FORD HAS found itself a winner with the Puma. In the highly competitive realm of small SUVs, the Ford Puma ST Line has made a significant impact since its launch in 2021.

It is a small SUV that is based on the Ford Fiesta hatchback. It shares many of the same features and qualities as the Fiesta, but it also has some unique features that make it stand out. Designed to stand out from the increasing number of options in the new SUV market, Ford have styled a seriously handsome vehicle with smooth body lines with attractive front and rear aspects.

It’s powered by Ford’s EcoBoost petrol engine, and features mild hybrid MHEV technology that boosts both performance and fuel economy without ever needing to be plugged in.

What’s most impressive is that Ford has combined the Puma’s eager handling with suspension that copes perfectly fine with lumps and bumps in the road

It’s based on the regular Puma, which is both practical and great to drive, but gets more power, a sportier chassis and a range of other upgrades. It produces 197bhp and 320Nm of torque, the same as in the Fiesta ST supermini, and there’s a six-speed manual gearbox, bigger brakes, plus stiffer and lower suspension. The steering is sharp and precise, giving you confidence to turn into corners quickly.

What’s most impressive is that Ford has combined the Puma’s eager handling with suspension that copes perfectly fine with lumps and bumps in the road – in simple terms it’s a great handling car that rides well. It’s a decent mover too with the standard 0-62mph delivered in just 8.9 seconds

At a time when so many vehicles look the same – especially EVs – the Puma looks different too. The £23,740 ST-Line version is the sportier version with 17-inch alloys. Desert Island Blue paint, the colour of my evaluation vehicle, will cost you an extra (£675). Talking about options, my test drive came with Lane Keeping Aid and Lane Departure Warning, Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking and ST Line cloth trim with black and red stitching.

The Winter Pack of front heated seats and heated steering wheel (£350) and detachable towbar (£550) all add to your outlay.

Inside, you get a typical Ford cabin, not too many thrills more functional and reliable.  It’s very easy to get comfortable and your passengers will no doubt feel the same too. The digitally displayed instrument dials are crystal clear and provide all the vital information that the driver may need, and the remarkably responsive Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system houses all of the car’s connectivity and media functionality.

There’s plenty of storage space, with decent-sized door bins, a cubby in front of the gear lever, another one below the front armrest and a couple of cupholders between the front seats.

The boot floor is height-adjustable. When it’s set to its highest position and the rear seats are folded down, there’s no step in the floor of the extended load bay and only a very small lip at the boot entrance. The tailgate-mounted parcel shelf lifts up when the boot is opened to give excellent access.

All Pumas come with an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system, with DAB radio, Bluetooth, built-in sat-nav and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring (so you can use your phone apps on the screen). ST-Line X and ST-Line Vignale models add wireless phone-charging, and it’s available as an option on the cheaper trims. 

The Puma is an ideal choice if you need a family car but still want excellent manoeuvrability, low running costs and desirable styling features. EVs might be the rage – and will continue to be – but this Ford offering provides a welcome and well priced alternative.

£29, 765 (test drive)