen TopGear.com Garage readers will know, I used to run a Nissan Juke as a daily. And awkwardly, the Juke was soundly beaten by Ford's new rival crossover, as well as Renault's smart new Captur, when we put them head-to-head. So, out with the Juke, and in with the Puma.

It’s been interesting to have some time in the driving seat of the victorious baby crossover. It’s definitely bigger inside – it genuinely feels roomy in comparison to the Nissan – and the boot, with the seats down especially, could accommodate a shedload of stuff. It’s also not bright orange inside, which makes for a more calming experience...

What has been most surprising is how perky it feels. I mean, considering it’s still only a 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor. It is a mild hybrid, but that can’t be responsible for such a difference in 0–62 times... the Puma is a full two seconds faster in the traffic light sprint than the sluggish Juke.

I look forward to taking the Ford on a long motorway journey and seeing 1) how noisy – engine, tyres etc – it is, and 2) how it feels at motorway speeds for an extended time. Paul Horrell was impressed by its performance and steering feel, which gives me high hopes. Already, the feedback from neighbours has been pretty positive, with many commenting on how much they like its design.

Funnily enough, the way the Puma looks is the thing I’m struggling most with. I get that the dead-front is a homage to the old Puma coupe, but it just doesn’t look comfortable to me.

Maybe the headlights are too small, or too widely spaced. We’ll see. The rear is well resolved though, and I adore the colour. Just as well as it’s a £500 option.