With the 2021 Ford Puma launch later this month, Ford has launched its ‘Desk Drives’ virtual test drive program in Australia. Created to make the buying process simpler and more transparent, Desk Drives will allow Ford customers to take a Puma for a virtual test drive wherever they choose through Facebook Live.
“The all-new Puma is a cutting edge, sharply designed and smartly packaged urban SUV that strengthens customer choice in Australia,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.
“Making life even easier and simpler, these introductory offers show a new way of thinking, and we’ve worked with our dealer network to offer customers a straightforward, informative and effortless experience.”
The Desk Drives program is being combined with a number of initiatives including transparent drive-away pricing from launch, as well as a $500 bonus for anybody who then test drives and purchases a Puma before the end of October – this extends to $1,000 for existing Ford owners.
The 2021 Ford Puma range goes on sale later this month in Australia with a three-model range priced from $31,990 drive away. All models are powered by a 92kW/170Nm 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine that’s combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Competing with other small SUVs such as the Skoda Kamiq, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30, all Puma models are front-wheel drive and are claimed to use 5.3L/100km of fuel on a combined cycle and emit 121g/km of CO2.
The entry level Puma is called just Puma and is equipped with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, auto LED lighting with auto wipers, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, inbuilt satellite navigation, digital radio, a leather steering wheel and gearknob, cruise control, wireless phone charging, electric-folding/heated mirrors, keyless start and a seven-speaker sound system.
All local Puma models also come with six airbags, low- and high-speed auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, auto high beam, a reversing camera with rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, driver attention monitoring and road sign assistance.
Above the Puma sits the Puma ST-Line, which adds several sporty details such as a body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, metal pedals and red stitching.
At the top of the Puma range is the ST-Line V, which adds larger 18-inch wheels, chrome exterior highlights, cornering headlights, climate control, a 10-speaker B&O Play sound system, a hands-free electric tailgate, keyless entry, leather upholstery and rear privacy glass.
Optional extras are available for the Puma include a $1,500 Park Pack (auto parking with front sensors, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, active lane centering and blind-spot monitoring) as well as a $2,000 panoramic opening sunroof, $250 black roof rails, a $500 black roof, a $750 electric tailgate for Puma and ST-Line models and $650 prestige paint.
Dimensionally, the Puma measures 4,186mm long (ST-Line and ST-Line V models are 4,207mm long thanks to their body kit), 1,805mm wide, 1,550mm tall and with a 410-litre boot that expands to 1,170L with the rear seats folded. Stay tuned for our take on the way the car drives at the 2021 Ford Puma launch.
2021 Ford Puma pricing (driveaway):
Puma: $31,990
ST-Line: $33,990
ST-Line V: $35,990
Options:
Park Pack: $1,500
Panoramic roof: $2,000
Black roof rails: $250
Black roof: $500
Electric tailgate (standard on ST-Line V): $750
Prestige paint: $650
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