| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| It's tempting to compare Puma with Vauxhall's earlier Tigra. Both are compact coupes based on successful superminis. But such a comparison serves only to highlight Puma's superiority across the board. |
| Handling |
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| Comfort |
|
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
 |
| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
|
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| NCAP |
| not tested (Fiesta = 3 stars) |
| Best Models |
| 1.7i 16v; 1.7i 16v Ford Racing |
| Worst Models |
| none |
| Replacement |
| n/a |
|
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| Road Test |
| Forget body kit, lowered suspension and engine tweaks in pursuit of a go-faster supermini. Here's one Ford did earlier - slick, sexy and sorted! Puma's underpinnings are from the proven Fiesta Mk 4, cloaked in a sculpted coupe body. Inside, you're in a proper sports car - and a well equipped one, too. Fiesta lends an engine - the entry level 1.4i 16v - but it's the 125 bhp 1.7i 16v unit that's the making of Puma, providing power to test the taut chassis and suspension. Tenacious roadholding, sharp steering responses and traction control (not on 1.4i) give sporting, safe handling that's a joy on twisty roads. Straight line acceleration is rewarding, too. Reliability is good, fuel economy is better than a typical 'hot hatch', parts and servicing are Fiesta-cheap, and insurance is a reasonable Group 12 for the 1.7i. So what's the catch? Only the slightly tight rear seats, in our opinion... |
| Positive Points |
- Bold styling that still turns heads
- Funky, fashionable and fun
- Fiesta heritage means sensible running costs
|
| Negative Points |
- Fiesta DNA might put sports snobs off
- Beware of abused 'go-faster' examples
- Restricted rear seating
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