What's this, then?
It's a Ford Puma.
No, it isn't. Steve McQueen's not driving it.
Ah, you may need to reset your brain forward from 1997. Back then, the Puma was a lithe and fabulous little Fiesta-based coupe. Now, 22 years later, it's a crossover, because... well, because everything is these days. On top of which, almost 20 per cent of Ford's European sales are now crossovers or SUVs, so follow the money and all that.
Is it Fiesta-based again?
Yes, it is - the chassis and most of the interior (aside from those rather ritzy new digital instruments) are lifted from the Fiesta, but the Puma is a lot more spacious. So much so that the boot now clocks in at a massive 465 litres, including an 80-litre 'MegaBox' under the floor that allows you to carry tall loads more easily.
What's the engine?
For now, it's the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol turbo but this time it's a mild-hybrid, using a 48-volt system for better stop-start use in traffic and torque assistance at low speeds. Ford says that the engine, which comes in 125- or 155hp forms, can hit 131g/km on the tough new WLTP emissions test.
When can I buy one?
Later this year, if you can get past the picket line of Puma fanboys at your local Ford dealer.
Neil Briscoe - 26 Jun 2019