Ford Puma (1997 - 2002) Car Review

THE CAT’S WHISKERS

Our Rating: 7.7 / 10

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

This was the car that proved Ford to be back on track as a company that really could design affordable sports cars that were versatile, yet exciting to drive.

Based entirely on the excellent Fiesta running gear, the Puma got its own 1.7-litre engine before adding the Fiesta’s 1.4-litre unit as demand increased. Jackie Stewart and the design team really produced a winner here, so residuals have stayed high. Don’t worry: pay the extra and own one. It’s the finest small coupe ever made.

History

The Puma was launched in 1.7-litre form in June 1997 and demand was instant. So much so that a Fiesta-engined 1.4-litre model was added in February 1998. Both handled superbly with their tuned Fiesta running gear. Only one 1.7-litre version was offered initially and there was never an automatic option.

However, there was a stunning limited-edition 1.7-litre model called the Racing, introduced early in 2000 and likely to be sought-after once they trickle through to the used market. Only 350 were built and they all had an extra 25bhp and a lowered, sleeker-looking body with flared wheelarches finished (only) in Ford Racing Blue. Suspension modifications included a wider track while grippy Recaro seats, a CD player and air conditioning were all standard. In late 2000 the 1.4-litre Puma was replaced by a punchier 1.6-litre model using the same 100bhp engine found in the Focus and Fiesta. In late 2001 a special edition Ford Puma Thunder was announced to mark the final passing of this cracker of a coupe. Going out at the top of its game, the Puma looks set for future classic status.

Opinion

Certainly, this car turns heads, with its fared-in headlamps, kicked-up tail and distinctive side slashes. The hunched profile is also surprisingly practical. This is one of the very few small coupes you can buy that can actually seat two adults in the back. It's more likely however, that owners will want to flip the rear seats forward and make use of the generous 240-litre load capacity.

The detail touches are pleasing too. Both the fascia and the doors are trimmed with aluminium, while the gear-knob is a single cast lump of the same stuff and the Racing has it on the pedals, too. The instrument dials strike a different chord too - white-faced a la Fiesta Si. There are also thoughtful touches, like the full-sized bottle holders on either side of the two rear passengers' legs and the mobile 'phone receptacle in the centre console.

As for equipment, you'll find all the convenience features a quick coupe really needs fitted as standard; electric windows, remote central locking with security alarm, a driver's airbag and a classy hi-fi. There's no provision for a sunroof, but in compensation, the optional air conditioning was, at only £360, one of the most affordable on the market, so many owners specified it. ‘Air’ was standard on the Racing.

Cost

The earliest R-reg 1.4s start at around £2,795, with more typical 99V-platers at around £2,975 and 2000Ws for another £300 or so. For the 1.7, the figures are about £3,095 to £3,150 with £300 more for a 2000W. The 1.6-litre engine arrived in 2000 to replace the 1.5, these models start from £3,140. ‘Nearly-new ‘02’ and even ‘52’ examples are around in some quantity, too. The sporty Racing model is hard to come by but, as a guide, it was £22,820 new.

Problems?

Not much goes wrong but watch out for thrashed examples and botched bodywork repairs from high-speed shunts. New headlights are expensive so check carefully for damage.

Parts

(approx based on a 1997 1.4 ex Vat) A clutch assembly is around £70 and a complete exhaust system (inc Catalyst) is about £415. Front and rear brake pads will be in the vicinity of £30-50 each.

A radiator is about £95 with aircon, an alternator about £140, a starter motor £110, and a replacement headlamp can be up to £260.

Road

While the Puma shares many of the attributes of Fiesta, Escort and Mondeo, there's little doubt that it takes the road going experience on offer to a different level. The more powerful of the two standard versions sports a 123bhp 1.7-litre Zetec-SE engine, capable of rest to sixty in just 8.8 seconds on the way to nearly 130mph. The smaller-engined 1.4-litre Puma is visually indistinguishable from the more powerful car. It reaches 60mph is a still respectable 10.8 seconds, incidentally, while average fuel consumption of 38mpg makes it a car you buy with both your heart and your head. If you can find a Racing, you’ll enjoy 0-60 sprints in about 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 126mph while averaging around 34mpg.

Whichever model you choose, it comes with an impeccable pedigree. The handling was refined by a team that included no less an expert than former World Champion Jackie Stewart; if you can imagine what that might mean out on the road, you won't even bother to test drive anything else.

Overall

As we’ve said, the finest small coupe ever made – bar none.