Agreed, the new one is a hideous abomination. If it wasn't for Sadiq's new money spinner I'd have one of these again as my daily driver. I had one in the twentytens ...loved it.
Aye, those sodding rusting arches! I was told that I need to find someone that might be able to re-line them, with a material that doesn't take on so much water. But I read that this issue is because of salt grime, who is right? Yup, when I see one of those SUV types, I yell out LOUD "Look, Pixie, it's an IMPOSTER"! 🏔🦁
Totally reliable dynamic car as 1.7. Bought ours in 2001 and still going strong. No rust, engine, gearbox, clutch, suspension, exhaust all original. Only had factory fitted front discs and pads replaced this year at 20 years old on 85,000 miles. Soon be 21 years old so treated underside as precaution to help it age as the years roll on.
I bought one of these new in 1999, and still have it. Only 60 k miles on the clock. The chasis is still superb, the 1.7 VCT is very torquey and free revving. It's garaged, and I had it rust proofed with Dinatrol a few years back. Will keep this classic going until the parts are no longer available. I've seen pristine low mileage, serviced and as original examples up for as much £7,500!
This for me is the golden era of Ford. The Mk1 Mondeo, Focus, Ka, Puma and Mk4 Fiesta were all cracking things to drive and proved mainstream can still be fun. The Puma looks great in silver too
The best car I've ever owned and driven. I ordered my new Puma 1.7 Moondust Silver in March 98 with Atlantic Ford in Wilmslow because they promised I'd have it by 1st August as there was a long waiting list, I chased them up every few weeks to ensure it will arrive on time, but a couple of weeks before delivery I was informed that my car wasn't even built and expected delivery was 11th September 98, as you can imagine I went ballistic!!. I had already traded in my XR2, so they gave me a bright purple Fiesta courtesy car in the meantime. I did kick off with ford and got my £350'ish delivery charge back. I think I paid £15500 in 1998 for that car there was no discount because of the demand. Absolutely loved that car, but baby forced me into Mondeo Man!!
I had a 1998 1.7 in green and it was utterly fantastic- hands down the best handling car I've ever driven bar a 306. Manufacturers had so much more fun back then - even the Tigra was fun if flawed. Great video Matt and you picked up on the details that really made the Puma as amazing as it was. The new Puma is an absolute insult to the name in every way.
I bought it new in 2001, model 1.7, now it has 122,000 km .... the engine is spectacular even today I go away to more modern cars with more horsepower, I absolutely have no intention of selling it, mine also has the third stop on the tailgate, and the ford logo on the steering wheel is not printed, but is in color like the badges on the front and back .... I love it. !!!
Brings back memories of my Mum's fiesta I learnt to drive in and the KAs some of my mates used to knock about in. There was a nice peppiness to the engines and simplicity to them. Might have to add one of these to the bucket list of cars to own one day. You always have me browsing the car ads with your 'goes for a drive videos'!
Ford of Europe at its absolute best, an outstanding product that was an utter joy to drive. You could throw it at anything and it would make you smile. The team that had worked on the Tigra must have been totally dismayed when the reviews of this started appearing.
I had a Puma as my first car - a ‘98 1.7 which I bought exactly 20 years ago almost to the day (mid November 2001). It came with the updated wheels which I always preferred. I covered 100k miles in over 8 years and loved it. The car in this video is absolutely mint condition and has the updated digital dash fitted. A/C was an optional extra as was the heated front screen.
Just bought a ropy one for £650. Underbody has been recently done and suspension has been updated. It’s fantastic, and often makes other petrol heads smile. I just need the funds to restore it further, and it will be perfect.
Great review Matt. A colleague of mine had one as a company car when they first came out, which I couldn’t understand, as most of us had BMW 3-Series, Golf GTI’s and Audi A4’s, until I drove it. What a great fun machine! The engine and gearbox where so good, as was the handling. He called it a “hooligan car” - you can’t help driving the wheels off it. I borrowed it for a long weekend once and didn’t stop smiling. The only downside was the small fuel tank, 200-ish miles and you were filling up again.
Someone asked about the black box on the underside of the bonnet in the comments below. It was a resonator that channeled the engine note into the car. VW now use that on some of their cars. Ford where ahead of the time on that. My green 1.7 Puma was a great car and i should have kept it.
I own one of these standard 1.7 pumas and if you use all the rev range up to 6 nd a half they eat 2.0 litres for breakfast no turbo needed best unknown sleeper absolute beast just bit small!
One of the best engines I've driven, I really wish I hadn't sold mine. It was so much better than the R50 mini that replaced it (apart from the build quality) I see that the prices are starting to rise now.
