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Refreshed Ford Puma spied ahead of 2024 facelift

An updated Ford Puma is on its way, to include a revised ST that’s now Ford’s most affordable hot hatch

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12 Sep 2023

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Minor exterior enhancements
Various three-cylinder engine configurations
Estimated starting price of £25,000

With Ford waving goodbye to the much-loved Fiesta model earlier this year, the Puma SUV has cemented its position as Ford’s best-seller, and it’s now due a mid-life refresh. These latest spy shots hint towards an updated ST-Line Puma being in the works, which is expected to build on the car’s burgeoning success since its revival into the small SUV segment in 2019 – despite now losing its five-star safety rating.

Plenty of minor changes are scheduled, and a few such exterior details can be spotted through the thick camo, including a restyled grille, new LED headlights, and a repositioning of the famous Blue Oval logo. Ford does seem to be taking a minimal-risk approach, so it will retain its thickset physique, supported by short overhangs and bloated wheel arches.

Exact details on the powertrain selections have not yet been confirmed, but it’s expected that several 1.0-litre three-cylinder engines aided by mild-hybrid technology will be offered. These will range from 123 to 153bhp and are supported by either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

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Where the revised ST model is concerned, buyers can expect a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that provides close to the 197bhp found in the swansong 2023 Fiesta ST-3.

Ford could also integrate a few interior design cues from its bigger Focus model to complement the exterior revamp. This could be headlined by the Focus’ 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, expanding on the Puma’s current eight-inch and 12.3-inch display options. The software itself is also expected to be updated to Ford’s latest SYNC4 system.

These changes should nudge the Puma’s current starting cost of £24,940 to just over £25,000, and allow it to continue providing healthy competition to the likes of the Toyota Yaris Cross and the Renault Captur. Ford has also revealed plans for an all-electric Puma, which is expected to sit alongside this combustion-powered alternative.

If you want to know what we thought of Ford's larger SUV, check out our in-depth review of the Ford Kuga...

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Shafiq Abidin

Shafiq has had a serial obsession with all things automotive since he experienced his baptism of fire as a seven-year-old in the passenger seat of a fourth-generation Toyota Supra. He then decided to turn this passion into a profession by becoming a double journalism graduate and cutting his teeth at publications like CarThrottle, Electrifying, and The Intercooler.

He now works as a Content Editor at Carbuyer, and looks to keep the nation informed on the latest trends and news in an industry that is embracing its most significant period of change since Bertha Benz’s historic drive in the Patent Motorwagen.

Shafiq says…

“Whether you’re a traditional enthusiast looking for your next big super saloon or someone who simply wants to find their perfect back-to-basics supermini, there is common ground to be found for both parties right here at Carbuyer. Our goal is simple: to provide you with all the advice and the details that you need to make a calculated decision that satisfies both your head and your heart.”

Shafiq Abidin’s expertise and interests:

Mini SUVs
Luxury electric saloons
Used performance cars

Shafiq Abidin’s top tips for car buyers:

So often, buyers have their hearts set on a particular colour combination or specific cabin details. There’s nothing wrong with that, but a willingness to compromise on trim and design will often pave the way for big savings. At the end of the day, buyers should first and foremost be looking at whether or not a car satisfies their needs, and only secondarily on the more materialistic things.
Having a full log of service stamps and the entire documented history of a used car is everything you need to understand how its life has been lived. Where one car may have just 10,000 miles on the odometer, but has been plagued with issues over its lifespan, another with 50,000 miles could be completely trouble-free – it’s all an indication as to how its previous owners have treated it. Remember, you’re not just buying that car, but you’re also taking on the responsibilities of what its former owners have done with it, so it’s paramount that you don’t underestimate the value of good maintenance.
Do you really need that bigger, more powerful engine? These days, even the mid-level options for a particular model range provide everything you need to make a statement while retaining a large portion of the economy provided by the more ‘boring’ option. Fuel isn’t going to get any cheaper, and finding the right balance is key to ensuring that you won’t be spending more than you’d be happy to.

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