Two small SUVs for Ford NZ?

Monday, 16 March 2020

Expect to pay up to $8000 more for the small Puma SUV when it lands in space presently occupied by Ford's cheapest car, the EcoSport.

However, also expect the possibility that the EcoSport might remain in circulation alongside the new Puma for some time, with Ford New Zealand currently considering this.

Even though the models are in the same segment, Ford spokesman Tom Clancy says a slight physical upsize and a big technology uplift validates why the Puma - expected in August-September in $33,990 base and $37,990 ST-Line forms - isn't the same proposition as the EcoSport, which is currently available in $26,990 Trend and $29,990 Titanium models.

Could the Puma sell here alongside the car we expected it to replace in Ford's line up? It looks possible.

That claim stacks up with the recent release of full specifications for the New Zealand Puma line up. The Puma will get a big ramp up in active and passive safety gear, over the EcoSport, with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition and a lane keep assist and departure warning as standard, as well as improved infotainment, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and FordPass Connect, which can connect the car to a mobile phone and schedule a service online.

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The Puma is powered by the same engine as the EcoSport, but packs more tech.

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The Puma packs Apple Car Play, Android Auto and also comes with Ford Pass Connect that links the driver's phone to the car's systems.

There are similarities, however, most notably when comparing powerplants - while the EcoSport's six-speed automatic gives way to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission in Puma, and claimed economy sharpens from 6.7 litres per 100km to 6.3L/100km incoming, they have the same 92kW/170Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine.

Both models are also based on the Fiesta platform - though EcoSport's is off the previous gen underpinning – and both are also only available in front wheel drive form.

The styling might not appeal to all, but it is at least interesting and distinctive in a sea of SUV sameness.

EcoSport broke ground as the first Ford sold here to come from India. Puma also makes history with Craiova, Romania, being a new source.

Clancy doubts this influenced the prices and he insists there is too much to differentiate the cars to suggest what's coming is a full replacement.

The Puma packs a 456 litre boot, with an additional 80 litre underfloor 'megabox' for dirty items that can be hosed out.

'While both are in that same small SUV segment, they're not like-for-like. They're both based off Fiesta, but this one is off the new Fiesta and it's also a bit bigger (than EcoSport). It also has a very different technology set and more features.'

The ability to keep a model in the sub-$30k sector might yet see Ford keeping the EcoSport on sale here, despite its age and lack of polish.

While both the Puma and EcoSport are based on the Fiesta platform, the Puma is bigger in every dimension.

'Australia have confirmed they will be dropping the (EcoSport) nameplate later this year. For NZ, it's still to be decided.

'We have EcoSport supply through most of the year. We'll make a call closer to the time of arrival and as later rounds of production and orders go in.'

There's interest in adding at least one of the two mild-hybrid version of the Puma engine that go into Europe, but only once they take that automatic.

At the moment, the editions that add a 11.5kW belt-integrated starter generator powered by a 10Ah, 48-volt lithium-ion battery marry to a six-speed manual.

Says Clancy: 'Manual demand in NZ being as low as it is was a key factor in our line up decision.'

A pity. The hybrid tech shows real potential. Replacing the alternator off the engine and replacing it with the 'belt-driven integrated starter/generator' (BISG) has multiple benefits, from snappier stop/start to fuel saving, but more immediate appeal, praised by overseas' testers, is said to come from the unit functioning as a motor ladling extra torque into the driveline.

The base version still makes 92kW but another uprates to 115kW and each optimally makes between 50Nm and 70Nm more torque than the NZ-bound engine when maximum electric assistance engages, yet are thriftier and cleaner burning than the base unit

The Puma is a bigger-looking car than Fiesta (and EcoSport) through its track increased by 58mm over the donor, to a Focus-matching 1562mm. It's longer by 146mm, wider overall (by 71mm), taller (by 54mm) and has a 95mm-longer wheelbase. Which means more cabin space, a higher driving position and a 456-litre boot – much bigger than the Fiesta delivers.

An attraction of the cargo area is the 'MegaBox', an 80-litre underfloor recess with a waterproof, synthetic lining and a drainage plug, so you can put muddy and dirty items in it and then hose it out to get it clean.

Aside from features already mentioned, the Puma will come here with a driver impairment monitor, rear parking sensors, a 180-degree split-view reverse camera, tyre pressure monitor, ISOFIX hardpoint attachments and six airbags.

The ST-Line gets a 12.3-inch full colour digital instrument cluster, a flat-bottomed, red stitched steering wheel and paddle shifters, has a firmer suspension tune than standard, additional bodywork adornments and 17-inch alloys.

ST-Line is set to be a temporary top spec though, with Ford Europe having signalled a full-blown ST with 150kW is on its way.

Any interest there? Most definitely, Clancy says: 'We're constantly evaluating the global line-up of Ford products and services… if something makes sense for NZ, we'll do our best to bring it in.'