Why the Ford Puma Keeps Outselling Everything Else
Three separate UK road tests, three separate testing teams, and almost the exact same verdict: this is easily the most fun car in its class to drive, let down by one gearbox that can't keep up with the rest of the package.
A Small Car With an Outsized Reputation
It doesn't happen often that a single model quietly becomes the best-selling new car in an entire country, but that's exactly the position this one's held for several years running. Reviewers keep asking the same question — is it really that good, or just well marketed — and keep landing on the same answer: it earns the position honestly, mostly through how it drives.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Small SUV / crossover |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.0L 3-cyl mild-hybrid (123bhp, 153bhp), 1.5L ST (168bhp) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic |
| 0–62mph | 9.8 sec (123bhp manual) to 7.4 sec (ST auto) |
| Boot space | 523 litres (inc. 145L "MegaBox" underfloor storage) |
| Price range (new) | From around £25,800 |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear rated it well ahead of rivals like the Nissan Juke and VW T-Cross, crediting it with bringing genuine driver appeal to a class of cars that's traditionally been dull to drive. Their testers were fans of the practical underfloor storage box, which drains through a plughole and makes it the most usable boot in its class, and found the interior nicely finished despite the loss of physical climate controls after the recent facelift. Their one lingering complaint: the previous punchy ST hot-hatch version has been softened into a milder automatic-only performance trim, losing some of its edge in the process.
What Car?
What Car? measured real-world acceleration against direct rivals and found it consistently quicker off the line than the Juke, Renault Captur and Skoda Kamiq. They praised the driving position and adjustable seating, noting it suits a wide range of body shapes comfortably. Their main criticism centred on rear-seat space — shorter than some competitors offer for taller passengers — along with visibility out of the back, which suffers from thick rear pillars and a high window line.
Autocar
Autocar's road test focused heavily on the chassis, calling it the dynamic benchmark for the small-SUV class since it first arrived, built on the same well-regarded platform as the outgoing Fiesta. They liked the mild-hybrid system's ability to mask turbo lag and improve real-world response, and found the ride firm without becoming uncomfortable. Where they were more critical was the automatic gearbox, which they found notably less polished than the rest of the car — hesitant in some situations where a simpler, more responsive unit would suit the car's playful character better.
Strengths
- Genuinely fun, engaging handling for the class
- Huge, versatile boot with drainable underfloor storage
- Quick off the line versus direct rivals
- Comfortable, adjustable driving position
Weak points
- Automatic gearbox lacks the polish of the rest of the car
- Rear seat space and visibility trail some rivals
- Recent facelift dropped physical climate controls
Who It Actually Suits
Anyone upgrading from a supermini who wants more boot space without losing the fun-to-drive character they're used to. Less ideal if rear-seat comfort for taller passengers or back-seat visibility are high on your list — worth a proper test drive with your actual passengers before committing.
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