Ford Puma Gen-E Debuts As Avenger Rival

Ford’s new electric Puma may use ICE car underpinnings but it gets bespoke features and a huge boot.

Puma EV is unmasked at last, and is clearly based on the existing petrol car. But it is differentiated from its sibs by several features, not the least of which is a unique Electric Yellow paint scheme.

The new Puma uses Ford’s global B-car platform, adapted to house a 43kWh battery, offering a maximum combined range of 373km.  

Powering the electric Puma is a 124kW/290Nm motor driving the front wheels. Puma Gen-E weighs 1563kg, so gets from zero to 100km/h in 8.0sec. With 100kW peak charging, a 10-80 per cent refresh takes 23 minutes. Using a 7kW home wallbox, a full refill should be achieved in seven hours.

Gen-E is similar but subtly different from the ICE power models. The grille is now a flush panel, with a black mouth-like outline giving the front end some added character. There’s a more conventional lower-bumper treatment, with cooling vents that channel air out past the front wheels.

This runs on aero rims to optimise real-world range. Base cars feature a 17-inch wheel, while 19s are available as an optional extra on top-spec models, at the small expense of range.

There’s also a slightly longer and lower tailgate spoiler and an updated rear bumper because there’s no exhaust. You won’t find a Gen-E badge anywhere, however. The designer wanted to show it was a BEV, without losing its Puma-ness. Physical and mechanical changes are limited to a few key areas of the car, but without blowing the budget or losing any of its Puma characteristics. 

Inside is a redesigned centre console. The handbrake and gear lever have gone, replaced by cup-holders and a wireless charging tray. The infotainment system is virtually unchanged, the 12-inch IFT screen complemented by a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster.

In the rear, the floor is almost completely flat, although the battery beneath means those in the back will find their feet positioned higher. Except dogs who won’t care.

However, there’s more space behind the rear seats, with 523 litres of room in the boot. Hidden under the floor is a 145-litre GigaBox. Moreover, beneath the hood is a 43-litre frunk for tools or a charging cable.

Two specifications are dubbed Select and Premium. The entry price point in the UK is only £2000 more than for the base petrol Puma. Select features LED lights, parking sensors each end and a rear-view camera. Inside are two screens with sat nav, ambient lighting and wireless phone connectivity with Qi charging. ADAS includes cruise control with a speed limiter.

Premium costs £2000 more and brings powered door mirrors and an automatic tailgate, matrix-LED headlights and puddle lamps with the Puma logo. Inside is a B&O premium sound system, and vegan-leather trim. Options include an opening panoramic roof and a detachable towbar. There’s also an optional Winter Pack with heated seats and steering wheel, and Ford’s Quickclear windscreen. There are six paint options.

Whether or not sports editions are forthcoming is unclear but given Puma will be replaced within a few years likely not.

Ford New Zealand says it has not yet committed to Puma Gen-E. It’s arrival next year will depend on local market conditions for EVs.