The best car I ever owned, get one whiile you can as not many good ones left, the dreaded rust has killed many off over the years, many spares are still available so be prepaired to spend, headlight covers are prone to fade and the wheel arches are the first to go, I had mine for 8 yrs and it never let me down once ,
My Son had a 2001 1.6 litre. It was awesome. The grip, handling, steering, gearchange, the supportive seats, the brakes. I drove it every chance I got. Sadly had to be scrapped. He did keep the metal gear knob though.
I had one of these a few years back. Great fun - when it worked... My example had electrical gremlins I never got to the bottom of. And rust, obviously. If I recall correctly you could use opposite side Peugeot 206 front wings to make rear arch repair panels as the radius of the curve was almost identical.
I had a brand new one in 2000 as my company car. Silver with the multi spoked diamond cut alloys. Mine was basic (no air conditioning, cassette player), but boy was it amazing to drive - so fast, incredibly responsive steering, amazing handling cornered like a go kart. I remember trying to lift off oversteer on the industrial estate I worked on 😛. Very well built as well, high quality interior, nice paint. Loved it !
My brother had one on a Y plate. One of the second generation models. It was a German import (though RHD) bought from Trade Sales in Slough, who had a batch of them they got hold of. It was an absolute hoot to drive. My uncle had a racing Puma, which he was afraid to drive and now bitterly regrets selling.
Oh wow, you an the car are awesome, I love the way you described the whole car, it’s a car I absolutely love an the rarest of the pumas the racing puma is in a whole league of its own, both puma 1.7 an racing puma are the bees knees of sports cars frm the 90s, I fell in love as soon as I seen that car, it’s not boxy like other cars, the curves gave it that steamy edge that always gets heads turning, an now the cats pounce back frm the grave with the suv Puma, lol which to be fair is also not a bad looking suv, my near future plans is to get hold of a racing puma an keep it as collectible while having the puma suv as my daily drive, Great work on this video, 👍🏻 thank you so much for showcasing the puma 1.7 👏🏻
people who KNOW these cars, know how good they really are, a small CC non turbo engine that loves to rev is so rewarding , I also have a Focus RS MK1 , whisper it , but I smile more driving the little 1.7 Puma.
i bought my puma 1.6 new in 2002 and kept it for 14 years! the reason i chose the 1.6 zetec-se, instead of the 1.7 zetec-s was the 1.7 litre engines were wearing out after only 40,000 miles, and at the time nobody knew why, so i chose the much tougher 1.6. turned out it was because people were using the wrong oil grade in the 1.7, due to the nicasil liners, it would only take 5w-30 semi synthetic oil, any other oil would wear out the nicasil coating.. the 1.6 would take 5w-30 fully or semi synthetic or even 5w-40 with no problems. The gearbox on mine was awesome, the slickest box on any car ive ever owned! couple with amazing handling, made a great fun car 🙂
I've owned two 1.7l Pumas. The first was an R reg which was eventually killed in an accident. I replaced it with one of the last models. Both cars made trips to Europe for various trips including several passes through Stelvio. I replaced it with a Nissan 350Z in 2008 which I still run. I would buy another Puma given half the chance.
My dad test drive one of these when they launched, at the time he had a 1996 Mégane Coupe. The Puma handle very well, the 1.7 engine was phenomenal. They came with standard AC which was a big deal at the time but it was said a sunroof couldn't be installed due to the curve of the roof. The Steve McQueen Bullet Puma add was good too. The Puma much like the Tigra fell down on rear headroom but for two people it was fantastic. A Shane they suffer so bad with rusty rear arches. We owned a MK1 Ka and I've driven a MK1 Focus but not the Puma but I expect it has the same sharp steering and snappy gear change. Ford did the Holy trinity with those three models and really nailed it.
Ah. The Ford Puma 1.7. Had one of those. It was so much fun! Also “worked” as a family car. Well for a few months at least. Even had a small stroller in the booth. One of my all time favorite fun car to drive.
I like the sound of that engine. Thank you for posting this review. I have heard many rave about the Puma but not experienced it myself, so interesting to see. I don't think I'd swap it for my MX5, but to be fair it is undoubtedly more practical than an MX5 if you can only afford one car.
This is one of those overlooked Fords with legendary handling and “feel” etc. The same genius behind the Focus. Only Lotus seems to be likened to these masterpieces. And now we have to pay £47,000 for a type R if you can get one then it will get more pricey because of rarity. Progress?
