Ford Puma 2020 revealed: CX-3-rivalling small SUV uncovered

The new Ford Puma 2020 small SUV has been revealed by Ford Europe - and the curvaceous new model will replace the boxy EcoSport in European showrooms. 

The Puma sits below the Escape and is based on the Fiesta light car, the ST version of which is due in Australia late this year.  But sadly for Australian small SUV customers, the Fiesta-based Puma high-rider is not destined for our shores for the time being, with the EcoSport continuing as the brand’s local small SUV competitor.

The Puma's dashboard follows the Focus and Escape.

From the images released by Ford Europe it appears the Puma sits at the smaller end of the small SUV segment with the Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Kona, and not larger models such as the Kia Seltos and Nissan Qashqai. 

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The design of the Puma is unique in the Ford range. Rather than appearing as just a smaller Escape or larger Fiesta, the Puma has its own style with a Porsche-style nose and large LED tail-lights. It’s sleek in profile, and looks quite different to the EcoSport that it will replace in Europe. 

The interior of the Puma follows other recent Fords such as the new Fiesta, Focus and Escape with a dash-mounted screen. The materials used appear to be good quality with soft plastics and high quality leather, and the latest in Ford tech is available including a new 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.

The Puma's digital dials are a first for a small Ford.

Drivetrain details are yet to be announced, though a safe bet would be the Fiesta’s range of three- and four-cylinder engines. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol in 92kW and 122kW power outputs will reportedly sit at the top of the range for now, though an ST variant is reportedly in the works. 

Both six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions will be offered. 

The Puma has a sleek side profile.

Available safety features include auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, rear AEB and adaptive cruise control. 

Also available is a full-length panoramic glass roof, selectable driving modes, an electric tailgate with gesture control, automatic parking, Ford’s Sync 3 multimedia system software with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a 575W B&O Play sound system and even a lumbar massaging system for the front seats. 

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Though Ford is yet to announce the Puma’s dimensions, up to 456 litres of boot space will be available and the company’s new ‘MegaBox’ under floor storage system will also feature. MegaBox adds 80L of space, and can be hosed out and drained for “the ultimate in practicality”, according to Ford.

The Puma's rear is unlike any current Ford product.

CarsGuide has reached out to Ford Australia for any further comment on the 2020 Puma small SUV.

Should Ford Australia sell the Puma locally? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.