The Puma is the crowning achievement of a suite of Parkers New Car Awards 2021 winners from Ford. The Parkers 2021 Car of the Year is also the Parkers Best Small Family Car of The Year and shows just how much the small SUV has evolved over the past few years. From once a market niche, these tough, family-focused all-rounders are now in the mainstream – everyone wants an SUV – and the Ford Puma is currently the most impressive of the lot.
The Puma is based on the Fiesta and makes great use of its engines and suspension set-up to create an enjoyable-to-drive small car that both practical and good to look at. For instance, those orb-like headlights and gaping grille won’t appeal to all but we think the Puma’s divisive styling will soften with time and at the very least, you can’t call it boring or derivative. We love it for that.
Inside, it’s tough and durable, but still looks good, and the major controls are so simple that making yourself at home in a Ford Puma takes seconds. The practicality is impressive, too, and we love how the roomy passenger compartment is complemented by a large and well-shaped boot that comes with an extra storage area that Ford calls the MegaBox. Yes, it really is mega, too…
What we have here is the state of the family car art – one that takes everything you throw at it, is economical to fuel and run, looks funky and rewards keen drivers. In short, it’s an outstanding Parkers Car of The Year – and we think you’ll agree, too.
