SUV-INSPIRED COMPACT CROSSOVER: Ford has combined a sporty design and connected technology to meet the demands of dynamic young individuals

By Ali Mphaki

The news that more that 300 Ford Pumas has been recalled in Australia due to airbag and seatbelt pretensioner faults could not have come at an inopportune time for the brand set for launch in South Africa next month.

The airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not function properly in the event of a crash but what somewhat brings solace is that the recall appears to cover 22 percent of the examples delivered. Its a glitch the brand can least afford especially coming hot on the heels of their easily inflammable Ford Kuga in recent times.

Ford SA is quite aware of the Australian hump but nowhere near putting their plans into reverse gear for the arrival of the Puma in our shores in October. Local enthusiasts can look forward to two distinctive personalities of the Puma comprising the sporty Puma Titanium and the stylish range-topping Puma ST-Line Vignale.

The Titanium features unique black-machined 17-inch alloy wheels, and chrome elements for the grille, side skirts and fog lamps. It also comes with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, wood-effect appliques for the cluster bezel and instrument panel, and distinctive fabric inserts for the door interiors.

The sporty Puma ST-Line Vignale is offered with black 18-inch machined alloy wheels and a sports suspension. At the front, the ST-Line grille features matt black elements and a high-gloss surround, high-gloss foglamp surrounds, and a larger roof-spoiler. Puma’s interior has its emphasis on its luxurious appointments, lumbar massage front seats on the ST-Line Vignale to revitalise tired muscles. The three-bladder massage system features three intensity settings and adjustable rolling directions.

The driver’s seat is also height adjustable. Innovative features include a wireless charging pad as standard allowing drivers remain connected via Bluetooth while using wireless charging.

It also features an eight-inch central touchscreen that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures.  On-board modem technology allows a range of convenient features via the FordPass mobile app, including Vehicle Locator; Vehicle Status (that checks fuel levels, alarm status, oil life and more); remote Door Lock Unlock; and Remote Start. The ST-Line Vignale is equipped with a high-end B&O sound system that has been dynamically tuned to ensure a premium audio experience.

The 10-speaker system includes a 150x200mm externally coupled subwoofer integrated into the boot – without compromising luggage space – which delivers a smooth bass tone. The system is powered by a 575-watt Digital Sigal Processing Amplifier that controls equalisation and audio mixing including selectable Surround Sound. Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine common to both derivatives of the Puma. It produces 92kW of power at 6 000 r/min matched to 170Nm of torque across a broad range from 1 500 to 4 500 r/min.

Auto Start-Stop is standard to further reduce running costs. Power is delivered to the front wheels via an advanced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with the driver having access to five Selectable Drive Modes to suit the conditions – Normal, Eco, and Slippery for low-traction surfaces.

Pricing (includes VAT):

– Puma Titanium                                   R569 900

– Puma ST-Line Vignale                       R613 900

Included as standard is Ford Protect comprising a four-year/120 000km warranty.

MOTORING:

Briefs

PAIN AT THE PUMPS

Unaudited data released by the Central Energy Fund shows a stark increase on the cards for both petrol and diesel by the start of next month.  Petrol is expected to increase by around R1,20/L while diesel could potentially go up by as much as R2/L. Illuminating paraffin users will need to fork out an additional R1,84/L.

The AA states: “Should these significant increases materialise, they will push fuel prices to levels last seen in July last year, stretching the personal finances of South Africans even further.  Higher fuel prices will invariably lead to higher prices at the till, and which will be a blow to many who are already experiencing financial distress.”

GREEN NOW RED

The Government of the United Kingdom has delayed the sales ban of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by five years to 2035. At the UK prime minister’s speech overnight [The Guardian YouTube], Rishi Sunak said the move is ‘easing the burden on working people’ by relaxing climate-related policies.

“I expect that by 2030, the vast majority of cars sold will be electric… People are already choosing electric vehicles to such an extent that we’re registering a new one every 60 seconds”, Sunak said. “But I also think that, at least for now, it should be you the consumer that makes that choice, not government forcing you to do it. Sunak’s move represents a relaxation to former Conservative Party prime minister Boris Johnson’s policy – announced in 2020 – which would have banned the sale of new pure petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles.

TOYOTA VITZ GOES FURTHER

Toyota South Africa Motors has expanded its Toyota Vitz line-up, and it now includes a stylish model called X-Cite.  The X-Cite range is only available in manual transmissions and offered in five paint colours, including Mystic Pearl White, Urban Silver, Dusk Grey, Jet Blue and Shadow Black Pearl.

From the outside, orange hues are expertly placed on various focal points including the front and back ends as well as on the side. Up front, the orange accents serve as a garnish for the lower grille on either side. The 1-litre petrol engine will animate the Vitz X-Cite, courtesy of the free- revving 49kW, twin-injection, three-cylinder engine’s ability to harness all of its 89Nm of torque from a very accessible 3500 revs.

IT’S CHINESE,ELECTRIC AND HERE

If you’ve been longing for a battery-powered bakkie, the new Maxus T90 EV could be the answer to your prayers, if you’re prepared to part with more than a million rand. The brand is owned by the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC) which also has the British MG brand under its wing. The Chinese automotive giant recently teamed up with a South African dealer and distributor to form Maxus Electric Vehicles.

It will initially be focused on the Gauteng region, following the opening this week of a new dealership in Menlyn, Pretoria, and the company plans to expand to Cape Town, Durban and other metropolitan areas.

First out the starting blocks are the eDeliver 3 Panel Van and Chassis Cab models, both priced at R799 995, while the T90 EV double cab bakkie will be available later in 2023 at a price of R1.1 million. Its claimed range of 330km between charges, however, could also dissuade potential buyers.-IOL

ONE MORE THING…

The Welsh government has announced that the default speed limit on urban roads in Wales will reduce from 30mph to 20mph from September 17 this year. Restricted roads are usually found within residential areas where streetlights are placed no more than 200 yards apart.

The new speed limit is expected to cost £32 million, though the Welsh government has assured that the cost will be ‘outweighed by casualty prevention savings’. A public health study has estimated these savings could be up to £92m per year.

The new 20mph default speed limit could result in 1200 to 2000 fewer injuries a year with 40% fewer collisions, according to a public health study.