The Ford Puma holds a special place on British roads, and its new electric iteration, the Ford Puma Gen-E, has big shoes to fill. As an electrified version of Britain's best-selling car, the Puma Gen-E aims to take a familiar favorite into greener territory. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Quick Overview

The Ford Puma Gen-E is priced from £23,410 and brings a competitive balance of practicality, design, and innovative tech. With an electric range of around 234 miles on the base trim, it competes well against rivals like the Mercedes GLA and VW T-Roc. Ford's real ace in the deck, though, might just be the Gen-E’s robust driving dynamics paired with a spacious boot—a combination that's often hard to find at this price point.

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Driving Experience

Driving enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Puma Gen-E retains much of the fun and nimbleness of its petrol predecessor. While the electric model is 200 kg heavier due to its battery pack, this extra weight doesn’t detract from the steering, which remains responsive and light. Whether maneuvering through tight bends or gliding through urban traffic, the Puma Gen-E impresses with precise handling.

The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 8 seconds, powered by its 166-horsepower electric motor. While it won’t slam you into your seat like Ford’s sportier Capri, the performance feels balanced and spirited—ideal for daily commutes or weekend road trips. It also delivers an excellent efficiency rating of 4.5 miles per kilowatt-hour, outpacing some of the competition.

However, the suspension may deliver a bumpier ride over poorly maintained roads. Pothole-laden UK B-roads are a reminder that this smaller SUV crossover can’t entirely smooth out rough terrain. Still, as part of Ford's lineup, the Gen-E complements the rugged Explorer and performance-driven Capri models.

One noteworthy quirk is the level of pressure required on the brake pedal. While some brakes respond sharply to a light tap, the Puma Gen-E requires a firm push. Though this may take a bit of adjustment, it’s something most drivers will adapt to after a few miles.

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Interior Details

Ford has ensured the Puma Gen-E feels modern and comfortable without overwhelming drivers with complexity. The cabin design is intuitive, with a practical layout and an emphasis on usability. Key updates from the petrol version include a two-tiered center console, enhanced storage, and the relocation of the gear selector to a stalk, creating more room for passengers in the front.

Comfort and Technology:

• Seating: The Select trim offers Alcantara and leather seats, which are manually adjustable but well-padded for comfort. Though electric seat options aren’t available, most drivers will find it easy to settle into a comfortable position.
• Infotainment: A 12.8-inch touchscreen is standard, integrating maps, drive modes, and climate control. While the lack of physical buttons may deter some traditionalists, the system is straightforward to navigate. Supports for both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on the Select trim.
• Storage: With ample cubbies, cupholders, big door bins, and a wireless charging pad, the interior is just as practical as the petrol version.
• Driver Display: The digital gauge cluster displays critical information like battery percentage and range— features surprisingly absent in some rival electric SUVs.

Rear Passenger and Boot Space: For taller passengers, the back seating area isn’t as generous. Headroom and knee space diminish slightly, largely due to the raised floor required for the battery pack. While kids and shorter adults will have no problem, drivers over six feet tall may feel cramped on longer journeys.

In contrast, the boot is a standout feature. The Puma's 523-liter boot trumps many rivals, including a remarkable 67-liter additional MegaBox compartment with a drain plug—ideal for muddy boots or wet gear after an outdoor adventure. For those with storage concerns, the fold-flat rear seats offer an easy way to expand capacity further.

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Range and Charging

The Puma Gen-E comes equipped with a 43.6 kWh battery, which provides a respectable range of 234 miles on the baseline Select trim. The Premium trim sacrifices some range (down to 226 miles) due to its larger alloy wheels.

One major advantage of the Gen-E is its charging speed. With 100 kW fast charging, the battery can replenish from 10% to 80% in just 23 minutes. This makes it ideal for quick top-ups during long trips, alleviating much of the ‘range anxiety’ associated with EV ownership.

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Exterior Design

At first glance, the Puma Gen-E doesn’t stray far from the aesthetics of the petrol version, but closer inspection reveals design tweaks tailored for aerodynamics. A smoother front end replaces air intakes with sleek lines, and a longer rear spoiler enhances the car’s overall efficiency. One small but distinctive change: the ‘Puma’ lettering on the rear is now white instead of black.

The Gen-E offers several alloy wheel designs, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, alongside a striking new electric yellow color exclusive to the EV lineup. If you spot one on the road, chances are it will catch your eye.

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Trim Levels and Value

The Puma Gen-E offers simplicity in its lineup, with just two trim levels: Select and Premium.

Select Trim Highlights:

• Standard features include wireless phone charging, LED headlights, cruise control, and heated windscreen.
• Practical upgrades like a winter pack (heated seats and steering wheel) can be added.

Premium Trim Upgrades:

• Larger alloy wheels and improved aesthetics.
• Comes with a B&O sound system as standard.

For entry-level buyers, the Select trim strikes an appealing balance of affordability and well-rounded features, making EV adoption less daunting.

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Final Thoughts

The Ford Puma Gen-E brings a strong case to the electric SUV market. Its £23,410 starting price pits it against rivals like the Renault Megane E-Tech and Jeep Avenger, while its familiar yet updated design ensures it will appeal to long-time Ford fans.

While the Gen-E isn’t without minor flaws—such as reduced rear legroom and a bumpier ride on imperfect roads—it excels in areas that matter most: efficiency, practicality, and affordability. With standout features like its class-leading boot space and fast charging capabilities, the Puma Gen-E might just convince petrol purists to make the leap to an electric drivetrain.

Whether it will dethrone favorites in the EV market is yet to be seen, but it certainly carries enough appeal to give competitors a run for their money. If you’ve been on the fence about going electric, the Puma Gen-E could be the car that changes your mind.