I've had 4 very happy love affairs with these cars, 2 silver 1.7's a blue one and a black later model 1.6, I just found them to be the perfect design for a small sports coupe. Sadly though corrosion mainly from those felt wheel arch liners at the back made me part with them. Also that alloy gear knob gave frost bite. Much loved much missed. Great video, as always 👍
Superb cars. Now a classic. We have a TIMEWARP Puma THUNDER for sale with only 31,000 Genuine miles * and one lady owner. These were and still are a fantastic car to drive ❤
Motivational material, I've got a Puma engine bolted to an RX8 gearbox plonked in an MG Midget, not finished the swap yet. Might have a go at getting it started at the weekend
Picked up a Millennium edition yesterday, now it is rough but I've never had a car I've wanted to drive more. I park it, and I immediately just want to get back out in it. Absolute classic
I wamt one too for a cheap work daily. The 1.7 is so much more twmpting but the non ulez compliancy makes the 1.6 the only real option sadly. @@stevendcruze7395
This was an awesome car!! I had one back in the day - mine was an R reg VCT 1.7 metallic green version. It was a pretty quick and nippy car! Had it for a good few years but eventually had to trade it in due to the constant rear rusting wheel arches (just like my previous Mk3 Fiesta), poor ventilation inside the car (I used to get cold frost on the INSIDE of the windscreen!!) and bad condensation in the rear and front light clusters. Great memories though 👍🏼
Ford was really on a roll during this era. Sadly I’ve not sampled a Puma, but the mk1 Ka was a hoot to drive, and I’ve always been hugely impressed by the mk1 Focus and mk3 Mondeo from the same era. Very nice - definitely a modern classic!
Well, with how quickly and vigorously the fiestas and pumas rust, if you find a rusty 1.7 Puma and a tidy fiesta there’s little that’s wrong with marrying the two together
Some people have seen one in the States. A UA-camr took one over to do a road trip, Florida up to Canada, then Chicago to San Francisco, where he recreated the advert. It was supposed to leave the country afterwards, not being old enough to import but I think it got left there. The driver on the right surprised a few of them.
I remember Tiff trashing one on Top Gear and he said something like it was the best handling/fun car he'd driven. I have driven the Puma Racing on a Ford Ride & Drive Day in around 2001, would love to try one again now
I have driven a new puma, and although I don’t agree it’s a puma, but it is a great little hatchback and very sporty. And I will admit they did at least take a few keys from the actual puma
Awesome! I don't know much about the Puma but had the Fiesta it was based on, as a first car. Just a hoot to drive the 15 mile daily commute to Kendal and back on glorious roads. 1.25 Zetec is slow but its a cracking unit. Makes nice gearbox whine sounds in lower gears and has a lovely subtle induction roar when you thrash it. Can only imagine how good this Puma is! 😊
Great review, bought back memories. I bought a new Melina blue 1.7 in 1999, V reg. loved the car but after 2 years, Ford announced runout model called the Thunder. Traded my V reg for n new magnum grey Thunder which I kept for 5 years. Never had issues with rust, but I guess it was because it was well looked after and garaged.
The key was from the mid 1980s (Mk3 Granada/Mk 4 Escort onwards). It was the Ford 'High Security' key - they had a terrible problem with security of their cars in the 50s/60s/70s/80s, the locks and key were easy to get past, so they introduced these to combat it. The Mk3 Mondeo used them. These tended to rust on the rear arches because the rear wheelarch liner was made from cloth (genius!), and held moisture against the wheelarch
I love these. Drove many back in the day and always a hoot to drive. One of the very few cars where looks remain fresh today and I would definitely buy one if I had the space.
Had three. first one was to replace a 205 gti 1.6 which wasn't as bad I thought it would be as imo these are a more modern incarnation. My 3rd one I bought when they were at the bottom of their depreciation curve at a bargain £350 off the first owner who had it since new and had been taking it back and forth to germany for his business. To say it spent alot of its life probably pinned on the autobahn it was a the best one I had and never went wrong in the 2 years I owned it. You mention the build quality and yes these were very well built for a ford of the time i'd put it down to being built in germany and being sort of a halo model. The car was a runaway success for ford Nearly 40k were sold in the uk alone it was rumoured they only stopped production due to the tooling wearing out I think they could of kept it going until 2005 as in my eyes they haven't dated badly.
Matt, please go and buy one. Would love to see how you get on with it. I am on my 3rd, which I have now had for over 6 years and is going for a full respray 28th of this month. Let me know if you'd like to feature it once done. It's going back to standard looking and I am replacing anything on it that looks tired and past it :-)
Great review Matt,yes I remember these, never had one even when prices were falling, I was more a Fiesta mk4 person(had 2 of those, good little cars). Cool little cars, with the 1.7 unit they must have been pocket rockets, some people regarded them as “Hairdresser’s cars” because they were new the same time as the mk1 Vauxhall Tigra, it seems hairdressers do like their cool pocket rockets! It’s still a modern looking car so it’s difficult to think of them as a classic car but I guess the oldest of them must be getting into classic territory by now.
I remember when the Puma was launched. Came out of nowhere car journalist loved them, I liked them a lot but never even got to sit in one. A mis opportunity. Thanks for the great review 👍🏾
I like this. You can tell Ford from the IP and controls from its other model range. Ford also used Yamaha for its US Taurus SHO. That had a 24 valve V6 and 5 speed manual.
