A relatively new entry from Ford in the light SUV class – the front wheel drive Ford Puma, three variants all powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine driving through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic with five  drive modes – Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery and Trail, the last two obviously somewhat limited by front wheel drive only. I drove the top-spec Puma ST-Line V at $36,490 drive-away, somewhat premium priced for the light SUV segment but very highly equipped. The Puma’s standout feature is drive-ability – the three-cylinder engine torquey getting it into the higher gear ratios without fuss,  ever so smoothly via its impressive dual/clutch automatic – it’s  such a smooth relaxed performer it’s hard to believe its just 1-0-litre capacity.

Economy 6.8L/100Km with mainly city driving on a diet of only 95RON petrol. The Ford Puma ST-line V gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels shod with well sized 50-series tyres and  a sportier suspension – with nimble steering and just 2.7 turns lock to lock it’s fun to drive. The cabin well sized with a tablet sized sat nav screen and some nice touches like a power tailgate and a 10-speaker B and O sound system – also getting leather enhanced seat trim and climate control air but disappointingly no rear seat air vents. Warranty: five years /unlimited Km. with $299 capped price servicing covering the first 60 days.

I‘m David Berthon

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