Ford Puma SUV - Interior & comfort

If you're familiar with the latest Fiesta, you'll spot that the Puma shares a lot of similarities when you sit inside. There's the same eight-inch touchscreen with Ford's SYNC 3 software, built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that sits perched above the dashboard, proving easy to use, if not always the fastest to respond to inputs. The interior feels well-built too, even if there are some very plain materials that aren't as striking or colourful as the trim in several rivals.

Ford Puma dashboard

Svelte and minimalist, the Puma's dashboard wraps around the air vents and glovebox, freeing up more space for the driver and front passenger. In fact, the only physical controls are those for essential features like the climate control, headlights and audio volume. It's a purposeful look, but there isn't much design flair for a crossover that's so arresting from the outside – we wish Ford had added some bolder trims and textiles to take the fight to the Peugeot 2008 and Nissan Juke. The Puma does usher in a digital instrument display, in a departure from Ford's traditional blue-needle analogue dials, and it's easy to use and looks good. It doesn't offer quite the same level of personalisation as the Peugeot 2008's i-Cockpit, but the Puma's is good enough and a welcome feature.  

Equipment

Buyers of SUVs tend to like a healthy kit list, and so instead of a base Trend model or similar, Ford offers mid- and high-level Titanium, ST-Line and ST-Line X trims, plus a range-topping ST-Line Vignale version, as well as the high-performance ST model, which we’ve reviewed separately. Every model gets Ford's eight-inch touchscreen, FordPass Connect online services, wireless phone charging and cruise control.

ST-Line is similar to Volkswagen's R-Line and SEAT's FR trims, offering a sporty appearance inside and out thanks to a body kit and different alloy wheels. ST-Line also brings a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while ST-Line X includes part-leather upholstery, tinted windows and a B&O audio system.

ST-Line Vignale ups the kit list further still, adding imitation ‘Sensico’ leather-trimmed, heated seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and matching faux leather trim on the instrument binnacle. Exterior changes include a mix of black gloss and chrome trim dotted around the bodywork, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, which can be upgraded to 19-inches in size, and LED headlights that boast a daytime running light (DRL) signature that’s only available with the ST-Line Vignale trim.

New for 2022 was a special ‘ST-Line X Gold Edition’ model. Based on the standard ST-Line X trim, this came in an exclusive ‘Grey Matter’ body colour with white and gold racing stripes for a sportier look. Gold Edition cars also boast 18-inch gold-coloured five-spoke alloys, a partial Sensico (Ford’s synthetic leather) interior with gold stitching, and a host of optional kit as standard. This includes a heated steering wheel and front seats and driver assistance tech pack with features such as adaptive cruise control, parking assist, a rear-view camera and sensors.

Also announced in late 2022 was the Vivid Ruby Edition, sitting beneath the high-performance Puma ST. It comes exclusively with the mild-hybrid 1.0-litre petrol engine, and it's easy to spot thanks to its Vivid Ruby metallic paintwork and contrasting black roof, door mirrors and boot spoiler. It's fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels with black accents, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a powered tailgate. The kit list continues with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, coloured stitching and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

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Options

Ford's approach is to encourage buyers to pick the trim level with the equipment they need, rather than offer lots of individual options. This is similar to the Nissan Juke, while buyers of the Audi Q2 can build a virtually bespoke car.

There are some options available, from a £950 Driver Assistance Pack, to a £350 Winter Pack that brings a heated steering wheel and seats. You can opt for the fully-digital gauges on lower-spec cars for £500, while a panoramic sunroof costs £1,000.