Access denied: Meet the 2024 Ford Puma that has been locked out of Australia, leaving the Blue Oval without a Kia Stonic, Mazda CX-3 rival

Ford has revealed a facelifted Puma SUV overnight – at exactly the same time the model was axed in Australia.

Ford Australia yesterday told media that the updated ICE-powered Puma wouldn't come to Australia, ending the slow-selling model's run in our market, but that the all-electric Puma Gen-E would arrive at an unspecified later date.

And we now know exactly what we're missing out on, with the refreshed Puma revealed in the UK, where it is that nation's best-selling vehicle.

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Billed as both "fun and practical", the Puma update focuses on dialling up the onboard technology, and delivering a more sporty-feeling cockpit for the driver.

Emphasis on sporty "feeling", I think, because the range remains powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine, which pretty much rules out hardcore performance.

Billed as both

Elsewhere, physical buttons have been minimised in the cabin, with the 5G-equipped Puma partnering with Amazon's Alexa assistant to handle everything from in-car operations to tweaking your calendar appointments.

The range remains powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine, which pretty much rules out hardcore performance.

The safety systems have also been updated, with a new cruise control that slows down automatically at crossing or at bends, better night vision for its cameras, and a bird's-eye view function for its parking camera.

Its tiny engine is fitted with a fuel-saving mild-hybrid 48-volt system, while in the cabin, a 12.8-inch customisable digital instrument cluster is joined by a 12.0-inch centre touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The safety systems have also been updated, with a bird's-eye view function for its parking camera.

UK pricing kicks off from £25,790, which is an eye-watering AUD$49,946 in our money – which no doubt lowered its chances of making an Australian debut.

The Ford Puma Gen-E will be revealed later this year.