According to Automotive News, who also published images of the prototype being tested, the newcomer will be based on the same platform as the Fiesta and accordingly, built at the Blue Oval’s Craiova Plant in Romania that currently produces the EcoSport and until 2017, the B-Max.
“Crossovers and SUVs are an area consumers are moving towards and we will continue to grow and develop that business,” Ford of Europe CEO, Steve Armstrong, was quoted by the online platform as saying.
In November, Australia’s goauto.com.au reported that the Blue Oval had submitted a trademark application for the use of Puma, a name it last used between 1997-2002 for the tiny Fiesta-based coupe sold in Europe, with the criteria for use being classified as “four-wheel drive vehicles and sports utility vehicles”.
Although it was thought that the Puma name would be used for the Baby Bronco allegedly leaked at a dealer conference in Las Vegas on November 14th, it now appears that this model, slated to arrive next year before or after the proper Bronco, will be badged differently as it will use the C2-platfrom from the Focus.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Auto Express claims that the “Puma” will more than likely slot-in between the Fiesta Active (pictured) and Kuga in Europe, the latter itself being readied for a third generation, and aside from differing aesthetically as indicated by the images, receive the same assortment of turbocharged EcoBoost and turbodiesel TDCi engines. Transmission will consist out of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, with top-spec models set to have the option of four-wheel drive, albeit only with the former ‘box.
Set to rival the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Opel Mokka X, Toyota C-HR, Volkswagen T-Cross and Mazda CX-3, the “Puma”, when it becomes a reality, is unlikely to reach local shores as it will overlap with the EcoSport.
