A remake is a tough thing to pull off – this is something Ford understands. Just think of the reaction to the reimagined Capri, which was perhaps not everything it hoped for. Now compare that with the way the Ford Puma was greeted when it was launched in 2019. There was some concern about the use of the name but the actual vehicle it adorned shot to the top end of the sales charts.
And that’s good news if you’re thinking of buying a car on the pre-owned market, because there are loads out there.
What’s it like inside?
Although this is an SUV for towing at the diminutive end of the scale, that doesn’t mean it’s cramped inside. There’s a fair amount of room for two people in the front seats, and enough space for two six-footers in the rear, but three people on the back seat would need to be fairly familiar with each other. And we’d advise that you avoid cars with the panoramic sunroof, because this pinches some all-important headroom.
On the surface, the boot space isn’t all that, which could be offputting when you’re choosing the best used tow cars. It certainly isn’t as big as the boots you find in rivals such as the Škoda Kamiq or the Volkswagen T-Roc.
However, the Ford Puma has an ace up its sleeve, in the form of the MegaBox. This is a large storage box hidden beneath the boot floor, which is brilliant for more luggage, or muddy footwear. It also has a drain, so you can hose it out, or use it for storing quantities of ice and cold drinks.
Every Puma is very well equipped, too, with DAB radio, sat nav, Bluetooth, auto lights and wipers, climate control and rear parking sensors. Add in a pair of the best caravan mirrors and you’ll be well on your way to an enjoyable experience on the road.
Moving up the trim levels adds more supportive part-leather seats and a digital driver’s display, along with more aggressive styling and a B&O sound system.
How does a second hand Ford Puma drive?
Ignoring the ST model, there’s one engine available in the Puma – a three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ecoboost unit. However, this is available in various power outputs, and with and without mild-hybrid assistance. Tow car drivers would be best to go for the most powerful 153bhp mild-hybrid version. This also generates 177lb ft of torque, and allows the Puma to keep up with traffic easily when towing a caravan or trailer, so long as you’re happy to rev it.
Something every caravanner will consider when choosing their towing vehicle will be the car/caravan match. If the Puma has an Achilles heel, it’s kerbweight, because it weighs just 1280kg and has a modest towing limit of 1100kg, which limits you to small caravans. But it’s stable when towing, if a little slow.
The Puma is also good fun to drive solo, with sharp steering, quick responses and tight body control, and while the ride is firm, it’s never uncomfortable, as our reviewer David Motton found when he put the Ford Puma 1.0 mHEV 155PS ST-Line to the test in 2023.
What will a Ford Puma tow?
- Kerbweight: 1280kg
- Towing limit: 1100kg
- Noseweight limit: 75kg
- 85% match: 1088kg
Running costs of a used Ford Puma
- Insurance group: 14
- Annual VED: £180
- Average economy: 51.4mpg
- Full service: £171
Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262
Issues with a Ford Puma
It has to be said, the Puma is not unfamiliar with the recall notice. Early mild-hybrid models were recalled because the hybrid battery connections weren’t torqued correctly.
An airbag fault caused another recall, as did damage to an oil separator. The emergency call system has also been the source of a couple of recalls. A 2023-model recall concerned a restraint system control unit.
A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
What to pay for a used Ford Puma
- High: price: £29,999; model: 2023 1.0T Ecoboost MHEV ST-Line X Gold; miles: 1500
- Sweet spot: price: £14,795; model: 2022 1.0T Ecoboost MHEV Titanium; miles: 27,000
- Low: price: £9500; model: 2021 1.0T Ecoboost Titanium; miles: 102,000
Verdict
If you have a smaller, lighter van, the Ford Puma is the ideal SUV. It looks good, feels well built and is great to drive. No wonder the remake has been such a blockbuster.
Alternatives to consider
A used Škoda Kamiq (2019-)
The Škoda Kamiq feels extremely well made and has more interior space than most of its direct rivals. There’s a range of petrol and diesel engines, although you’ll want the most powerful petrol or the diesel if you plan to tow regularly. SE models get the standard kit you’d expect, such as air-con, auto lights and wipers, and rear parking sensors.
Take a look at our review of the 2023 Škoda Kamiq 1.5 TSI 150PS Monte Carlo, a small and sporty SUV.
A used Volkswagen T-Roc (2018-)
The T-Roc is a small SUV that’s designed to attract younger customers. And while it’s doing that, it also offers all of the attributes to attract tow car buyers, because it has a roomy, well-built interior full of the standard equipment that makes daily life easy. There’s a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, but the diesels would be the best option for towing.
Are you heading out with your van soon? Then don’t miss the 10 things every caravanner should know about towing.
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