Titanium proves its worth for the Puma

Entry-level trim offers a compelling alternative to pricier models, writes Matt Allan

It’s easy to forget that the Ford Puma – in its current guise – is only a couple of years old.

The compact SUV has so quickly established itself as the car to beat in the segment that it’s hard to remember a time when it wasn’t the benchmark.

Its balance of space, practicality and driver engagement is still to be beaten, even if its looks are a bit of a marmite issue.

I’ve tested a few versions, including the remarkably capable Puma ST and various ST-Lines with a brace of different engine and gearbox combinations.

Now, though, I think I’ve found my favourite spec and it’s making me feel very old.

You see, the Titanium line car is what you’d politely call the sensible choice.

It lacks the fancy bodykit and flashy wheels of higherspec cars like the ST-Line, and it’s got the lower-powered engine with an auto gearbox. But, to my eyes, it’s a nicer car to drive.

I’ll admit that the 153bhp engine is a more enjoyable motor and feels well suited to the Puma’s lively chassis but the 1.0-litre 123bhp mild hybrid is still no slouch and feels perfectly adequate for most uses, even with the sevenspeed auto transmission that is often Fords’ weak spot.

And while the Titanium is set up more for comfort than fun, it still has the decent chassis that underpins every Puma and even in this less sporty guise outhandles most rivals.

What it doesn’t have is the sometimes harsh ride of the ST-Line models. Instead the standard suspension, smaller alloys and taller tyres means it rides so much better. That’s especially true around town when bad surfaces can send a jolt through the cabin of firmer-sprung models.

Sadly, despite the more refined ride, noise management isn’t the Puma’s strongest suit, with noise levels best described as “fine” rather than “impressive”, especially in the face of some rivals. The same goes for the seats which feel too short and narrow.

Titanium is the entrylevel trim on the Puma and lacks the bells and whistles such as adaptive cruise control, auto air con and a premium sound system but, nice as they are, there’s nothard, ing you immediately miss.

Features such as an eightinch touchscreen, parking sensors, auto headlights and cruise control are still standas is a decent suite of driver assistance systems. Our test car benefited from a few take-them-or-leave-them tech upgrades and the optional Winter pack which brought heated seats and steering wheel and was well worth the additional £300.

Beneath all that, the Puma is still impressively practical. It’ll carry five people at a pinch but feels reasonably roomy for four compared to rivals. And with the now famous Megabox providing an extra 80 litres of plastic-lined, waterproof storage beneath the floor of the regular 456litre boot, it’s got those rivals beaten for usability too.

And if that sort of thing is more important to you than on-the-edge handling and 0-60 times then the Puma Titanium might just be the model for you.