FORD PUMA 1.0 ECOBOOST ST-LINE VIGNALE
The handy Megabox storage solution proves its worth in the latest check-in on our Puma’s six-month stint
7 953 km +
Handy wet-gear storage, crisp audio system Boot is rather modest
Having highlighted the Puma’s smartphone-app connectivity features in the previous update, I was looking for an excuse to properly try out the Megabox storage system. Although the Puma’s boot is a modular affair featuring an adjustable two-tier
oor, it’s not the most capacious
in its class; our Iso-block exercise saw it accommodate 200 litres with the oorboard on its highest peg and a shade under 300 on its lowest. It must be noted that on the lowest rung, a metal section of the rear seats’ folding mechanism intrudes slightly into the load bay, and could rub up against more delicate items in the boot. As a consequence, the sturdy plastic-lined storage served up by the Megabox is a welcome addition. I had been looking to test Ford’s claim that it’s capable of accommodating loads of up to 1.5 m in height, but given my aversion to gol ng, gardening and antiquing, this challenge remains unmet.
A handier example presented itself when I forgot to pack my wet-gear bag for a snorkelling trip: the Megabox’s waterproof construction was perfect for stashing my sodden equipment, and its removable oor tray made cleaning it out a cinch.
Otherwise, the Puma continues to engage with me as a nimble daily driver. Owing to less-thanstellar fuel consumption of late,
I’ve been making use of the ‘Eco’ drivetrain setting. This has not noticeably blunted driveability but has seen the average drop to 7.4 L/100 km. The setting brings up a summary of parameters such as acceleration, braking, speed and compliance to highlight how ef ciently you’re driving.
Another aspect of the Puma often overlooked when assessing cars is its Bang & Olufsen audio system. Like the car’s handling, it is a balanced system that is neither Beats bass-heavy nor JBL treble-inclined. With my Android phone hooked up to the SYNC 3 and Spotify, it is a great longdrive companion that’s adept at crisply streaming podcasts and my somewhat chequered playlists (i.e. ’80s music sounds pretty good through this setup).