We recently broke the news that the Ford Puma was destined for South Africa. Now the Blue Oval brand has released pricing for this subcompact crossover. Here’s how much you’ll pay…

In August 2023, Cars.co.za broke the news that the Ford Puma was coming to South Africa. Now the Blue Oval brand has finally confirmed this model for a local introduction, while also announcing pricing for the subcompact crossover.

As a reminder, the Puma was revealedfor European markets as long ago as June 2019. But, just as our information suggested, this model is scheduled to launch in South Africa in October 2023, with the local line-up comprising 2 derivatives: a 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium and a 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line Vignale.

The Puma Titanium will be priced from R569900, while the Puma ST-Line Vignale will start at R613900. Take note these prices do not include the cost of a service plan, which Ford says buyers “have the option of purchasing”.

In South Africa, the Puma will launch with a single engine option in the form of the familiar turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine, which here generates peak outputs of 92 kW and 170 Nm. Both the Titanium and ST-Line Vignale variants will ship standard with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Titanium grade features black-machined 17-inch alloy wheels, and chrome elements for the grille, side skirts and fog lamps. The rear diffuser and skid plate on this derivative are finished in metallic grey, while the window surrounds are finished in gloss black. Inside, the Titanium boasts a leather-trimmed steering wheel, “wood-effect appliques” for the cluster bezel and instrument panel, and fabric inserts for the door interiors.

Meanwhile, the ST-Line Vignale rides on black 18-inch machined alloy wheels and gains a sports suspension. Up front, the ST-Line grille features matte-black elements and a high-gloss surround, along with glossy foglamp surrounds and a larger rear spoiler. Inside, the ST‑Line Vignale scores a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red contrast stitching, alloy pedals, an aluminium gear shifter and black headliner.

Ford claims the Puma has a luggage capacity of 456 litres, while the so-called “Ford MegaBox” – providing a “versatile storage space that is capable of comfortably accommodating 2 golf bags in an upright position” – will be optional.

Safety features standard on both variants will include ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-launch assist, tyre-pressure monitoring, auto high beams, a lane-keeping system and 6 airbags. An optional Driver Assistance Pack – adding items such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors, a reverse-view camera, active park assist and a driver-impairment monitor – will also be offered. Furthermore, the top-spec derivative will be available with an optional ST-Line Styling Pack.

As a reminder, the Puma measures 4 186 mm long in standard guise (and 4 207 mm in ST-Line form), with a wheelbase of 2 588 mm. Though the Puma is clearly not positioned as a driver of significant volumes, the Dearborn-based company’s local division will nevertheless be glad to add a fresh-to-SA model (even one revealed as long ago as mid-2019) to its passenger-vehicle line-up.

Why? Well, production of the EcoSport hasofficially endedat both the Chennai facility in India and the Craiova plant in Romania, and local stock is run virtually dry (just 9 units were registered in South Africa inAugust 2023). Though it won’t serve as a direct successor to the more budget-friendly EcoSport, the Puma will at least bolster apassenger-vehicle line-upthat has effectively been reduced to the outgoingMustangandnew Everest. Remember, theFiesta was discontinued locallyin March 2022 (before Ford pulled the plug globally), with theFigofollowing soon thereafter.

The Puma will be available in a choice of 5 exterior colours: Frozen White, Fantastic Red, Grey Matter, Desert Island Blue and Magnetic.

How much does the Ford Puma cost in South Africa?

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium – R569 900

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line Vignale – R613 900

The prices above include a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, while Ford says customers “have the option” of purchasing service or maintenance plans up to 8 years or 135000 km (service intervals are 15000 km).

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