Ford Puma Gen-E evaluation | Auto Categorical

Even an extended stint of motorway driving couldn’t shift the common beneath 4.4mi/kWh, whereas figures within the 5-6mi/kWh vary had been simply achieved at city speeds. The truth that the Puma Gen-E manages this with out compromising its driving capability makes the figures much more spectacular. The small battery means a variety of 202 miles on the price we achieved on take a look at, however that’s the same distance to that posted by much less environment friendly rivals with bigger usable packs.

Charging speeds are a bit of disappointing, with a most price of 100kW on supply. That’s the identical determine achieved by the Renault 4/5, and means the Puma can go from 10-80 per cent capability in 23 minutes when plugged into a strong sufficient DC supply. 

Insurance coverage teams

The Puma’s sheer numbers imply that elements availability is sweet, though the Gen-E is in car insurance groups 18 and 19, with solely the high-performance Puma ST sitting greater. That’s nonetheless a fairly good group score, although; electrical variations of the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka sit in group 22 and better, whereas the Renault 4 is in teams 27 and 28.

Tax

Low listing costs imply that the Puma Gen-E will likely be an inexpensive company car to run. Road tax for the Gen-E is identical as that for the usual Puma (£195) since EVs now pay it on the identical price as any combustion-engined automobile.

Depreciation

The Puma’s ubiquity signifies that residuals are solely common, however the Gen-E performs simply in addition to its petrol sibling, retaining between 48 to 50 per cent of its authentic worth after three years or 36,000 miles. As compared, the warmer Puma ST retains 54 per cent

That is so much higher than the Vauxhall Frontera, which in electrical type is just anticipated to retain round 37 per cent of its authentic worth.

With the demise of the Ford Fiesta, it’s all the way down to the Puma to fly the flag for Ford’s small automobiles, and because of this, it has turn out to be a standard sight on UK roads. That’s no unhealthy factor, as a result of its compact dimensions and tight proportions imply it appears to be like good. The Gen-E provides a smoother nostril up entrance and machined alloy wheels that look as if they need to enhance effectivity, however total, the look stays unchanged.

Inside and dashboard design

Inside, the large updates are to the centre console, the place a brand new split-level design is used. The drive selector has moved to the steering column – as with Ford’s different EVs, the Gen-E has its indicators and wipers on a single stalk to the left of the wheel.

Supplies and construct high quality

The Gen-E feels simply as effectively constructed because the petrol Puma, with tougher plastics decrease down within the cabin that really feel sturdy, plus leather-effect trim on the dashboard for a extra premium really feel. One gripe we’ve is that the brand new centre console is completed in gloss-black plastic, which feels as if it is going to choose up scratches simply.

Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo

The newest replace to the Puma launched a dashtop sound bar, just like the set-up discovered within the Explorer and Capri. It comes with B&O branding on the higher-spec Premium and Sound Version trims.