Great review Sir, The late Richard Parry Jones was the chap who was involved with the chassis in this car and most of the fords like the Focus, Mark 4 and 5 Fiesta of this era. I nearly bought a Puma back in 2006 but instead went for a Mark 1 Focus Zetec. Think I may have missed the boat on a good puma, but another car to add to my bucket list to drive.
Oh sir, yes, Richard Parry Jones knew how to make a car ride and handle well, and this Puma is absolutely no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this, although the visibility is very limited, so perhaps not the best car for me. Jonathan took a while to find this Puma, and you are right that there are not many good ones left for sensible money any more, sadly.
Joseph, I really wanted one of these and looked at many before I inexplicably bought the Merc?? The rust issue is their Achilles heel. I couldn't find a single one with rust on the rear arches and apparently the rust is from the inside thanks to poor factory corrosion protection. I'm still very tempted as the handing is great and coincided with Ford's golden period of handling gems... find a good one and cherish it and they have to be a future classic revered in the way the Escort Mk1/2 and Capris are but on a different level for handling capability.
Oh, sir, the Puma is a bit different from a Mercedes 190E, isn't it? Mind you, they are both appealing classics in different ways. You are right about those rear arches, they are notorious for corrosion. Ford were at the top of their game in this period, maybe leading the world in chassis dynamics for affordable motoring to an extent, and making some absolutely fantastic cars. I can see prices rising for decent ones in the future, just as you say!
The 1.8 Zetec was actually from a different engine family from the Zetec S/SE/Duratec/Sigma engine. Very, very confusing! That may be why they didn't use it.
@@IfInDoubt.. Not at all. The zeta engine family is based on the CVH Engine and to 100% Fords own child. The later "Duratec HE" is co-developed with Mazda (there they are called L-Series)
This for me was Ford's greatest era for making affordable mainstream cars they rode and handled brilliantly. The Ka, Mk4 Fiesta, MK1 Focus, Puma and Mondeo were all cracking and wiped the floor with Vauxhall rivals of the time. Liking the Scottish car too. Did I see a Strathford of Kilmarnock dealer plate?
Yes, I think it was Strathford. These are the original plates for some reason! You are right, Ford were doing amazingly well at this time, and the Mark IV/V Fiesta platform produced some really good small cars, despite dating back almost a decade when the Puma was launched, since many elements were carried over from the Mark III Fiesta. This is a much, much better car than the contemporary Tigra.
Oh yes, sir! Good old shared parts in Fords, not surprised they were in the US specification Focus models as well, since the cars were developed at around the same time.
Currently restoring a 1.7, i had one about 10 years ago and loved it always said id have another one! prices are creeping up so now is the time to find a keeper... Great video BTW Peacehaven looks nice when the weather is sunny!
Yes, I was very blessed with the weather that day! It was a lot of fun, even on the brief test drive I undertook. You are right about the prices, they are getting rare now.
Great review sir, always had a soft spot for these, a friend owns 2, one being a racing he bought new and the other a black edition which he drives most of the time, thank you for great review.
Glad you enjoyed it, sir! I had been waiting to have a go in Jonathan's car for a while, and I was not disappointed. The Racing Pumas are very rare now.
A high point in style, ride, handling, gear shift, engine sound, in fact everything except for rust protection. My Son owned a 2001 Ford Puma 1.6 which I drove quite a bit. I found it very responsive with an joyous gearbox and very strong brakes. Extremely comfortable to drive on all surfaces. Unfortunately it it fell foul of a very unyielding kerb which eventually led to its demise through driveshaft damage, on top of the very scabby rear arches of course. I loaded it onto a lorry with a forklift for its last journey to the dismantlers. That boot lock refused to pop for the forklift, the Puma rising 4 feet into the air instead by its bootlid. However, that metal gear knob resides in his bedroom to this day.
Oh sir, that cast aluminium gearknob is a nice memento, I am sure! The ride and handling are very good, although I found the visibility quite poor and the space a little bit tight, so I would have to go for something different, but I understand why Jonathan absolutely loves it. That is a shame about the fate of your son's 1.6!