It's interesting to hear you and so many others get so excited about this car as I never 'got it' myself as it always looked as if it should be riding lower and with a less fuddy-duddy design of alloy wheel
Had a puma thunder in gunn metal grey, leather interior with the late alloys. Best car I owned and miss it so much 🤣. Biggest problem was the rear arch rust.
Really quite like these, love how weirdly funky they are and they are an amazing thing to drive. Would love a 1.7 at some point, but the prices of tidy ones is only going up and up now
I had one and it was one of the drives I’ve ever had. I had to change the gear knob for a similar one but leather clad made by Momo. I added mudflaps as it sat a bit high, but otherwise, what a car.
Bought A puma green 1.7 puma when I was 17 loved it. I had it for 6 years until I sold it for a van for my business lol. We as a lot faster than fall my friends fiestas lol
Love the Fiesta/Puma chassis, my first car when I passed my test I bought a Fiesta based on the same platform which I loved and have continued to love. Was never sure on the looks of a puma, so I went for a Fiesta Zetec S instead which handles just as well. Absolutely amazing cars though
After 30 odd years of driving I could never understand or appreciate what a good chassis, handling or steering feedback means ( in theory yes, but in practice). Perhaps I don't drive fast enough! 😅
29/5 22 where are you based ? Would like to gawp on terra?-ferma please. Do you know If it usual specification for life boat power ? Keep up the good work !
@@peterallam6494 I’m in kent... but all Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboats have them... so they are all around the country, there will be one not far from where you are... think they run at about 115 BHP... have a word with your local Atlantic 85 crew and they will surely let you take a look 👍🏻
The problem with the 1.7 engine is if you don't use the Ford specific oil it removes the coating on the cylinder walls and your engine drinks oil, I had a customer that had done this and he was going through a litre of oil every 500 mile, wasn't smokey it just drank it
The racing puma had a lower top speed from the standard car as it was geared lower the standard cars top speed was 130. Early pumas would do 0-60 in 9.2 where as the later ones were 9.7 as they introduced a torque limited on 1st and 2nd. Really need to get another one
I've owned of these and only one still survives. Great cars and the 1.7 is legendary. Great example you've tested there but they rot so easily! Such a shame.
These were and still are an absolute belter. Just a shame about the rust and the fact it’s name has been tarnished by an SUV
Agreed, the new one is a hideous abomination. If it wasn't for Sadiq's new money spinner I'd have one of these again as my daily driver.
I had one in the twentytens ...loved it.
Aye, those sodding rusting arches! I was told that I need to find someone that might be able to re-line them, with a material that doesn't take on so much water. But I read that this issue is because of salt grime, who is right? Yup, when I see one of those SUV types, I yell out LOUD "Look, Pixie, it's an IMPOSTER"! 🏔🦁
Totally reliable dynamic car as 1.7. Bought ours in 2001 and still going strong. No rust, engine, gearbox, clutch, suspension, exhaust all original. Only had factory fitted front discs and pads replaced this year at 20 years old on 85,000 miles. Soon be 21 years old so treated underside as precaution to help it age as the years roll on.
The Steve McQueen ad for this car was awesome.
He didn’t, he was dead by then
@@JamesWilson-gw2ij Your right but he was still in it🤣
I bought one of these new in 1999, and still have it. Only 60 k miles on the clock. The chasis is still superb, the 1.7 VCT is very torquey and free revving. It's garaged, and I had it rust proofed with Dinatrol a few years back. Will keep this classic going until the parts are no longer available. I've seen pristine low mileage, serviced and as original examples up for as much £7,500!
This for me is the golden era of Ford. The Mk1 Mondeo, Focus, Ka, Puma and Mk4 Fiesta were all cracking things to drive and proved mainstream can still be fun. The Puma looks great in silver too
Yes, it was a real high pint for Ford back then
The best car I've ever owned and driven. I ordered my new Puma 1.7 Moondust Silver in March 98 with Atlantic Ford in Wilmslow because they promised I'd have it by 1st August as there was a long waiting list, I chased them up every few weeks to ensure it will arrive on time, but a couple of weeks before delivery I was informed that my car wasn't even built and expected delivery was 11th September 98, as you can imagine I went ballistic!!. I had already traded in my XR2, so they gave me a bright purple Fiesta courtesy car in the meantime. I did kick off with ford and got my £350'ish delivery charge back. I think I paid £15500 in 1998 for that car there was no discount because of the demand. Absolutely loved that car, but baby forced me into Mondeo Man!!
Great review! I literally bought one 2 weeks ago at 73k for £850. I love driving it, absolute bargain!
Ive buoght one last week, the Futura II at 164k and it feels like new.
I had a 1998 1.7 in green and it was utterly fantastic- hands down the best handling car I've ever driven bar a 306. Manufacturers had so much more fun back then - even the Tigra was fun if flawed.
