Pin-sharp handling, but let down by Ford's design and build quality (Ford Puma 1.4i 3dr)

Member Name: benedwards64

Product:	Ford Puma 1.4i 3dr
Date:	08/03/09 (125 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sporty, sharp handling, willing engine, slick gearbox

Disadvantages: Cramped, cheap interior, dangerous blind-spots

I've wanted a Puma ever since I saw Tiff Needell thrashing one round a track on old Top Gear. It is such a gorgeous looking machine, with well-proportioned curves finishing off a superb coupe body. When my other half expressed an interest in them I jumped at the chance, and finally settled on a 2000 1.4 with 58k on the clock.

The first impressions of the car are good - it really does look fantastic in the flesh, although the Fiesta dashboard with painted silver bits is a little disappointing. The CD player is decent enough as are the speakers, although it's nothing ground-breaking. The level of kit isn't bad either - powersteering, electric windows, remote central locking (with remote boot-pop) come as standard, and ours has the option of ABS as well.

The Puma's driving experience certainly lives up to it's expectation. The 89bhp 1.4-litre engine isvery willing to rev all the way to the 6750rpm red-line, although it is lacking in low-down torque and the car really needs the larger 1.7-litre unit to give it the pace to match its looks. The steering is very responsive with a nice weight and small steering-wheel, the gearbox is a joy, the clutch is light, and the brakes are firm and full of feedback, with the ABS only cutting in when you really need it. The handling is also spot-on, if a little understeery, with a firm but well-damped ride. The car is based on the already-very-capable Fiesta chassis with tweaks to the suspension, which is a much better start than the Corsa-based Tigra.

Unfortunately, though, after living with the Puma for a few months now, there are a few issues and design flaws that are so common with Fords. It is a master of form over function, with many compromises to gain that oh-so-sexy shape. The windscreen-pillars are massive, and coupled with the rear-view mirror situated pretty much in the centre of the screen there are blind-spots that verge on dangerous (several times I have lost motorcyclists in them, so I always check twice before pulling away). The rear seats are no good for anyone with either legs or a head, the boot, although a decent size, has an awkward high lip with a cover that will not stay in place, the front seats are hard and unsupportive, and horribly uncomfortable on the motorway, where you will also discover that there is nowhere to put your left foot. Also, the sun-visors are annoyingly short, the wing-mirrors are too small and parking isn't easy with the tiny rear window and quarter-windows. Another problem that is becoming apparent on many older Pumas is rust - ours is starting to bubble at the rear arches already. Also, you will need to upgrade the headlight bulbs, as the dipped beam are weaker than candles.

Now don't get me wrong, I still love the Puma. But after wanting one for so long it has left me a little cold with so many silly little faults. I have to say I'm glad it's not my everyday car. It really is a joy to drive on a nice road, but let down by suspect design/build quality and too may compromises for the shape.

The engine is pretty good on fuel, averaging about 300 miles to a tank with everyday driving. Insurance is a little high though for a 1.4 (group 9) when compared to the Fiesta with the same engine, although service parts are pretty cheap and widely-available.

As a driver's car it is superb, but as a car to live with everyday there are many minor faults that ruin the experience.

Summary: A master of form over function. Beatifully sexy and fun to drive, but too many compromises.

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