@@lloydvehicleconsulting alas I myself was young once too. He caught the Coupe bug and went onto a 2001 Audi TT with the BAM 1.8 and then a 2006 Mercedes Benz CLK which I can only discuss with Mr Seabrook unfortunately. Miss that wee Puma though.
As of yet I've not driven one of these but for the right money I'd definitely consider putting one on the drive. My dad test drove a 1.7 at launch. At the time we were about a year into Mégane Coupe ownership and I was a rapidly growing teenager so the Puma just didn't have enough space in the back (though better than a Vauxhall Tigra). The slightly larger Mégane had that little bit more headroom in the back. That said my dad enjoyed the Puma very much, the cars have a reputation for fantastic handling and a really willing engine. I think they all had AC as the curve of the roof prevented fitment of a sun roof. My wife had an 04 Ka collection so some of that switchgear and the radio/CD are very familiar indeed. It frustrates me so much that Ford are recycling the names of so many fantastic cars as generic SUVs.these days. They really need to stop doing that.
Oh yes, sir! The Mark I Ka did have a lot of shared parts with these, not surprising you recognised a lot of the switchgear. I didn't try the air conditioning, but I can see why they all would have had it. The handling is super and the engine does have more than enough power. Not much room in the back, however.
Loved my wee puma, drove and handled like a go kart, just a shame the rust took hold of it, had a cringe moment when I test drove it, went to change gear and grabbed the seller’s knee!
Always curious about where the 1.7 fitted in the dependable Zetec range, apparently it was used more in foreign markets along with its big brother a 2.2 ..I think. Enjoyed the ride, want one now.
It was really good, sir! I don't think it's necessarily for me, as I didn't find the visibility that good, and it is probably a bit too small inside, but then most coupes are like that. Certainly a neat piece of design and lovely to drive, however!
Thank you ever so much indeed! There is a No Budget Reviews playlist with about 100 videos on it now, so if you have problems sleeping at night, you know where to come...
I often wondered why Ford and Vauxhall had very similar styling patterns for two of their cars - the Ford Puma and the Vauxhall Tigra, and then the Mk5 Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa C. What was going on there? Also, strange to see the Puma go from a coupé to a crossover.
Ford wanted a name from the past that would appeal to the sort of people who now need a family sized car, and, since the small coupé market is now virtually non-existent, they chose Puma. I don't think that there was necessarily any collusion between Ford and Vauxhall in the design of the Tigra/Puma and the Corsa C/Fiesta Mark VI (the Mark V doesn't look similar to the Corsa C at all), I just think that they just reflected general styling tends of the moment. The modern SUV craze is similar in that way.
I didn't actually find the Sierra that comfortable. As I only drove it a short distance, it didn't really matter, though. The Mark II Granada also suffered from exactly the same issue, the seat was too high and would not go down low enough. That one seemed more comfortable, though. The Puma wasn't the most comfortable, but it was a lot of fun.
![[AUTOKULTUR EXPRESS #10] Ford Puma Racing ST160](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/g8ZYSsFCHSw/mqdefault.jpg)
Great review Sir, The late Richard Parry Jones was the chap who was involved with the chassis in this car and most of the fords like the Focus, Mark 4 and 5 Fiesta of this era. I nearly bought a Puma back in 2006 but instead went for a Mark 1 Focus Zetec. Think I may have missed the boat on a good puma, but another car to add to my bucket list to drive.
Oh sir, yes, Richard Parry Jones knew how to make a car ride and handle well, and this Puma is absolutely no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this, although the visibility is very limited, so perhaps not the best car for me. Jonathan took a while to find this Puma, and you are right that there are not many good ones left for sensible money any more, sadly.
Joseph, I really wanted one of these and looked at many before I inexplicably bought the Merc?? The rust issue is their Achilles heel. I couldn't find a single one with rust on the rear arches and apparently the rust is from the inside thanks to poor factory corrosion protection. I'm still very tempted as the handing is great and coincided with Ford's golden period of handling gems... find a good one and cherish it and they have to be a future classic revered in the way the Escort Mk1/2 and Capris are but on a different level for handling capability.