Great video Matt and you picked up on the details that really made the Puma as amazing as it was. The new Puma is an absolute insult to the name in every way.
I bought it new in 2001, model 1.7, now it has 122,000 km .... the engine is spectacular even today I go away to more modern cars with more horsepower, I absolutely have no intention of selling it, mine also has the third stop on the tailgate, and the ford logo on the steering wheel is not printed, but is in color like the badges on the front and back .... I love it. !!!
Ah, i loved my Puma Black Edition, even when it rained and the water poured into the boot when you opened it!
Brings back memories of my Mum's fiesta I learnt to drive in and the KAs some of my mates used to knock about in. There was a nice peppiness to the engines and simplicity to them. Might have to add one of these to the bucket list of cars to own one day. You always have me browsing the car ads with your 'goes for a drive videos'!
Ford of Europe at its absolute best, an outstanding product that was an utter joy to drive. You could throw it at anything and it would make you smile. The team that had worked on the Tigra must have been totally dismayed when the reviews of this started appearing.
I had a Puma as my first car - a ‘98 1.7 which I bought exactly 20 years ago almost to the day (mid November 2001). It came with the updated wheels which I always preferred. I covered 100k miles in over 8 years and loved it.
The car in this video is absolutely mint condition and has the updated digital dash fitted. A/C was an optional extra as was the heated front screen.
Just bought a ropy one for £650. Underbody has been recently done and suspension has been updated. It’s fantastic, and often makes other petrol heads smile. I just need the funds to restore it further, and it will be perfect.
Great review Matt. A colleague of mine had one as a company car when they first came out, which I couldn’t understand, as most of us had BMW 3-Series, Golf GTI’s and Audi A4’s, until I drove it. What a great fun machine! The engine and gearbox where so good, as was the handling. He called it a “hooligan car” - you can’t help driving the wheels off it. I borrowed it for a long weekend once and didn’t stop smiling. The only downside was the small fuel tank, 200-ish miles and you were filling up again.
Someone asked about the black box on the underside of the bonnet in the comments below. It was a resonator that channeled the engine note into the car.
VW now use that on some of their cars. Ford where ahead of the time on that.
My green 1.7 Puma was a great car and i should have kept it.
Thanks, I didnt know that!
@@furiousdriving Ty furious i enjoy your videos :)
Thanks, I have a Puma and wondered what that was!
I own one of these standard 1.7 pumas and if you use all the rev range up to 6 nd a half they eat 2.0 litres for breakfast no turbo needed best unknown sleeper absolute beast just bit small!
Had one, a Puma Thunder, hilarious to drive.
This was the car I had after the Alfa 145. I wasn't disappointed.
Excellent taste!
One of the best engines I've driven, I really wish I hadn't sold mine.
It was so much better than the R50 mini that replaced it (apart from the build quality)
I see that the prices are starting to rise now.
Grab one while you still can!
Having recently watched HubNut reviewing a Puma (the proper one), it was great to see this notification this morning!
The best car I ever owned, get one whiile you can as not many good ones left, the dreaded rust has killed many off over the years, many spares are still available so be prepaired to spend, headlight covers are prone to fade and the wheel arches are the first to go, I had mine for 8 yrs and it never let me down once ,
My Son had a 2001 1.6 litre.
It was awesome. The grip, handling, steering, gearchange, the supportive seats, the brakes. I drove it every chance I got.
Sadly had to be scrapped. He did keep the metal gear knob though.
I had one of these a few years back. Great fun - when it worked... My example had electrical gremlins I never got to the bottom of. And rust, obviously. If I recall correctly you could use opposite side Peugeot 206 front wings to make rear arch repair panels as the radius of the curve was almost identical.
I had a brand new one in 2000 as my company car.
Silver with the multi spoked diamond cut alloys.
Mine was basic (no air conditioning, cassette player), but boy was it amazing to drive - so fast, incredibly responsive steering, amazing handling cornered like a go kart.
I remember trying to lift off oversteer on the industrial estate I worked on 😛.
Very well built as well, high quality interior, nice paint.
Loved it !
My brother had one on a Y plate. One of the second generation models. It was a German import (though RHD) bought from Trade Sales in Slough, who had a batch of them they got hold of. It was an absolute hoot to drive. My uncle had a racing Puma, which he was afraid to drive and now bitterly regrets selling.
