By Prashirwin Naidu
Rolling onto my driveway looking sharp and chic, the Ford Puma ST-Line instantly caught my eye. With its stylish front-end design, reminiscent of the premium Maserati Grecale, this compact crossover knows how to make an impression. This isn’t my first encounter with the Puma ST-Line. I first tested it a year ago, and after experiencing around sixty other cars since then, it felt great to get behind the wheel of this beauty again. While the base EcoBoost model didn’t quite win me over, the higher-spec ST-Line Vignale is the perfect choice if you want to go big and enjoy the full package.
First Impressions:
The Puma ST-Line is a stunner. Its sleek, feline-inspired headlights and sharp,
sculpted design flow seamlessly into a sporty, tapered rear that feels both stylish and elegant. Our test car stood out with its 18-inch grey alloy wheels, low-profile tyres and tinted windows. A cool little detail? At night, opening the door reveals a glowing Puma hologram on the ground – a subtle but premium touch. While its front end might remind you of a Maserati Grecale, the Puma ST-Line has grown into its own, exuding confidence and charm.
Interior:
Let’s start with the good stuff, the cabin. It’s a delight! From the quilted leather seats to the smooth leather steering wheel and door frames, the interior feels premium and stylish. The dashboard materials are sturdy, and the buttons have a solid, durable feel. There’s wireless smartphone charging and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is easy to navigate. Just a heads-up: I had to use a USB cable to get Apple CarPlay working, but it’s a small hiccup in an otherwise seamless setup.
The ST-Line trim truly spoils you. The crystal-clear B&O premium sound system is a
treat. I didn’t want to leave the car! After a long day, the lumbar massage seats are a
perfect way to unwind. And for those sunny summer days, the panoramic sunroof
lets in just the right amount of light to brighten your drive.
Safety Features:
The Puma has you covered when it comes to safety, with essentials like ABS,
Electronic Stability Control, and a Lane-Keeping System. Go for the optional Driver
Assistance Pack, and you’ll get added perks like Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot
Monitoring, and Evasive Steering Assist – perfect for extra peace of mind on the
road. So, how does it drive? Smoothly and with confidence. The Puma feels solid, not flimsy – a big plus for me. That satisfying “clunk” when you shut the door hints at the sturdy build, which translates to a reassuring feel behind the wheel.
Engine:
The Puma’s 1.0L EcoBoost engine delivers enough vooma for daily drives, but the
high revs and jerky gear shifts leave room for improvement. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission shows promise but could use a smoother touch. I managed 8.1L/100km in the city with careful driving, though getting it down to 6.7L/100km felt like a slow crawl.
The Puma offers Selectable Drive Modes, from fuel-saving Eco to dynamic Sport,
letting you personalise your drive. So, is the Ford Puma a must-have? At R614,000 for the ST-Line, it’s not the cheapest option, but it has its charm. I’d say give it a test drive, you might just love it. That said, xplore the competition too, like the VW T-Cross, Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Opel Mokka.