Oh, sir, the Puma is a bit different from a Mercedes 190E, isn't it? Mind you, they are both appealing classics in different ways. You are right about those rear arches, they are notorious for corrosion. Ford were at the top of their game in this period, maybe leading the world in chassis dynamics for affordable motoring to an extent, and making some absolutely fantastic cars. I can see prices rising for decent ones in the future, just as you say!
The 1.7 litre engine size was curious to me. Especially how Ford already had the well proven 1.8 litre Zetec available and on demand.
The 1.8 Zetec was actually from a different engine family from the Zetec S/SE/Duratec/Sigma engine. Very, very confusing! That may be why they didn't use it.
@@lloydvehicleconsulting
Confusing is right MR Lloyd, almost as confusing as Ford's range of V6 engines through the years, way too many.
The 1.8 (and 2.0) Zetec was a Mazda derived unit - more about torque and cruising, than high revving fun.
@@IfInDoubt.. Not at all. The zeta engine family is based on the CVH Engine and to 100% Fords own child.
The later "Duratec HE" is co-developed with Mazda (there they are called L-Series)
This for me was Ford's greatest era for making affordable mainstream cars they rode and handled brilliantly. The Ka, Mk4 Fiesta, MK1 Focus, Puma and Mondeo were all cracking and wiped the floor with Vauxhall rivals of the time.
Liking the Scottish car too. Did I see a Strathford of Kilmarnock dealer plate?
Yes, I think it was Strathford. These are the original plates for some reason! You are right, Ford were doing amazingly well at this time, and the Mark IV/V Fiesta platform produced some really good small cars, despite dating back almost a decade when the Puma was launched, since many elements were carried over from the Mark III Fiesta. This is a much, much better car than the contemporary Tigra.
This is a lovely vehicle!
The radio and door controls made it on the US Focus.
Another excellent review Joseph!
Oh yes, sir! Good old shared parts in Fords, not surprised they were in the US specification Focus models as well, since the cars were developed at around the same time.
Get the back seat down a there’s room for a tumble dryer. honestly I’ve done it with the tailgate shut and parcel shelf in. Bigger then you think👍🏻
I mean, that sounds like it would one of the fastest and best handling vans of the period...
Currently restoring a 1.7, i had one about 10 years ago and loved it always said id have another one! prices are creeping up so now is the time to find a keeper... Great video BTW Peacehaven looks nice when the weather is sunny!
Yes, I was very blessed with the weather that day! It was a lot of fun, even on the brief test drive I undertook. You are right about the prices, they are getting rare now.
Great review sir, always had a soft spot for these, a friend owns 2, one being a racing he bought new and the other a black edition which he drives most of the time, thank you for great review.
Glad you enjoyed it, sir! I had been waiting to have a go in Jonathan's car for a while, and I was not disappointed. The Racing Pumas are very rare now.
A high point in style, ride, handling, gear shift, engine sound, in fact everything except for rust protection. My Son owned a 2001 Ford Puma 1.6 which I drove quite a bit. I found it very responsive with an joyous gearbox and very strong brakes. Extremely comfortable to drive on all surfaces. Unfortunately it it fell foul of a very unyielding kerb which eventually led to its demise through driveshaft damage, on top of the very scabby rear arches of course. I loaded it onto a lorry with a forklift for its last journey to the dismantlers. That boot lock refused to pop for the forklift, the Puma rising 4 feet into the air instead by its bootlid. However, that metal gear knob resides in his bedroom to this day.
Oh sir, that cast aluminium gearknob is a nice memento, I am sure! The ride and handling are very good, although I found the visibility quite poor and the space a little bit tight, so I would have to go for something different, but I understand why Jonathan absolutely loves it. That is a shame about the fate of your son's 1.6!
@@lloydvehicleconsulting alas I myself was young once too.