Oh wow, you an the car are awesome, I love the way you described the whole car, it’s a car I absolutely love an the rarest of the pumas the racing puma is in a whole league of its own, both puma 1.7 an racing puma are the bees knees of sports cars frm the 90s, I fell in love as soon as I seen that car, it’s not boxy like other cars, the curves gave it that steamy edge that always gets heads turning, an now the cats pounce back frm the grave with the suv Puma, lol which to be fair is also not a bad looking suv, my near future plans is to get hold of a racing puma an keep it as collectible while having the puma suv as my daily drive,
Great work on this video, 👍🏻 thank you so much for showcasing the puma 1.7 👏🏻
people who KNOW these cars, know how good they really are, a small CC non turbo engine that loves to rev is so rewarding , I also have a Focus RS MK1 , whisper it , but I smile more driving the little 1.7 Puma.
i bought my puma 1.6 new in 2002 and kept it for 14 years! the reason i chose the 1.6 zetec-se, instead of the 1.7 zetec-s was the 1.7 litre engines were wearing out after only 40,000 miles, and at the time nobody knew why, so i chose the much tougher 1.6. turned out it was because people were using the wrong oil grade in the 1.7, due to the nicasil liners, it would only take 5w-30 semi synthetic oil, any other oil would wear out the nicasil coating.. the 1.6 would take 5w-30 fully or semi synthetic or even 5w-40 with no problems. The gearbox on mine was awesome, the slickest box on any car ive ever owned! couple with amazing handling, made a great fun car 🙂
I've owned two 1.7l Pumas. The first was an R reg which was eventually killed in an accident. I replaced it with one of the last models. Both cars made trips to Europe for various trips including several passes through Stelvio. I replaced it with a Nissan 350Z in 2008 which I still run. I would buy another Puma given half the chance.
My dad test drive one of these when they launched, at the time he had a 1996 Mégane Coupe. The Puma handle very well, the 1.7 engine was phenomenal. They came with standard AC which was a big deal at the time but it was said a sunroof couldn't be installed due to the curve of the roof. The Steve McQueen Bullet Puma add was good too.
The Puma much like the Tigra fell down on rear headroom but for two people it was fantastic. A Shane they suffer so bad with rusty rear arches.
We owned a MK1 Ka and I've driven a MK1 Focus but not the Puma but I expect it has the same sharp steering and snappy gear change. Ford did the Holy trinity with those three models and really nailed it.
Ah. The Ford Puma 1.7. Had one of those. It was so much fun! Also “worked” as a family car. Well for a few months at least. Even had a small stroller in the booth. One of my all time favorite fun car to drive.
I like the sound of that engine. Thank you for posting this review. I have heard many rave about the Puma but not experienced it myself, so interesting to see.
I don't think I'd swap it for my MX5, but to be fair it is undoubtedly more practical than an MX5 if you can only afford one car.
This is one of those overlooked Fords with legendary handling and “feel” etc. The same genius behind the Focus. Only Lotus seems to be likened to these masterpieces. And now we have to pay £47,000 for a type R if you can get one then it will get more pricey because of rarity. Progress?
I've had 4 very happy love affairs with these cars, 2 silver 1.7's a blue one and a black later model 1.6, I just found them to be the perfect design for a small sports coupe.
Sadly though corrosion mainly from those felt wheel arch liners at the back made me part with them. Also that alloy gear knob gave frost bite.
Much loved much missed.
Great video, as always 👍
Just bought one of these, so much fun!!
I had a 52 plate 1.7 and loved it to bits! I always had a smile on my face when driving it. I am sorry I let it go 😭.
Always said these would become future classics - along with the Cougar & StreetKa
I had a Cougar, it was a turd. Driving one it was pretty easy to see why it's in the list of Ford's shortest-lived models.
Superb cars. Now a classic. We have a TIMEWARP Puma THUNDER for sale with only 31,000 Genuine miles * and one lady owner.
These were and still are a fantastic car to drive ❤
Motivational material, I've got a Puma engine bolted to an RX8 gearbox plonked in an MG Midget, not finished the swap yet. Might have a go at getting it started at the weekend
Nice build.. Good luck with it!
We had a weekend away in Lille once, four of us in a Puma, my wife and I in the back. It was a bit tight, but we did it luggage and all!
These are such a hoot to drive! Love that 1.7 Yamaha derived engine. Great review Matt.
Picked up a Millennium edition yesterday, now it is rough but I've never had a car I've wanted to drive more. I park it, and I immediately just want to get back out in it. Absolute classic
I've just got myself a W reg 1.7 too and I'm exactly the same!
I wamt one too for a cheap work daily. The 1.7 is so much more twmpting but the non ulez compliancy makes the 1.6 the only real option sadly. @@stevendcruze7395
One of my FAV 90s SMALL B-SEGMENT coupe….brillant YAMAHA 125 hp engine STILL LOVE IT
Hubnut did one recently, but I find this fella a better reviewer and more likable.
Agreed 👍
Both are really good in my opinion.
More energetic!!!
0:27 "Today we're meeting another of my childhood heroes! [points to cameraman] Shut it!" 🤣
Wonderful, wonderful cars. Get one before they dissolve.
