And it is… an SUV. Rarely has there been a clearer indicator of changing market tastes than this rebirth from pert three-door to high-riding five-door. Then as now, it’s Fiesta based; but that fact, its name and the blue oval badge are all coupe and crossover have in common.
Puma 2019-style has 48-volt electrics for a mild hybrid side, courtesy of a starter-generator integrated with the 1.0-litre three-pot EcoBoost engine. With 155PS (153bhp) it is far more powerful than most Puma coupes – though in a spooky coincidence 155PS was exactly the power output in 1999 of the limited-edition Ford Racing Puma.
There is as yet no confirmation of a Racing version of the new Puma. Just as there is no confirmation yet of what it looks like, apart from a hazy shot of the car trapped in a cage of blue LEDs. But design, along with a big boot and loads of practicality for a small car, is said to be what what the new Puma’s strength will be.
“If you want a car that can turn heads on Friday night, and swallow your flat-pack furniture with ease on Saturday afternoon, then you’ve found it,” says Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.