He caught the Coupe bug and went onto a 2001 Audi TT with the BAM 1.8 and then a 2006 Mercedes Benz CLK which I can only discuss with Mr Seabrook unfortunately. Miss that wee Puma though.
Really enjoyed the road test
Very impressed with your knowledge
Great stuff keep the video’s coming
Thank you, sir! More No Budget Reviews coming up soon, glad you enjoyed this one, I had a blast driving Jonathan's Puma.
As of yet I've not driven one of these but for the right money I'd definitely consider putting one on the drive.
My dad test drove a 1.7 at launch. At the time we were about a year into Mégane Coupe ownership and I was a rapidly growing teenager so the Puma just didn't have enough space in the back (though better than a Vauxhall Tigra). The slightly larger Mégane had that little bit more headroom in the back.
That said my dad enjoyed the Puma very much, the cars have a reputation for fantastic handling and a really willing engine. I think they all had AC as the curve of the roof prevented fitment of a sun roof.
My wife had an 04 Ka collection so some of that switchgear and the radio/CD are very familiar indeed.
It frustrates me so much that Ford are recycling the names of so many fantastic cars as generic SUVs.these days. They really need to stop doing that.
Oh yes, sir! The Mark I Ka did have a lot of shared parts with these, not surprising you recognised a lot of the switchgear. I didn't try the air conditioning, but I can see why they all would have had it. The handling is super and the engine does have more than enough power. Not much room in the back, however.
Loved my wee puma, drove and handled like a go kart, just a shame the rust took hold of it, had a cringe moment when I test drove it, went to change gear and grabbed the seller’s knee!
Yes, lovely little cars without a doubt! They do drive very nicely, don't they? That rust problem wouldn't go away, would it!
My word-it looks a beautiful sunny day-warms the heart if not the soul sir!!!!
It was a bit cold, sir, but at least it did look rather lovely on the video,
Oh yes. I absolutely adore these!
Glad you liked it, sir! It was a fun little car to drive earlier this week.
Always curious about where the 1.7 fitted in the dependable Zetec range, apparently it was used more in foreign markets along with its big brother a 2.2 ..I think. Enjoyed the ride, want one now.
It was really good, sir! I don't think it's necessarily for me, as I didn't find the visibility that good, and it is probably a bit too small inside, but then most coupes are like that. Certainly a neat piece of design and lovely to drive, however!
Does this count as an accidental Buster Cherry?
Only if he comes back to start pontificating about it as usual, sir!
Your No Budget Reviews are my favourite and you just got a subscriber :)
Thank you ever so much indeed! There is a No Budget Reviews playlist with about 100 videos on it now, so if you have problems sleeping at night, you know where to come...
@@lloydvehicleconsulting brb watching them all.
That is quite a feat watching them all!
Can't wait to see you do the vauxhall astra MK3 on Sunday I'm buying it on Monday lol
Just as well I am coming along this weekend to film it first, I suppose!
I often wondered why Ford and Vauxhall had very similar styling patterns for two of their cars - the Ford Puma and the Vauxhall Tigra, and then the Mk5 Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa C. What was going on there? Also, strange to see the Puma go from a coupé to a crossover.
Ford wanted a name from the past that would appeal to the sort of people who now need a family sized car, and, since the small coupé market is now virtually non-existent, they chose Puma. I don't think that there was necessarily any collusion between Ford and Vauxhall in the design of the Tigra/Puma and the Corsa C/Fiesta Mark VI (the Mark V doesn't look similar to the Corsa C at all), I just think that they just reflected general styling tends of the moment. The modern SUV craze is similar in that way.
Proper driving cars , then you see the current Puma and weep .
In context, the current Puma is not really a bad car at all. It is, however, extremely different from this 1997 original.
Iv'e found the only Fords i'm comfy in are a sierra and a Granada..
I didn't actually find the Sierra that comfortable. As I only drove it a short distance, it didn't really matter, though. The Mark II Granada also suffered from exactly the same issue, the seat was too high and would not go down low enough. That one seemed more comfortable, though. The Puma wasn't the most comfortable, but it was a lot of fun.