Definitely more interesting than the puma of today👍
This was an awesome car!! I had one back in the day - mine was an R reg VCT 1.7 metallic green version. It was a pretty quick and nippy car! Had it for a good few years but eventually had to trade it in due to the constant rear rusting wheel arches (just like my previous Mk3 Fiesta), poor ventilation inside the car (I used to get cold frost on the INSIDE of the windscreen!!) and bad condensation in the rear and front light clusters. Great memories though 👍🏼
Ford was really on a roll during this era. Sadly I’ve not sampled a Puma, but the mk1 Ka was a hoot to drive, and I’ve always been hugely impressed by the mk1 Focus and mk3 Mondeo from the same era. Very nice - definitely a modern classic!
The 1st gen Puma and Ka were great cars. Testimony to the fact that there are still plenty on the road. Rusty wheel arches ...so fekkin what :-)
A common modification for the MK4/5 Fiesta is to drop in the 1.7 Puma engine as it fits straight in.
Waste of a decent Puma if you ask me 😆
Same in Focus Mk1 circles!
Well, with how quickly and vigorously the fiestas and pumas rust, if you find a rusty 1.7 Puma and a tidy fiesta there’s little that’s wrong with marrying the two together
Fabulous car, had a 1.7 in black and loved driving it.
Wanted you to cover this for ages!! Thank you!
Loved my 97 Puma in 97. Such fun to drive as you say. Great memories. I like the original features on this example
Some people have seen one in the States. A UA-camr took one over to do a road trip, Florida up to Canada, then Chicago to San Francisco, where he recreated the advert. It was supposed to leave the country afterwards, not being old enough to import but I think it got left there.
The driver on the right surprised a few of them.
Had loads of these, including FRP 441. Excellent cars.
I remember Tiff trashing one on Top Gear and he said something like it was the best handling/fun car he'd driven. I have driven the Puma Racing on a Ford Ride & Drive Day in around 2001, would love to try one again now
I keep entertaining splashing out for one off these. I never knew about the change in steel source, so thanks for that Matt!
I have driven a new puma, and although I don’t agree it’s a puma, but it is a great little hatchback and very sporty. And I will admit they did at least take a few keys from the actual puma
Awesome! I don't know much about the Puma but had the Fiesta it was based on, as a first car. Just a hoot to drive the 15 mile daily commute to Kendal and back on glorious roads. 1.25 Zetec is slow but its a cracking unit. Makes nice gearbox whine sounds in lower gears and has a lovely subtle induction roar when you thrash it. Can only imagine how good this Puma is! 😊
Pop a good amount of mods on the 1.25 and will give a good smile on your face. I have one 😊
Mines got between 90-100 bhp and 133nm. Great fun!
The puma and mk5 fiesta chassis were spot on regardless of the negative comments.
Great review, bought back memories. I bought a new Melina blue 1.7 in 1999, V reg. loved the car but after 2 years, Ford announced runout model called the Thunder. Traded my V reg for n new magnum grey Thunder which I kept for 5 years. Never had issues with rust, but I guess it was because it was well looked after and garaged.
Ah, a proper Puma. I'm saving this for lunchtime. Thanks, Matt.
The key was from the mid 1980s (Mk3 Granada/Mk 4 Escort onwards). It was the Ford 'High Security' key - they had a terrible problem with security of their cars in the 50s/60s/70s/80s, the locks and key were easy to get past, so they introduced these to combat it. The Mk3 Mondeo used them.
These tended to rust on the rear arches because the rear wheelarch liner was made from cloth (genius!), and held moisture against the wheelarch
These keys even made it onto other brands while they were under Ford ownership. Think Jaguar and Aston Martin.
My only real memory from driving a Puma is the very poor rear view and blind spots in the undersized door mirrors.
Looks good, handles great, goes well, rusts fast.
I want one!
I love these. Drove many back in the day and always a hoot to drive. One of the very few cars where looks remain fresh today and I would definitely buy one if I had the space.
Had three.
first one was to replace a 205 gti 1.6 which wasn't as bad I thought it would be as imo these are a more modern incarnation.
My 3rd one I bought when they were at the bottom of their depreciation curve at a bargain £350 off the first owner who had it since new and had been taking it back and forth to germany for his business.
To say it spent alot of its life probably pinned on the autobahn it was a the best one I had and never went wrong in the 2 years I owned it.
You mention the build quality and yes these were very well built for a ford of the time i'd put it down to being built in germany and being sort of a halo model.
The car was a runaway success for ford Nearly 40k were sold in the uk alone it was rumoured they only stopped production due to the tooling wearing out
I think they could of kept it going until 2005 as in my eyes they haven't dated badly.
Matt, please go and buy one. Would love to see how you get on with it. I am on my 3rd, which I have now had for over 6 years and is going for a full respray 28th of this month. Let me know if you'd like to feature it once done. It's going back to standard looking and I am replacing anything on it that looks tired and past it :-)
Great review Matt,yes I remember these, never had one even when prices were falling, I was more a Fiesta mk4 person(had 2 of those, good little cars).
