It's the new 2020 Ford Puma!*

By topgear, 04 April 2019

It’s another small Ford crossover. We tell you that first, because if we’d begun by saying Ford is bringing back the Puma name, you might have got too excited. But no, the new Puma isn’t a fun-packed little coupe. An addition to the crossover hordes then…

Ford’s only letting us show this picture. Doesn’t tell you too much. Sorry. More in June.

It’s based on the platform of the new Fiesta. That puts it between the EcoSport (more utilitarian, cheaper) and the new Kuga. The Puma will be on sale in early 2020, just a couple of months after the new Kuga.

The engine lineup mirrors the Fiesta’s, majoring around the 1.0-litre Ecoboost, with mild hybrid boost to 155bhp.

The newcomer is being aimed, says Ford Europe boss Stuart Rowley, at people “who live a big life in a small space”. The boot’s a handy 456 litres, with - we’re promised - a flexible space. There’s even a hole in the boot floor so the water can drain off your wetsuits.

Why another small crossover? Because the EcoSport isn’t as big or car-like as rivals. And because across the car industry one in three vehicles sold is now a crossover or SUV. In Ford’s case that number is one in five so it’s lagging the trend and wants to catch up.

There’s even the chance of an ST version – with the Fiesta ST’s powertrain. Might not be as much fun as that old Racing Puma, but given Ford’s nous in hot hatches, it might be fun anyway. Not that they’ve officially said they’re going to do it, but they don’t deny it either.