Ford has released the first teaser image of its upcoming Puma crossover, confirming the fresh-faced, “SUV-inspired” newcomer will hit initial markets by the end of 2019.
While the original Puma was a small coupé built for Europe from 1997 to 2002, this latest version is a crossover that’s expected to slot in between the EcoSport and new Kuga.
Set to be produced at the Blue Oval brand’s Craiova assembly plant in Romania, the new Puma will boast what Ford describes as “class-leading uncompromised luggage capacity of 456 litres”.
The teaser image suggests the Puma will feature wing-top mounted headlamps and the obligatory raised ride-height.
Ford says power will come from a hybrid powertrain (in Europe, at least), combining a three-cylinder, 1,0‑litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a belt-driven integrated starter/generator and a 48‑volt lithium-ion, air-cooled battery pack. Expect a peak output of up to 115 kW.
“Innovatively engineered and seductively styled, we think Puma is going to really resonate with compact-car customers in Europe. 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,” said Stuart Rowley, president of Ford of Europe.
“We’ve gone to every length to give customers the flexibility they want, with progressive and evocative styling, so that they can drive the best-looking car they’ve ever owned.”