Cool little cars, with the 1.7 unit they must have been pocket rockets, some people regarded them as “Hairdresser’s cars” because they were new the same time as the mk1 Vauxhall Tigra, it seems hairdressers do like their cool pocket rockets!
It’s still a modern looking car so it’s difficult to think of them as a classic car but I guess the oldest of them must be getting into classic territory by now.
I remember when the Puma was launched. Came out of nowhere car journalist loved them, I liked them a lot but never even got to sit in one. A mis opportunity. Thanks for the great review 👍🏾
I like this. You can tell Ford from the IP and controls from its other model range.
Ford also used Yamaha for its US Taurus SHO. That had a 24 valve V6 and 5 speed manual.
I had an x reg fiesta Zetec-S with the same chassis. Had it from nee and it was the best handling car I’ve ever owned.
It's interesting to hear you and so many others get so excited about this car as I never 'got it' myself as it always looked as if it should be riding lower and with a less fuddy-duddy design of alloy wheel
It looks high now, but back then this was normal
I always thought the Puma & Probe were good looking cars so it was good to get your perspective and review Matt.
Always wondered how these cars handled, they look lively! A shame a lot of them were prone to rust. Thanks for posting this film.
Always loved these cars - now I know, that I still do ! 😉👍
Had a puma thunder in gunn metal grey, leather interior with the late alloys. Best car I owned and miss it so much 🤣. Biggest problem was the rear arch rust.
Lovely little coupe also nice speedmaster!
Really quite like these, love how weirdly funky they are and they are an amazing thing to drive. Would love a 1.7 at some point, but the prices of tidy ones is only going up and up now
I had green 1.7 brought to flip loved if kept it a year regretted selling it one of my favourite cars I have owned
I had one - fantastic car!
Get the revs up man! I had a MK4 Fiesta 1.4 - that loved to rev - didn't harm that to be spun up past 6,000 rpm and certainly won't harm this!
I had one and it was one of the drives I’ve ever had. I had to change the gear knob for a similar one but leather clad made by Momo. I added mudflaps as it sat a bit high, but otherwise, what a car.
Can’t remember the last time I saw one of these
Bought A puma green 1.7 puma when I was 17 loved it. I had it for 6 years until I sold it for a van for my business lol. We as a lot faster than fall my friends fiestas lol
Loved my Puma, bought me in 2000
Love the Fiesta/Puma chassis, my first car when I passed my test I bought a Fiesta based on the same platform which I loved and have continued to love. Was never sure on the looks of a puma, so I went for a Fiesta Zetec S instead which handles just as well. Absolutely amazing cars though
After 30 odd years of driving I could never understand or appreciate what a good chassis, handling or steering feedback means ( in theory yes, but in practice). Perhaps I don't drive fast enough! 😅
Red lines at 6,450 RPM mucka.. top vid my man
That’s awesome.... I’m RNLI lifeboat crew abs our boats got two of those engines strapped to the back of it.... and if flys along 😍
29/5 22 where are you based ? Would like to gawp on terra?-ferma please. Do you know If it usual specification for life boat power ? Keep up the good work !
@@peterallam6494 I’m in kent... but all Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboats have them... so they are all around the country, there will be one not far from where you are... think they run at about 115 BHP... have a word with your local Atlantic 85 crew and they will surely let you take a look 👍🏻
30/5 22 Thanks - seems most RNLI Stations have this model - will seek one out next time l'm near the coast or R Thames. Best.
These cars are becoming more and more popular. Great sport model
haha Grotbags, Pink windmill!! Straight back to childhood without the lynx smell nostalgia :)
The problem with the 1.7 engine is if you don't use the Ford specific oil it removes the coating on the cylinder walls and your engine drinks oil, I had a customer that had done this and he was going through a litre of oil every 500 mile, wasn't smokey it just drank it
Hmm. I wonder if the samething was with the PSA/BMW 1.6 turbo Prince engines.
Always loved these!
I loved the fords of this period, inside and out. Shame about the rust though.
That’s the second time this week that someone has referenced Grott Bags! 😅 yesss
The racing puma had a lower top speed from the standard car as it was geared lower the standard cars top speed was 130. Early pumas would do 0-60 in 9.2 where as the later ones were 9.7 as they introduced a torque limited on 1st and 2nd.
Really need to get another one
Probably said here a thousand times but that car is fantastic to drive. I'm hunting a 1.7 with a good body if anyone has one!
I've owned of these and only one still survives. Great cars and the 1.7 is legendary. Great example you've tested there but they rot so easily! Such a shame.
I have 2, I love this car
Is that a Speedy Gemini IV on your wrist? Nice!
well spotted, had that for years and love it!